Add downspout extensions to direct water away from the foundation

If gutters are clean but water still pools near the foundation, the problem is where the downspouts discharge. Water dumping within 4 feet of the foundation is the leading cause of basement leaks and foundation settling.

Options

• Rigid downspout extensions ($5-$10 each): Snap-on plastic or aluminum extensions that add 3-6 feet of reach. Available at any hardware store. Simple and effective.
• Flexible roll-out extensions ($8-$15 each): Coil up when dry, unroll automatically when water flows. Good for walkway areas where a rigid extension would be a trip hazard.
• Underground drain pipe ($50-$200 DIY): Bury a 4-inch PVC pipe from the downspout to a pop-up emitter 6-10 feet away. Permanent, invisible solution. Most effective for serious drainage issues.
• French drain system ($1,000-$5,000 professionally installed): For persistent foundation water problems, a perimeter French drain intercepts water below grade and redirects it away. This is the definitive fix for chronic wet basements.

Tips

• The minimum safe discharge distance is 4 feet from the foundation; 6-10 feet is better
• Grade the soil around your foundation to slope away at 6 inches over the first 10 feet — this is free and dramatically reduces water pooling
• Never connect downspouts to the sanitary sewer — it is illegal in most jurisdictions and causes sewer backups during heavy rain