Find the water source
Review rainfall timing, roof runoff, downspouts, neighboring grades, hard surfaces, and where water collects.
Exterior drainage and grading
Move rainwater away from the foundation before it becomes a basement problem.
Standing water, settled soil, reverse slope, erosion, window-well water, and concentrated runoff can all contribute to moisture near a foundation. Basement Detective checks the full water path before recommending grading, surface drainage, or a connected basement repair.
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Whole-Site DiagnosisSlope, runoff, drains, and foundation
Practical Water RoutesPlan where collected water can go
Northern VirginiaAlexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County
Exterior warning signs
Reasons to inspect grading and surface drainage.
Soil slopes toward the house Standing water after rain Erosion beside the foundation Water collecting in window wells Downspout discharge near the house Basement leaks after storms Settled soil or low areas Home-inspection grading concern
A source-first plan
Exterior water management should account for the whole route.
Check slope and obstacles
Look for settled soil, reverse slope, window wells, walkways, utilities, landscaping, and limited discharge options.
Plan a safe drainage path
Determine whether grading, a surface drain, a connected drainage route, or another waterproofing repair fits the site.
Protect the finished surface
Account for soil settlement, erosion control, restoration, and how the drainage plan will perform during future storms.
Grading is one possible repair
Do not assume every wet basement is only a slope problem.
Exterior drainage may be part of the solution, but wall-floor seepage, a foundation crack, an overloaded sump, or an interior drainage need can produce similar symptoms. The assessment connects the outside conditions to the actual basement entry point.
SlopeHow surface water moves
RouteWhere collected water can discharge
SourceHow outside conditions connect to the leak
Drainage questions
Direct answers about grading and exterior drainage.
What is yard grading?
Grading shapes the soil and surface slope so rainwater moves around or away from the foundation instead of collecting beside the house.
Can grading stop every basement leak?
No. Grading can help when surface water and slope are contributing factors, but cracks, wall-floor seepage, window wells, drainage systems, or sump pump capacity may also be involved.
What are signs of poor drainage near a foundation?
Standing water, soil sloping toward the house, erosion, overflowing window wells, persistent damp areas, and leaks after rain are common reasons to request an assessment.
When might an exterior drain be needed?
An exterior drain may be considered when water cannot move safely by surface slope alone or when runoff is concentrated near the house. The discharge path and site conditions should be evaluated first.
Free exterior drainage assessment
Water collecting beside the foundation?
Share your ZIP code, when the problem appears, and any photos of standing water, slope, erosion, or the basement entry point.