What is the proper way to run drain tile for downspouts?

Scott
by Scott

I live in Iowa. What is the proper way to run draintile for downspouts? What kind of pipes do I use coming off drain spouts and how deep?

  5 answers
  • Jlnatty Jlnatty on Mar 15, 2019

    Not sure if you're talking about a permanent draining system around a basement foundation that feeds to an inside sump pump or are you wanting to move downspout water away from the foundation of your house but have it underground where it's not seen (like when you use above-the-ground downspout extensions that are visible and potential tripping hazards). If it's the latter, consider installing a French drain system: https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/outdoors/how-to-install-french-drains

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Mar 15, 2019

    Are you just going to have the downspouts drain into it? If so, I’ve seen PVC pipe systems made for this application.

    I would have at least a 2% slope, the entire run. Personally, to reduce icing up, I’d go 4%. I would start at a depth of 6” minimum.


    Many cities have Codes on the discharge of the drain systems out onto the curb, so check that first.

  • William William on Mar 15, 2019

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwKPpU-8oes


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByVKaApxd8A


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT6ZUWXsYgQ

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Mar 16, 2019

    I dug a trench at a couple of my downspout locations and put in 10' of drainage pipe with the downspout directed into the pipe. The pipe goes down the slope of the side yard and into a pit filled with rocks. The water dissipates into the ground there. We only get 7" of rain in eastern WA, so we don't need to worry too much about it. In fact most houses don't even have gutters. I wanted the water away from the house on the side so it doesn't wash out the flower bed.

  • Deb K Deb K on Jul 18, 2022

    Hi Scott, hope this helps you out,

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1djQ5rmCGo0