Improperly placed and missing splash blocks are a major cause of basement leakage.

The hose should extend at least six feet away from the house, and the open end should rest on a splash block.

Also make sure splash blocks (concrete or plastic troughs), hoses or other drainage devices are placed or attached beneath all downspouts and are clear of debris.

See that stone or concrete splash blocks are placed beneath all downspouts not connected to ground-level drainpipes.

Make sure gutters and downspouts are in working order and that splash blocks or other drainage aids are in place on the ground to prevent erosion and possibly basement flooding.

As a substitute for splash blocks, place a wide flat stone beneath the downspout, but be sure to tilt the stone away from the foundation.

Water that misses a splash block can soak deep into the soil along a foundation, and because downspouts deliver so much water to such a small area the chances of basement leaks nearby are high.

To cure those problems, trim foliage, install splash blocks beneath downspouts, and clean or repair gutters.

Make sure that each downspout has a splash block to divert rainwater away from the house.

Rob bought a kitchen sink aerator and a concrete splash block from Hechinger's, and the kids needed shoes.