Foundation drainage and watering
On shrink-swell clay, controlling water around the house matters as much as any pier. Here's what helps, and how Wichita Falls' drought rules fit in.
Clay moves when its moisture changes. The goal around a foundation is not bone-dry or soaking wet; it's as even as possible, on every side, through the year. TDLR's bulletin on foundations over expansive soils lists surface drainage, plant choices, sprinkling practices and long-term maintenance as the things that help keep soil moisture from swinging, and it says water should drain away from the house on all sides.
Is drainage part of my problem?
- Downspouts emptying right next to the foundation
- Soil or flower beds that slope toward the house instead of away
- Puddles along the foundation after a storm
- Wide cracks in the soil next to the slab during a dry spell
- Water or mud in the crawl space of a pier-and-beam house
What fixes are common?
- Gutters and downspout lines that carry roof water well away from the house, often in buried pipe
- Regrading so the ground falls away from the foundation on every side
- Surface and French drains to clear low, soggy areas
- Crawl space drainage for pier-and-beam houses
- Even watering during long dry spells instead of soaking one corner
How do drought restrictions affect foundation watering?
Wichita Falls draws on Lake Kickapoo and Lake Arrowhead, and the city's drought plan moves to Stage 1 when their combined level falls below 65 percent. In its Stage 1 notice, the city limited sprinkler watering to two set days a week by address, but exempted hand-held hoses, soaker hoses and drip irrigation. A soaker hose laid a short distance out from the foundation is a common way to keep moisture steady. Rules change by stage, so check the city's current drought stage before you set a schedule.
What about trees?
Big trees close to the house pull a lot of water out of the clay in summer and can let one side drop. Root barriers or removal are sometimes suggested. Talk to an arborist first, because taking out a large tree also changes how the soil behaves under the house.
Could a leak be the cause?
Yes. A leaking supply or sewer line under a slab can keep the clay wet and swollen in one area. An unexplained jump in the water bill, a warm spot on the floor, or the sound of running water with everything off are reasons to call a plumber.
Pricing comes from the contractor, after they've taken floor readings and worked out why the house is moving. We don't quote prices, and any number offered over the phone before someone has measured the floors is only a guess.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Should I water my foundation?
During long dry spells, even watering around the foundation can limit shrinkage in clay. A soaker hose was exempt from day limits in the city's Stage 1 notice, but check the current drought stage.
Do foundation companies do drainage work?
Many do gutters, downspout lines, grading and drains, or work with someone who does. Ask whether it's in the bid.
Related services
- Slab foundation repair
- Pier-and-beam foundation repair
- Foundation piers (steel, helical, concrete)
- Foundation evaluations and crack repair
More background: Wichita Falls foundation repair guide.
A door that won't latch, a crack in the brick, or a floor that tilts?
Call and a foundation repair contractor who works in Wichita County will come take floor readings and explain what the house is doing.