Gutter Runoff..... Splashblock or Downspout connector
by
Jim Ginas
+3
Question is how far away should water run away from a house's foundation? Ground is level as it moves away from the house. Rationale for asking is whether Gutter Splash Blocks (less profile-23" long) are adequate, OR should we use a DownSpout Connector (Ugly and trip hazard!). I don;t want to cause damage to to the house foundation because of aesthetics either though!!
Downspout Connector: Ugly, but would definitely move water away!
less profile, but approx 23" long
5 answers
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If the ground is level where the water comes out, the low profile option may not be enough. Although the downspout connector is ugly, perhaps it could be "hidden" with plants, or "buried/covered" with mulch? I'd also recommend doing whatever you can to slope the ground away from your foundation. Even with the longer drain piece, if the ground is level you could end up with a lake that reaches your foundation. In our backyard, they connected pvc pipe to our gutter drain and a pipe several inches under the ground leads the water about 30 feet away from the house; the top lifts up to drain when there's enough rain.
Connie Mar
on Nov 10, 2013
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Hmmmm, if the pipes are clogged, I wonder if they could be flushed out? However, if the mulch is moist, it sounds like they might be compromised. Might be worth digging up, checking it out, replacing or put it back down after cleaning. Draining underground is awesome, and you can have the exit close to plants/bushes/trees that are close or downslope to benefit. Another option is to add a rain barrel, or two. You'd still need something to drain the water away from the house if the rain barrels filled up.
Connie Mar
on Nov 10, 2013
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thought about a rainbarrel too! might be smart! back corner and behind Oleanders.......
Jim Ginas
on Nov 10, 2013
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We have gutter blocks at all our spouts,and corrugated run off connector about 24" out from house. RAIN BARREL GREAT IDEA , PRETTY EXPENSIVE HERE. BUT CAN MAKE YOU OWN EASILY
Cindie Taylor-pamula
on Jan 02, 2015
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The shorter one might not be enough if the ground is level. There are a lot of ways to fix the "ugly" pipe extender. You could landscape the area so that the runoff water is watering some plants. That way it isn't a trip hazard, either. http://www.aussieplumbingandgutters.com.au ;
Betty Johnson
on Sep 25, 2015
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