How to Improve Drainage Near Downspouts

Rain and snow pass through the gutters of your home and into the downspout. If the downspout on your home is situated in an area of poor drainage, that water can potentially damage your foundation and landscaping. The rain can also seep into your basement which can damage your belongings and can lead to problems with mold. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to improve drainage near the downspout.

• Build a French drain. You can do this by digging a trench, laying gravel in the bottom and running a piece of pipe attached to the downspout and down into the trench. Cover the trench with soil. Dig the trench so it leads the water away from your home.


• Use a downspout extender. Extenders are inexpensive and simple to use. You are able to twist them to direct the water in any direction you choose. These work best if you have a home with an area that slopes away from the house.


• Use downspout diverters. Downspout diverters are pieces of pipe that look like the downspout but they are curved and shaped differently. They fit on to the pipe and into each other to allow you to add-on to your downspout and use as many pieces as needed to direct the water where you want it to go.


• Consider splash blocks. Downspout splash blocks can be used if you have an area close to the downspout that is sloped and has good drainage. These blocks are often decorative and attractive. They are placed under the downspout and have about and 18-24-inch section that will lead water away from your home.


• Fill in low-lying areas. If your home has a low area where the water is collecting near your downspout, have it filed in to make it level with the rest of the yard. Many times soil settles over the years and will leave low spots.


• Grade you land. Have your land graded so there is a slope leading away from the foundation. If drainage problems are a large concern and a constant source of trouble, you may want to hire professionals to grade your yard for you.