Quick Answer:
Standing water around the foundation after days of heavy rain is often the ground being saturated rather than a broken drain. Do a few quick checks: probe soil moisture and where water pools, inspect visible drains and downspouts for clogs, check the sump discharge path, and use a simple dye test to see where surface water is going. If water keeps hitting the foundation or you find cracks, get a pro involved. For related reading, see Backup after prolonged rain and Basement drain backs up after rain.
Why This Happens
When soil is saturated it can’t absorb more water. Runoff that would normally soak in or follow a drainage path instead pools near low spots. Perimeter drains, swales and downspout extensions can be overwhelmed or blocked, and a sump pump discharge line can be restricted or back up if the outlet is ponding or frozen. Small failures or clogs that were manageable in dry weather become visible after prolonged wet conditions.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Probe soil moisture and map where water collects
- Use a trowel, long screwdriver, or a soil probe to check moisture at several spots: directly beside the foundation, 2–4 feet out, and at low points in the yard.
- Note how deep the wet layer is and whether water is ponding on the surface or seeping from the soil near the footing. This tells you if water is surface runoff or groundwater rising.
- Mark the lowest points and any places where water appears to flow toward the foundation.
2. Inspect swales, French drains, and downspout extensions
- Look for debris, sediment, or vegetation blocking swales or the inlets of French drains.
- Check downspout extensions and splash blocks for clogs, kinks, or breaks; make sure downspouts direct water at least several feet away from the foundation.
- If you have visible access points to exterior drainage (cleanouts), open them carefully and inspect for standing water or blockages.
3. Check the sump pump discharge path for restriction
- Follow the discharge pipe from the pump to the outlet. Look for crushed pipe, frozen sections, collapsed flexible pipe, or a clogged outlet that is ponding water.
- Confirm the check valve is functioning and that water flows freely away from the house when the pump runs.
- If discharge is pooling near the foundation, temporarily redirect it farther away while you diagnose the cause.
4. Perform a dye test to trace inflow points
- Use a small amount of food coloring or non-toxic dye near the area where you suspect water is entering (downspout exit, low point in yard, or visible seep point).
- Watch downstream or at drain inlets to see if the colored water appears—this helps confirm the path surface water takes to drains or the foundation.
- Do tests during active runoff so you can observe flow. Keep dyes minimal and non-toxic to avoid environmental harm.
What Not to Do
- Avoid digging around footing without permits or utility locates. You could hit buried services or void warranties; call utility locate services before any deeper excavation.
- Don’t rely solely on surface pumps as a long-term fix. Portable pumps can help remove water temporarily but don’t address the cause.
- Call a pro when water persists against the foundation or you see foundation cracks.
When to Call a Professional
- Water continues to pool against the foundation after basic fixes (redirecting downspouts, clearing debris).
- You find cracks in the foundation, bowed walls, or signs of water infiltration inside the basement or crawlspace.
- The source looks like a failed exterior drain, or you need excavation, new grading, or replacement of buried drainage—these are best handled by a licensed contractor or drainage specialist.
Safety Notes
- Avoid standing in deep or fast-moving water; it can hide hazards and carry contaminants.
- Turn off electricity to flooded areas before entering basements, and don’t touch electrical panels if there’s standing water nearby.
- Wear gloves, boots, and eye protection when working in wet soil. If you plan to dig, always get utility locates first.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Is temporary pooling normal after heavy rain? Yes—short-term pooling is common when the ground is saturated; monitor to see if it drains within a day or two.
- Will running a pump solve the problem? A pump can remove water short-term but won’t fix a blocked or overwhelmed drainage system.
- Can I safely dig to fix grading? Small surface grading adjustments away from the foundation are okay, but avoid digging near the footing without permits and utility locates.
More in this topic
For more related fixes and similar symptoms, see Basement Drain Backs Up Only After Rain.