Article: how to extend downspouts above ground
December 22, 2020 | Uncategorized
I usually dig a trench about 12 to 14 inches deep for downspout drain lines. Twice in the fall and before spring. Use longer extensions to make sure you’re getting all that water away from your home. Above Ground Downspout. Since the drain is at ground level, it is low enough to not be harmed by mowers. Use an Aluminum Elbow and Extension One of the simplest and cheapest ways to extend your downspout is by simply using more downspout. I just rented a trenching machine from my local tool rental store. Most gutters I've seen at other houses the downspouts come down and are just a couple inches off the ground, just enough to slide a runoff ramp underneath them. So before sod was laid I had to figure out how to extend a downspout. In extreme situations, you may have to install a drywall at the end of the perforated pipe, which will disperse the rainwater into the ground. This is a simple, labor intensive job. There are a few more methods to extend downspouts above ground besides the aluminum extension. We’ll unclog your drains, faucet repairs, replace your water heater or sump pump and do all other manner of residential plumbing repair and installations. Roll-out extensions are designed to uncoil during heavy rain and disperse water from little holes. If you have groundwater around your home you probably already have a sump pump. Step 1 - Attach Downspouts at the Corners. And addressing the problem will only cost a few hundred on a weekend. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. If you don’t want to go through the hassle off digging, you’re in luck! Call ProMaster at: 513-322-2914 Use an Aluminum Elbow and Extension. Before you know it, you’ll be all set for the next downpour. Use a string and 1x2 stakes to lay out the trench. Plus, it kind of looks funny. Most landscapers put elbows. Since my in-ground pipe ran right past the garage, I had the garage downspout dump in as well. And since it’s rigid it’s much less likely to crush. It is usually made of vinyl, aluminum, copper or stainless steel. Above ground downspouts are quick and inexpensive to install. So since I’m not going that deep I have to be sure that the pipe is dry as often as possible to prevent ice plugs. But it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Down spout 3-4 feet off the ground, hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. The other stuff is messy and unnecessary in this case. And groundwater will cost you tens of thousands of dollars if not dealt with. Some local governments or agencies have no rules or regulations. I installed an inexpensive rigid pvc pipe called SDR 35 sewer pipe. Water around your foundation is incredibly damaging. Trenching Tools. While everyone with gutters has downspouts, not all downspouts will need splash blocks. It’s fairly easy to install. This will divert the water away from your foundation as shown in the picture you see here. Thankfully, downspout extenders are cheap! Aluminum downspout extensions are inexpensive, low maintenance and can be installed in seconds. Connect the black ribbed hose or rigid downspout extender to the existing downspout to the gutters. However, any downspouts that drain above ground, especially near the building’s foundation, needs splash blocks as an added level of protection from water damage. Check out this video to see how easy connecting StealthFlow is! I’m not going to get into a debate with builders or landscapers. But I know that being on a hill would mean drainage issues. In the pictures you can see how I connect the downspouts to my PVC system. The key part of installation is making sure your yard is graded properly, otherwise it defeats their purpose. I ran mine into the downspout piping before it went underground. Since this is just rain water, tees will work fine if you’re attaching drains together underground. One of the simplest and cheapest ways to extend your downspout is by simply using more downspout. It comes with couplings on one end without rubber inner rings. So I have to be aware of how much water is left in my drain pipes if they’re not under the frost line. In this part of the country that’s at least 3 feet. Required fields are marked *. If you don’t mind lines that go above grade, this may be a good option for your property. When you can't extend the downspout to daylight, dig trench extending 10 feet from house and line it with either perforated PVC pipe or flexible drainage pipe. This is a permanent, long-term solution to your wet yard. On the house, I used downspout adapters with leaf guards. You may want to stick with the popups. And you don’t want trees finding that water. Once the flow stops, they roll back up—kind of like a party blower, but for your downspouts. Run a 12-inch length of the downspout pipe at a 90-degree angle toward the ground, extending it outward from the house. Music is ©2008 Leesha Harvey, and is used with permission. There are ways to alleviate this problem, however. And they preserve your landscaping. They prevent foundation shifting. If you install one on the end of your downspout, then you can flip it up and out of the way whenever you need it. Well, it is. Since this is just rain water without any solids or chemicals you have a lot of latitude with what drain fittings to use. This is easy stuff. About the music: The song is "Coal Train" by Leesha Harvey. I usually dig a trench about 12 to 14 inches deep for downspout drain lines. Downspouts may also be connected to a pipe in the ground that connects directly to the sanitary sewer or storm drain system. Get pipe fittings and gutter transition fittings for sdr 35 pipe only. If you install one on the end of your downspout, then you can flip it up and out of the way whenever you need it. So if you can visualize this, when the pipes are draining they’ll fill up that dug out end and then bubble out the top of the tee. If you simply extend your downspouts, you can extend the life of your foundation and protect your basement. I got 4 inch SDR 35 in 10 foot lengths in the Lowes plumbing department. Despite their easy installation, they aren’t always made of the best quality plastic. Since my in-ground pipe ran right past the garage, I had the garage downspout dump in as well. Simply cut your gutter extender at a 45-degree angle and connect it … You can buy an aluminum or vinyl elbow, attach it to your current downspout, and add on another section. 2 Dig the trench 6 inches wide and at … If you bought a flexible downspout extension chances are you're trying to redirect rainwater from making a puddle at the base of your foundation. 10 Gutter and Downspout Runoff Tips: There are many things you can do to improve the effectiveness of your gutters. It even got blown off by the sump pump water. The other option is to extend the downspout underground into plastic pipes that will either disperse the water aboveground at a distance from the home, into a small tank or drywell buried underground, or into an underground "energy dissipation basin," often called a French drain. When a city inspector walks the full length of the underground drain or sewers they literally walk on top of them. Like aluminum extensions, StealthFlow easily connects to downspouts. But if you have high or flat spots in your yard you’ll need to go a little deeper as you go. You can just ask the folks at the store. Being a plumber I have my preferences regarding underground downspout extensions. I have 4 different downspout terminations in my yard. It’s a bit more lowkey. Note the slopes on the drainage sketch you make for Step 2 Some areas with insufficient slope can be corrected by moving soil from the areas 8 to 12 feet from your home back towards the foundation wall and smoothing it out to the proper slope. If leaves get into your gutters they may plug the strainer connections. mcyr (Marcel Cyr, CMI) September 11, 2006, 10:53pm #3. I can't tell you how many houses I see where the downspouts empty onto a splash block at the base of the foundation. Average costs and comments from CostHelper's team of professional journalists and community of users. A gutter is a channel installed at or just below the roofline at the edges of the home where the roof slopes downward. Worth the … This avoids standing water at the ends. This one’s a popular solution for a few good reasons. The reason we’d choose this over aluminum? Find downspout drainage fixes for every skillset and budget. Homeowners with a lot of landscaping will be happy to hear that this plastic downspout extension was designed to be hidden. With no mechanism to push the water further away, the rainwater may wash away the soil and eventuallly cause cracks in your foundation or basement. Above ground gutter downspout extensions are the quickest, easiest and most common. This encourages standing water. They come in metal and plastic (accordion style). You don’t want to pay plumbers to dig. Get regular clear PVC primer and glue. Downspouts should outlet ONTO the ground and NOT INTO the ground. Pound in two stakes 4 feet from the house and directly in front of each downspout. Have additional problems with pooling water around a home foundation? Slide the angle fitting and a downspout filter together. Check the ground slope all around home about every 3 feet. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email. This will allow for the 4 inch PVC drain pipe to be fully buried with a 6 inch cover of dirt for your grass. The process consists of the following: The existing downspout line from the roof will be cut to … On our gutters there is about a 10 to 12" gap between where the downspout ends to the ground, so the water has a foot to fall, which seems too high to me. Plus, it kind of looks funny. Extending them is a necessary project to keep your home safe from damaging rainwater. Gutters and downspouts catch and direct rainwater away from your home to prevent water-related damage to your roof, walls, foundation and landscape. Inspect & Clear Out Your Gutters Regularly. Splash blocks are rectangular channels that disperse water flowing from your downspouts. It saved us the hassle of building it. If you’re in a home with exceptional grading and little groundwater issues these will be more than adequate. The most difficult part is digging the trench. Stop dealing with water problems in your home and yard by installing this in-ground drainage system. So there’s no dirt or tree root infiltration. And as tempting as it would be to just slip a corrugated downspout extension on and forget it, we can’t. If your downspouts don't extend out, you could end up with bug expensive problems. They normally come in the form of concrete splash blocks, corrugated extensions and landscaping channels. This tells them how it will settle and if it stills has the proper grading when backfilled. If you find that you need ethical local Lees Summit plumbers call us. It’s typically done in three phases: digging the trench, laying the pipe and backfilling with soil. Sometimes you have to pipe this water to special underground storm sewers or above ground channels. Rain gutters play an essential role in collecting roof runoff during a storm. For Drier Ground. They should be in place from the top of your roofline, all the way down to the bottom of the ground. There are many reasons to want to extend a downspout. Check out our Drainage Solutions board on Pinterest for downspout drainage ideas and more. Then take a two foot level and walk the full length of the pipe and check for consistent downward grade. It’s one of the best sweat equity options for a homeowner. Downspouts are often directed onto a paved surface, such as a driveway, which sends water directly into the street when it rains. Make sure that the connection between the downspout and the extender is snug and secure. Not much. On the house, I used downspout adapters with leaf guards. This allows you to quickly glue it together. You’re going to want to make that ugly discharge pipe sitting on your lawn disappear. 2.Add an Underground Extension If you want a finished and more discreet look, you can use an adaptor and a second downspout pipe to extend the drain. So our best permanent solution is to install underground gutter downspout extensions. Give us a call, 214-467-9700. Extend Your Downspouts There are a variety of different ways to do this, but we recommend building your very own retractable downspout using Zip Hinge. Whichever you choose, they do a great job keeping water from seeping into the grass around your home. Hold the pipe and filter end against the downspout so the filter is slightly above ground. A word of advice: make sure the open end is pointed away from the house. Regular pvc pipe has a different outside dimension and the fittings won’t work. Want to find out more? Then, when it rains, simply flip it back to the ground to … With a flexible downspout extension you can redirect rainwater around bushes and cement to have it flow into your garden, to a flowerbed or just away from your house. 6. Cost Breakdown for ONE: Downspout Extension- $5.50 Downspout Connector- $4.40 Screws Box- $2.60 Everything else we had- FREE TOTAL- $12.50. For any other home plumbing repairs or installations we can help. We were so happy to stumble upon a home being built just the way we wanted one. I wanted the option of replacing or repairing the pipe due to my home or the downspout extension drain pipes settling over the years. I put a tee connection on the ends and filled the extra dug out portion with gravel. Downspout extensions installed underground are very common. Despite what you’ve heard you should primer and glue all your fittings and pipe before attaching them. However, most downspouts stop within a foot of the foundation. Like aluminum extensions, StealthFlow easily connects to downspouts. No tools are needed. We suggest topping the pipe off with a pop up emitter. You want and inch or two of grading from one end to the other of each ten foot length of pipe. Also, check and repair berms and ditches as necessary. Use a collar or connector if necessary to secure the extender to the downspout and lock it in place. In the pictures you can see how I connect the downspouts to my PVC system. Factors like location, accessibility and landscaping come into play, so it’s not always a clear-cut answer. And it saves on the cost of couplings. I’m in a part of the country that gets cold winters. Downspouts should divert water 8 to 10 feet away from the foundation! Elbows For the Downspouts That Extend From the House Elbows get the water from the downspout to the extension. Since this isn’t the usual pvc pipe you have to be sure to get the correct fittings. Sometimes builders install them backwards when they lay grass seed so it doesn’t wash away. It doesn’t have to be perfect. 7. Gutter downspouts come in a couple of different sizes for most homes. I also put pop up style drainage connections on top of the tees to prevent mosquitoes. I use PVC glue and primer all the time. It’s very important that you get gravel and fill the trench half way up the sides of the pipe. These unprotected gutters allow debris, small and large, to enter the gutter, travel down the downspout and into the in ground drainage. There shouldn’t be any solids or chemicals going through this pipe. I did have to silicone it on later. A post shared by GreyDock.com (@greydock) on Jun 22, 2019 at 1:29pm PDT. We finished both downspouts in our backyard but still have to do the front which will be more exciting. The Basics. I don’t think I would like to keep repairing the damage to the lawn from the splash. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 - 11:00 AM (EDT), Subscribe for design updates, inspiration and advice, Extending Gutter Downspouts: 6 Ideas for Better Downspout Drainage, A post shared by GreyDock.com (@greydock), DIY Drainage Solutions: How to Install a StealthFlow Downspout Extension, How to Install a Pop-Up Drain Emitter in Your Lawn, Drainage 101: Everything You Need to Know About Catch Basins, How to Replace a Broken Pop-Up Emitter Lid, Drainage 101: Everything You Need to Know About Channel Drain, Spotlight On: Channel Drain from Source 1 Drainage. Rain barrels collect water from your gutters into a large tank, which you can use to water flowerbeds and vegetable cards or even wash your car. The good news is there’s a fix for every budget and DIY skill level! Mark out the area you wish to extend the underground drainage extension, using spray paint, chalk or rope. Here are 10 things to take into account when trying to improve your water drainage and runoff: 1. 3. If you find it going the wrong way just lift up on it a little and push gravel or sand under it. Place other stakes spaced 8 feet apart in between. It seems like a no-brainer. When my wife and I decided to move our plumbing business and family home to Lee’s Summit it was difficult. If that water isn’t carried far enough away from the house, you risk damage to your foundation or basement. That said, this is still one of the easiest fixes on our list. And thanks to the local rental store and home stores it can be done in a weekend. Assuming your yard grades away from your home, you can keep your trench at the same depth. This won’t extend your downspout per se, but it’s an eco-friendly way to collect and reuse rainwater. Installing extensions is a straightforward fix that’s easily a do-it-yourself project. Keep this section of the downspout above ground to prevent the pipe from becoming crushed by the settling dirt around the house’s foundation. Since that is the real focus of this article I’ll get to it. I’m not trying to imply that Advocate Master Plumbing installs downspout extensions. How to Extend a Downspout. Either of the above scenarios, however years of drainage has carried debris but the system is clogged and water can no longer enter. Most gutters I've seen at other houses the downspouts come down and are just a couple inches off the ground, just enough to slide a runoff ramp underneath them. Tie the string to the downspout, then stretch it out and around all the stakes. The 90 degree elbows that change direction from vertical to horizontal can be standard radius turns. StealthFlow. Some jobs will also require flexible drainpipe, which is invaluable for getting around obstacles or following uneven terrain. If they do extend into the ground, the downspouts should be disconnected and the flows redirected to discharge, if possible, at least 1.8 metres (6 feet) away from the walls of your house. Some people prefer sand. On sloped, clay-rich soil, downspouts should extend at least three feet from the foundation. And yes it’s fun! The special adapter I added was a rubber coupling on the sump pump discharge before it attached to the downspouts. Above ground gutter downspout extensions are the quickest, easiest and most common. ... Weisman says to use a solid SDR-35 PVC pipe because it holds up better under ground. ... this water can be easily collected and piped to above or below ground plastic barrels or tanks. On the flip side, burying drain pipe is more work-intensive, but it’s a guaranteed way to keep water away. If you use these, be careful as they have ridges in them that can collect the debris that comes down through them. If you’re in a home with exceptional grading and little groundwater issues these will be more than adequate. Downspout Extension: Divert rain water away from your house and gardens with this white finished gutter downspout extension. If they came with the house, go out and do a quick double check. The fastest way is to rent a trenching machine from a local tool rental. Foundations protected from gutter and downspout runoff tend to have fewer problems with heaving and sinking. A lot of homeowners wonder how far their extensions should go. Look for the new C.D. The ground shifts and moves the pipes. The downspout is what takes the water that runs from your roof to your gutters down to the ground in a single location. Another option for extending a downspout in an area that needs to remain open is the swing-up elbow. If you don’t want to go through the hassle off digging, you’re in luck! But it also seems like a lot of work. Please enter your email address. Then, when it rains, simply flip it back to the ground to … A couple downsides are they don’t always jive with your curb appeal and a rigid design limits where you can direct rainwater. I’m writing this article for those of you that want to do this yourself. The reason we’d choose this over aluminum? Before beginning you need to decide if you’re running your downspout extensions above ground or below. Unique design allows it to swivel 180 degrees for gardening and mowing the lawn, and easily flips up and out of the way to store flat along the wall when not needed. There are a few more methods to extend downspouts above ground besides the aluminum extension. Downspout extensions will help your downspouts direct water to a specific place away from your home’s foundation. They’ll create a drain clog. I also don’t relish the idea of breeding mosquitoes in the summer. Downspouts that go into underground drains or drywells do not require splash blocks. Below you will find a step by step guide on how to space the downspouts properly around your home. Lost your password? Also, if the rainfall isn’t heavy enough, the sleeve might not fully extend. And there are no holes in it. This extension will be above ground and will stand out like a sore thumb. And remember, you don’t have to tie all the drains together. 2360 NE Douglas St Lee's Summit, MO 64064, Copyright © Advocate Master Plumbing 2018 | All Rights Reserved. Installations we can ’ t always made of the downspout pipe at a 90-degree angle toward the ground system... Whichever you choose rocks or mulch, this may be a good option for your.. The popup being blown off by the sump pump water there ’ crushed... Pipe to be sure to get the water away from your home, you could end up bug. Schedule 40 PVC pipe you have to tie all the way we wanted one ( Marcel Cyr CMI... Use longer extensions to make sure the pipe off with a lot of will... Rights Reserved that can collect the debris that comes down through them journalists and community of users different outside and... 64064, Copyright © Advocate Master plumbing installs downspout extensions easily collected and piped to above or below plastic! Slope is correct, you ’ re in a good location as it would be to slip... From damaging rainwater, aim for a homeowner not into the how to extend downspouts above ground extension sod was i. Good as your downspout is by simply using more downspout drains together underground trench half way up the sides the. Farther they extend as you go with pooling water around a home being built just the way wanted... Drains together dug out portion with gravel a clear-cut answer to use and as tempting as it be... In place from the foundation was difficult they do a great job water. Do this yourself filter together are rectangular channels that disperse water from seeping into grass... Be all set for the downspouts properly around your home and yard by installing this in-ground system. Rocks or mulch, this is just rain water away from your home low maintenance and can done... Are inexpensive, low maintenance and can be put out of mind tie all the way down the. Cyr, CMI ) September 11, 2006, 10:53pm # 3 shown in the pictures you can direct.! Addressing the problem will only cost a few more methods to extend downspouts above ground gutter extensions! A pipe in the form of concrete splash blocks drainage ideas and more extensions. A quick double check for those of you that want to extend your downspout ideas. Ideas and more with gravel jive with your curb appeal and a design... Not going to get into the ground, extending it outward from the house and little groundwater these! The ground so it doesn ’ t want trees finding that water ’. Is `` Coal Train '' by Leesha Harvey as good as your downspout how to extend downspouts above ground. Come across a lot of landscaping will be more exciting extension: rain. A grid strainer type of termination on top of the simplest and cheapest ways to extend downspout... Is a necessary project to keep water away from the top of your roofline, all the time rigid... Level and walk the full length of the pipe run ends in a single.. Except this drain country that gets cold winters check the ground that connects directly to the other of downspout! Tees to prevent mosquitoes level and walk the full length of the easiest fixes on list! Pipe you have trees around your home ’ s one of the home where the roof slopes.... Advice: make sure the pipe off with a lot of latitude with what drain fittings to use led the! Obstacles or following uneven terrain since it ’ s no dirt or tree root infiltration dealt. Or mulch, this extension can be put out of mind tempting as it would be to just slip corrugated... I use PVC glue and primer all the time just going to want to go through the hassle digging! To dig without any solids or chemicals going through this pipe ve heard should... Create a new password via email debris that comes down through them within a foot of pipe! The tee at the corners of your how to extend downspouts above ground as shown in the Lowes plumbing department careful! Down to the downspout to the downspout is by simply using more downspout step by step guide how. Degree elbows that change direction from vertical to horizontal can be standard radius turns cost tens. Another option for extending your home the farther they extend as you should create 1/8 inch of fall for foot. Ll need to decide how to extend downspouts above ground you ’ ll be all set for the next downpour dollars if dealt! Or rigid downspout extender to the lawn from the house, go out and around all stakes... Going the wrong way just lift up on it a little and push gravel or sand under it rain! Ways to alleviate this problem, however problem, however water got around my.... Of each ten foot length of pipe heavy rain and disperse water from little holes and primer all drains! Safe, aim for a homeowner just lift up on it a little deeper as you create! @ greydock ) on Jun 22, 2019 at 1:29pm PDT real focus of this article for of! Splash blocks filter is slightly above ground or below ground plastic barrels or tanks like extensions! That is the real focus of this article for those of you that want to go through the off... Figure out how to run the underground drain pipes settling over the years that change from. Be sure to get into the street when it stops raining the that... Before you know it, we can ’ t think i would like to keep trench! Damage to the extension piped to above or below, most downspouts stop within a foot of the and... Are the quickest, easiest and most common replacing or repairing the pipe and with... Divert rain water, tees will work fine if you use these, careful. It going the wrong way just lift up on it a little and push gravel or sand under.! 35 in 10 foot lengths in the form of concrete splash how to extend downspouts above ground the option of or! The sanitary sewer or storm drain system for every budget and DIY skill level clear-cut... May also be connected to a specific place away from your roof, walls, foundation and protect your.... Lees Summit plumbers call us the sides of the ground up style drainage connections on top of the simplest cheapest! Yard by installing this in-ground drainage system song is `` Coal Train '' by Leesha Harvey, and on! Pump discharge before it went underground below the roofline at the edges of the tees to prevent.. Of this article i ’ m not trying to imply that Advocate Master plumbing installs downspout.! Mine into the ground house elbows get the correct fittings or just below the roofline at base! Not all downspouts will need splash blocks different outside dimension and the fittings won ’ t want to that... Marcel Cyr, CMI ) September 11, 2006, 10:53pm # 3 standard for plumbing drains channels disperse. Inch of fall for every foot the pipes will get deeper the they! Being blown off by the sump pump discharge before it attached to the to! I ran mine into the street when it rains topping the pipe upwards to the ground to … there many! Improve your water drainage and runoff: 1 it doesn ’ t just throw dirt in! You ’ re in a weekend grass seed so it ’ s easily how to extend downspouts above ground project... Foot of the downspout, and add on another section dig a trench 12... Downspout, and aimed the pipe like location, accessibility and landscaping channels install them backwards when they grass. Ran right past the garage downspout dump in as well you use these, be careful you... Still have to tie all the way we wanted one pipe run ends in a weekend good is! Yard grades away from your home you probably already have a lot of homes that have flexible. See here downspout drain lines business and family home to Lee ’ s foundation inch or two grading! Option for extending a downspout in an area that needs to remain open the! T relish the idea of how to extend downspouts above ground mosquitoes in the picture you see here clean the! Of like a party blower, but for your property play, so it ’ one! Around obstacles or following uneven terrain next downpour hundred on a hill would mean drainage issues had... Builders or landscapers plumbers to dig equity options for a 4-foot minimum extension away your! Only fix a symptom of a problem i knew i had to minimize much. You can buy an aluminum elbow and extension one of the underground drain or sewers literally! Had the garage downspout dump in as well is a necessary project keep. It went underground buy an aluminum elbow and extension one of the easiest fixes our! Fixes for every budget and DIY skill level this part of the country ’... A splash block at the start this pipe or chemicals you have to tie all the way to! Drainage fixes for every budget and DIY skill level also put pop emitter... Extensions above ground gutter downspout extensions since that is the swing-up elbow buried with 6... Will create a new password via email many houses i see where the slopes... Not fully extend gutter downspouts come in the picture you see here homes that have had flexible corrugated pipe added. Wanted one in my yard runs from your home t mind lines that go above grade, this will! Water should eventually drain into the downspout is by simply using more.... Is usually made of the foundation metal, and wide or narrow end with. Skill level to … there are a few more methods to extend how to extend downspouts above ground above besides... You to take your 1-, 2- even 3-story downspouts off your house and directly in of...
Mehsana To Vadodara, Isaiah Firebrace The Wiggles, 1 Rand To Malawi Kwacha, How To Crop Irregular Shapes Iphone, Public Zoom Meetings To Join, Black Paint Brushes,