When rain pours, we often forget about the heroes that safeguard our homes—gutter downspouts. They play a crucial role in the drainage system of every home, and knowing how to extend gutter downspouts is an important piece of knowledge that can keep your home’s foundation safe and sturdy.
It’s time to roll up your sleeves! Properly extended downspouts can save you from significant water damage and costly repairs, making your house a happier and drier place. With a dash of DIY spirit, the following guide will make extending your downspouts a breeze. Let’s delve in!
Why Burying Downspouts is a Smart Move
When it comes to managing rainwater runoff, burying your downspouts can be a significant game-changer. A well-installed underground downspout directs water away from your home’s foundation, reducing the risk of water damage, soil erosion, and basement flooding. Plus, it enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property by eliminating the sight of unsightly downspouts.
In addition to being practical, this approach is also eco-friendly. With buried downspouts, rainwater can be directed towards trees and gardens, making good use of this precious resource. While there are other methods, like rain barrels, burying downspouts stands out as a practical and visually pleasing solution for rainwater management.
Detailed Steps to Extend Gutter Downspouts Underground
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
First and foremost, prepare for your project by gathering all necessary equipment. This should include the following:
- Shovel
- Screwdriver or drill
- Drainage pipe, flexible or rigid (minimum of 10 feet of 4-inch pipe)
- Downspout adapter
- 90-degree elbow (if the drainage pipe is rigid)
- Internal reducer coupling
- Pop-up drain emitter
- Gravel
- Hacksaw (for cutting pipes)
- Stakes, flour, string (for plotting the trench)
- Cardboard (to place the soil on as you dig)
- PVC cement, primer, T-fittings, and couplings (if the pipe requires attachments)
Take time to analyze the space around your home, identify potential obstacles, and determine the optimal locations for your downspouts to end.
Step 2: Plot Your Course (And Call 811)
Start your downspout burial project by planning where your trench will go. You could even sketch a map for clarity. Ideally, aim for your underground downspouts to drain onto a hill or sidewalk, several feet away from your home.
The length of your buried downspouts is largely dependent on your yard’s size and layout. Aiming for a distance of 10 feet can ensure rainwater is sufficiently diverted away from your home’s foundation.
Insert stakes into the ground to help guide your trench. Connect the stakes with string, and then sprinkle flour over the string–– the flour will fall below the string and create a handy outline for you to follow as you dig.
Remember: Before you start digging the trench, ensure you contact 811 to avoid hitting any utility lines.
Step 3: Dig the Trench
After calling 811 and planning your trench’s route, it’s time to dig. Using a garden spade or shovel, create a trench that is 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 6 inches wide. Ensure the trench has a 1 to 2-inch slope per pipe length for effective water drainage and extends at least 10 feet in length.
Step 4: Remove Your Existing Gutter Downspout Extension
If your downspout is fitted with an aluminum extension, you need to disassemble it prior to the installation of the new extension you plan to bury. Gently remove the existing extension with a screwdriver or drill.
Step 5: Connect the New Extension
Attach the downspout adapter to your downspout with screws.
If your drainage pipe is rigid, connect the pipe to the adapter via the 90 degree elbow. Ensure the screws are tight for all of these attachments.
If your drainage pipe is flexible, a 90 degree elbow may not be necessary. In this case, connect the flexible pipe to the adapter. Ensure the screws are secure and tight.
Once the pipe extension is connected, situate it in the trench directly below your downspout.
Step 6: Add Further Attachments If Needed
If your trench requires multiple pipes or has sharp turns, you may need to add attachments to the underground pipe. Use PVC cement, primer, T-fittings, and couplings to secure the connections and ensure they are watertight. To connect the pieces, apply the PVC primer first, followed by the PVC cement.
Step 7: Install the Pop-Up Emitter
Once you’ve laid the pipe along the trench, connect the pop-up emitter to the pipe’s exit using the internal coupling. Fill in the area around the emitter with gravel to hold it in place.
Step 8: Finish the Job and Backfill
Now that your extension is securely installed, you can start backfilling the trench with the previously excavated soil. As you approach the house, follow the slope of the ground to avoid piling up too much soil against the foundation.
Step 9: Put It to the Test
Finally, conduct a water flow test by running water from the roof through the gutter system. This will help you verify if your new downspout extension is working correctly and efficiently rerouting water away from your house.
Other Downspout Extension Methods
If you’re a homeowner seeking low profile downspout extensions, consider these options:
1. Rain Barrels
Rain barrels are eco-friendly systems installed at the end of a downspout extension to collect rainwater from gutters. The collected water can be reused for watering plants, helping to conserve water and reduce water bills.
2. Catch Basins
A catch basin is a container that collects water and directs it to a drainage system. Its primary function is to prevent water from stagnating and causing potential issues like soil erosion or water damage to nearby structures.
3. French Drain
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench that contains a perforated pipe. This setup helps to divert water away from the house, reducing soil saturation and mitigating the risk of water damage to your home’s foundation.
4. Dry Wells
A dry well is an underground structure that collects water and allows it to seep back into the groundwater system. It’s a form of passive irrigation and drainage system that is eco-friendly.
5. Aluminum Extensions
Aluminum extensions, which attach directly to your existing downspouts, are easy to install and maintain. They provide a simple method to direct water away from the house and are an inexpensive, low maintenance solution. Positioned aboveground, their rigid design can, however, limit their adaptability.
6. StealthFlow Extensions
Unlike the more noticeable aluminum extensions, StealthFlow extensions are designed to blend into your garden. They’re low-profile, which means they’re not as visible. You can even hide them under rocks or mulch. They connect to your downspouts just as easily as aluminum ones, but they keep your yard looking neat and natural.
7. Decorative Splash Blocks
These rectangular channels are placed directly beneath the downspout exit to disperse water away from the foundation of your house. They can be either decorative or basic, and are made from various materials, such as plastic or metal. A splash block can help keep water from seeping into the grass near your home.
8. Roll-Out Drain Sleeves
Roll-out extensions, which attach aboveground to the downspout, are engineered to unroll during heavy rain, dispersing water through small holes. Once the rain stops, they roll back up. Their main disadvantage is that they might not fully extend if the rainfall isn’t heavy enough.
Remember, the choice of an extension method depends on various factors, like your home’s landscape, the amount of rainfall in your area, and personal preferences, such as aesthetic and eco-friendliness.
The Importance of Extending Gutter Downspouts
When you think about home maintenance, extending gutter downspouts might not be at the top of your list. However, a properly installed downspout extension can offer several benefits:
- Preventing Clogs: If water isn’t correctly guided away, your gutter system can clog with debris, disrupting the water flow.
- Preserving Your Basement and Crawl Space: Effective downspout extensions aid in basement waterproofing and keep your crawl space dry, helping you avoid moisture-related complications.
- Protecting Landscaping: Proper water management can reduce soil erosion around your home, preserving your lawn, garden, and other landscape features.
- Maintaining Structural Integrity: Guiding water away from your home’s foundation reduces the risk of water damage, which can compromise the structure’s strength.
FAQ About Extending Your Gutter Downspout
The extension should ideally direct water at least six feet away from your home’s foundation.
You should clean your gutter system at least twice a year to prevent clogs, or more often if you live in a region with heavy rainfall or lots of overhanging trees.
Yes, with basic DIY skills and tools, you can extend your gutter downspouts. However, for more advanced options, like underground downspouts or French drains, professional help might be required.
Bottom Line: DIY or Hire a Pro
Downspout extensions are an integral part of safeguarding your home’s foundation from potential water damage. There’s a variety of solutions available, each catering to different needs and aesthetic preferences. Remember, these aren’t merely about appearances, but play a crucial role in directing rainwater away from your home.
Hiring a local gutter professional can ensure a job well done, providing you with the best downspout extension for your needs. Their experience and knowledge prove invaluable in these situations.
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Main Image Credit: Mr_Twister / Canva Pro / License
