Hillside Homes and Foundation Drainage
In the Ridge-and-Valley country around Knoxville, many houses are built into slopes. That gives them walk-out basements and views, and it also sends water toward the uphill side of the foundation.
Request a foundation inspectionThe uphill wall
The wall facing uphill takes the most water and soil pressure. It's where leaks and bowing usually start.
Swales
A shallow ditch above the house can catch runoff and send it around.
French drains
Buried gravel and pipe drains intercept water before it reaches the wall.
Downspouts
Route downspouts downhill and away from the house, not onto the slope above.
Retaining walls
Leaning or cracked retaining walls can push soil toward the house. Have them checked.
Walk-out basements
The low side may stay dry while the uphill corner leaks. Drainage on that side helps most.
Erosion
Bare soil on slopes washes away. Ground cover and mulch slow runoff.
After storms
Walk the lot after a heavy rain to see where water flows.
Next
See drainage and grading.
More foundation repair guides
Request a foundation inspection
Cracks, sloping floors, sticking doors and damp crawl spaces. Tell us what you're seeing and we'll pass it straight to a foundation contractor, who will call you to set up an inspection and quote.
- Crawl spaces, basements and slabs
- Knoxville, Karns, Lenoir City, Clinton and nearby
- Get an inspection and quote before any work
Cracks, sloping floors or a wet basement?
Send a request and a foundation contractor will get in touch. Requests answered 7 days a week.
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