Drainage and soil moisture

Move water away from the house

• Gutters and downspouts: keep them clean, and extend downspouts so water lands several feet from the foundation.
• Grading: soil should slope away from the house. Building codes commonly call for at least 6 inches of fall in the first 10 feet.
• No ponding: fix low spots where water sits against the slab after rain. French drains or surface drains can help.
• Sprinklers: aim them away from the slab, and fix leaking heads near the house.

Watch the trees

Large trees near the house pull a lot of water from the soil, especially in summer. Root barriers, or removing a problem tree, can help. Get advice before cutting roots on a big tree, since that can kill it or make it unstable.

Drought care

During long dry spells, many Texas foundation professionals recommend watering the soil around the foundation evenly, for example with a soaker hose a short distance from the slab, to limit shrinking. Ask your inspector what makes sense for your house. Too much water can cause problems too.

Plumbing leaks

An unexplained jump in your water bill, warm spots on the floor, or the sound of running water when everything's off can mean a leak under the slab. Leaks can soften or swell the soil, so have them checked quickly.