Why the yard matters
A lot of basement water never comes from the water table at all. It comes from the roof and the yard: downspouts that dump next to the house, soil that sank after construction and now slopes toward the wall, or a hillside lot that sends every storm toward a walkout.
Fixing the outside is often the cheapest place to start, and on south metro hillside lots it can be the whole solution. A contractor should check the grading before selling you an interior system.
Signs you need it
- Water shows up only during or right after heavy rain
- Downspouts that end at the foundation
- Soil, patios or sidewalks that slope toward the house
- Puddles that sit against the foundation after storms
- A walkout or lower level on the uphill side of the lot
How the work is done
Watch the water
The contractor checks where roof and yard water goes, ideally during or after rain.
Plan the slope
The ground next to the foundation should fall away from the house, a common rule of thumb being about 6 inches over the first 10 feet.
Move the water
Downspout extensions, buried drain lines, swales or a dry well carry runoff away.
Re-check inside
If the basement stays dry through the next storms, you may need nothing more.
What it costs
Compare every service in the cost guide. These are rough ranges; the real price comes after an inspection.
Questions
Can grading alone fix a wet basement?
When water only appears during rain, often yes. When water rises from below in spring, you likely need drain tile and a sump as well.
What about my neighbor's water?
Runoff between lots is common on sloped streets. A swale or drain on your side can redirect it; your city may have rules on where water can go.
Do buried downspout lines clog?
They can, with leaves and roots. Cleanouts and a pop-up emitter at the outlet make them easier to maintain.
Read more
- Why walkout and split-level basements leak
- Clay soil, hills and runoff: why water finds your foundation
Related services
- Basement waterproofing: Keep water out of finished lower levels, walkouts and split-level basements.
- Interior drain tile: A perforated pipe at the footing that sends water to your sump before it reaches the floor.
- Sump pump installation and replacement: Replacement pumps, new basins and battery backups for storms and outages.
- Foundation crack repair: Seal leaking cracks in poured walls and get block wall cracks checked before they grow.
Where we serve
We connect homeowners with contractors across Dakota, Scott and south Hennepin counties, including Burnsville, Savage, Apple Valley, Bloomington, Credit River, Rosemount, Richfield, Lakeville. See all service areas.