# 3 Ways to Mitigate Foundation Heave > Heave potentially poses a plethora of major problemas for your foundation, sidewalk, and pool patio. Schedule a free evaluation with Dalinghaus. _Brian Dalinghaus ยท 2021-06-07_ --- Heave potentially poses a plethora of major **_problemas_** for your foundation, sidewalk, and pool patio. The good news ( **_the gradient gospel_**, if you will) is that there are ways to mitigate heave. If you haven't already, be sure to check out our articles **_[[post:what-is-foundation-heave|What is Foundation Heave]]_** & **_Is My Foundation Heaving_** If you don't have time to read those articles right now, here is a brief recap on heave to catch you up to speed. ## Heave 101 **_Heave heads heavenward_**. Foundation heave is the **_uplift_**, **_elevation_** of a foundation precipitated by [[sign:foundation-repair/expansive-soil|soaked, expanding soils]] and can generally be attributed to a seasonal increase in moisture, a shallow frost line, water leak, and/or underground aquifers. This expansion of soil exerts undue stress on the home's foundation, often culminating in **_drywall cracks_**, **_sloping floors_**, and **_[[sign:foundation-repair/sticking-doors-windows|sticking doors/windows]]_**. In this article, we are going to cover how you can mitigate heave: - Find, fix leaks - Ensure there is adequate drainage - Plant shrubbery Yes, it's as **_expensive_** and **_stupid_** as it sounds. Rule of thumb when it comes to heave: **_dry, don't water_**. ## Find, Fix Leaks to Impede Foundation Heave **_Moisture is Public Enemy Number 1_** when it comes to foundation heave. Leaks around the property provide a constant, steady supply of aqua, translating to a constant, and steady **_expansion_**. This expansion loves to lift concrete, causing trip hazards. While walking around your property, look for **_damp/wet spots_**, **_sitting water_**, and **_sections of the yard that are greener than the res_** t. **_Common culprits include_**: - Busted water main - [[post:slab-leaks-what-causes-them-and-how-to-repair-them|Leaking water pipes]] (check for wet/damp spots in the crawlspace) - Broken underground sprinkler system **_Turn off all of the water_** in your home and check your water meter. If the numbers are still moving up, you definitely have a leak. Once you have found the source of the water leak, call a repairman or repair it yourself. Give your yard time to dry out and see if the heave subsides. Often, targeting in on leaks is a great start, but is not a fix-all measure. ## Install Proper Drainage Proper drainage is one of the most imperative steps to combatting heave. The soil on your property is similar to a waterbed. Drained, the top section decompresses. Filled, the water table expands. When seasonal rains arrive if there is [[sign:foundation-repair/improper-drainage|no proper outlet for excessive runoff]]. And, unlike our waterbed analogy, the soil does not **_pop_**. The earth has no choice but to continue to expand, exerting **_more_** and **_more_** upward pressure onto your foundation. Different Drainage Options: French Drains prove the industry favorite when it comes to common drainage systems. French Drains create a gravity-fed channel for excess water to drain through. The excess water is filtered through a gravel permeated trench, then [flows into a perforated pipe](https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/naturalresources/smallacreageprogram/improving-drainage/), and is finally deposited at a safe distance away from the home/structure. Often, French Drains are directed to a street, drainage ditch, or dry well. Footing/Foundation drains are installed around the perimeter of your foundation and are typically comprised of flexible ABS pipe and/or perforated _4, 6-inch_ plastic utilized underground. Gutters guide rainwater away from your home. Ensure these downspouts are pointed **_away_** from your home/footing to avoid washout and water damage. ## Gardening & P Lanting Shrubbery You can also plant shrubbery and small trees to help soak up the water with their root systems. We here at Dalinghaus **_do not recommend_** planting big trees directly adjacent to your home, due to [[post:can-tree-roots-damage-your-foundation|gnarly root systems]] which can cause heave on their own. Instead, we suggest planting small trees and shrubbery to help soak up any extra moisture the drain system hasn't redirected away. - Weeping Willow - Red maple - Bald Cypress - White Cedar - River Birch - Oriental arborvitae - Summersweet - Red twig dogwood - Black chokeberry - Buttonbush - Inkberry - American cranberry bush - Blue elderberry. ## Dalinghaus Can Help With Heave Feel free to try out these three measures on their own before reaching out or, why wait? If you live in [[page:service-area|SoCal and Central Arizona]], book a **_FREE_** evaluation now by clicking the link below ## Schedule a Free Evaluation Foundation movement is easier to judge in person than from a photo. [Schedule a free evaluation](/contact-us/) and a Dalinghaus specialist will walk the property with you and explain what the evidence shows.