Drainage & Soil Moisture Control in Abilene
Expansive clay moves when its moisture changes. Good drainage and steady soil moisture around the foundation are often the least expensive place to start, and they help protect a repair once it's done.
Signs you may need drainage & soil moisture control
One sign on its own can be normal. Two or more, especially near the same corner of the house, are worth a survey.
Five ways to fix it
The survey and the soil decide which one fits your house. A good contractor explains why they picked it.
| Method | How it works | Usually chosen when |
|---|---|---|
| M-1Gutters and downspout extensions | Gutters collect roof runoff, and downspouts are extended well past the foundation and any planting beds, into ground that drains. | Roof water is landing next to the slab or washing out the soil. |
| M-2Regrading | Soil is reshaped so the ground falls away from the house. Engineering guidelines call for about 6 inches of fall in the first 10 feet where practicable. | The yard is flat or slopes toward the foundation. |
| M-3Surface drains | Inlets at low spots feed solid pipe that carries water away. Downspouts can tie in if the pipe is large enough. | Grading alone can't move the water, such as in a narrow side yard or against a patio. |
| M-4French drains | Perforated pipe in a gravel-filled trench collects water moving below the surface and carries it off. | Water is moving through the soil rather than across it. |
| M-5Root barriers | A barrier set in the ground between a tree and the house limits how far the roots reach toward the foundation. | A tree or large shrub is drying out the soil near the house and removing it isn't wanted. |
How the work is done
Nothing is dug or lifted until you have the readings and a written plan in hand.
- 01Review of grading, gutters and downspoutsChecking which way the ground slopes, where each downspout empties, and where water stands after rain.
- 02Drainage fixes such as extensions, regrading or French drainsChosen to move water away from the house and stop it collecting against the slab.
- 03Seasonal foundation watering guidanceA simple routine that keeps soil moisture even on all sides of the house, without overwatering.
- 04Root barrier advice where trees are closeOptions for trees near the foundation, ideally with an arborist's input so the tree isn't harmed.
Find out if your foundation has moved.
The elevation survey is free, and you keep the readings whatever you decide.
Drainage & Soil Moisture Control: questions
How should I water my foundation in an Abilene summer?
Aim for even moisture on every side of the house, not a soaked strip on one side. A soaker hose laid a short way out from the foundation and run during the city's allowed hours is a common setup. Watch the edge of the slab: a gap opening up means the soil is drying, and mud or standing water means you're overdoing it. Engineering guidelines specifically warn against excessive watering.
What about the rest of the year?
Abilene's rain tends to come in two seasons, May to June and September to October, which together bring nearly half the yearly total (National Weather Service, 1991–2020 normals). Ease off during those wet spells and check that water drains away from the house. December through February are the driest months, so a long dry spell in winter can still call for some watering.
Does Abilene restrict outdoor watering?
Yes. The City of Abilene sets outdoor watering days and hours by drought stage, depending on how full its lakes are. Check the city's Save Abilene Water page for the current schedule and fit foundation watering inside it.
Should I cut down a tree that's close to the house?
Not without advice. Removing a large tree can let the soil under the house take on moisture and swell, especially if the tree is older than the house. Pruning or a root barrier may be the better option, and an arborist can tell you what the tree will tolerate.
Can I connect my downspouts to a French drain?
Engineering guidelines say no: downspouts and surface drains shouldn't feed a perforated underground drain. Send roof water into a solid pipe instead, or extend it out to ground that drains well.
Can drainage work replace foundation repair?
Sometimes it's the right first step. The ASCE Texas Section's guidelines say that drainage and watering improvements, with the foundation monitored afterward, may be a prudent approach before or instead of structural repair. Readings taken over time show whether it's enough.