Wet basement woes?

The spring rains are about to start and sometimes that results in water in your basement. While you are out doing the spring clean up in your yard take a good look at the foundation. Much of the time the cause for your wet basement is a drainage issue. When your home was built the builder put soil back against the foundation, but over time that soil compacts. If you measure 10' out from the foundation the soil should slope down 6". Rarely do I see this much slope. Also remember to make sure the downspouts are extended out 10' from your home. If the water is being dumped next to the foundation it simply runs down the side of the basement and seeps in. One more thing to check is that the gutters and downspouts are clean and not clogged after the fall leaves. If they are not running freely the water just overflows and, once again, runs down the side of your basement and seeps on in.
You can save yourself a costly repair bill if you take a few minutes to be sure the water is being directed where it is supposed to go---AWAY from your home.