SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/home-grade-away

How should the soil next to your foundation slope?

Away from the house: at least 1 inch per foot for 6 feet.

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  1. Away from the house, 1 inch per foot for 6 feet ✔
  2. Toward the house, to water the foundation
  3. Perfectly level

Why: Ground that is level or slopes toward the house sends rainwater into the basement. Sloping the soil away carries that water off before it reaches the wall.

Huh, didn't know that: In a 1-inch rain, about 1,250 gallons of water fall on the roof of a 2,000-square-foot house.

The dad joke
What did the dirt say to the rain? You'd better cut it out, or my name will be mud!
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References

Answer: Away from the house, 1 inch per foot for 6 feet. Ground that is level or slopes toward the house sends rainwater into the basement. Sloping the soil away carries that water off before it reaches the wall.

  1. UMN Extension: Moisture in basements extension.umn.edu/garden-and-home/home-maintenance/caring-for-a-home/moisture-in-basements-causes-and-solutions
    Place earth around the house so that it slopes away from the foundation wall a minimum of 1 inch per foot for at least 6 feet.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. UMN Extension: Moisture in basements extension.umn.edu/garden-and-home/home-maintenance/caring-for-a-home/moisture-in-basements-causes-and-solutions
    The soil next to the house is often backfilled without proper compaction and later settles.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Test yourself in the game

Home & YardHow far beyond the foundation wall should downspout extensions discharge water?Home & YardIn a 1-inch rain, about how much water falls on the roof of a 2,000 square foot house?Home & YardHow far from a house wall should large trees like oaks and maples be planted, at least?

That's stuff everyone should know.