Asked on Jun 19, 2017
How should gutter downspouts connect to a french drain system?
by
Mark
+3
When we recently had a house built for us, the contractor directly connected the downspout into a 6" french drain system with the aluminum downspout screwed into the PVC end cap with a rectangular connector the size of the downspout. I had always worried that leaves and other debris would come thru the downspout into the French drain and clog it, which would be especially troublesome during winter. A TV show suggested that instead of the PVC endcap, the entrance to the french drain should be a catch basin with a grate and there should be an air gap between the downspout and the grate. That causes the debris to fall onto the grate while the water goes into the french drain.
Trouble is the 6" drain pipe is too close to the house foundation to put a "centered" basin and grate and I can't find one that is offset to one side. The debris, therefore, does not go into the French drain but the centered grate is not far enough under the downspout to catch all the water.
Does anyone know where I can find a catch basin and grate that is offset to one side? I have not found any. Thanks.
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Suggested Project Book
http://www.homedepot.com/p/InvisaFlow-Flex-Grate-Downspout-Filter-4400/202516215
https://www.lowes.com/pd/InvisaFlow-FlexGrate-12-75-in-Black-Vinyl-Downspout-Adapter/3501760
The leaves should be caught before flowing in the downspout by a mesh filter attached where the gutter and downspout are connected on the roof. Clean it out whenever you clean your gutters.
My comment below was meant to be posted as a solution for someone who wanted to cover up a space heater. I'm not sure how it ended up as a response for the question above. I apologize.
""You could use a fireplace screen. Or use a stand-alone folding screen about a foot away from the heater. Check this type of screen to make sure it isn't getting to hot, and if needed, pull it a little farther away from the heater. ""
It is a little easier to keep leaves out of gutters and downspouts than it is to have to clean them out after they are scummy and smelly. That is to buy or make metal mesh covers for them. Buy them at a place that installs gutters or sometimes hardware stores. If you can make the covers... find tough 1/2 inch wire mesh. Cut the mesh the width of the gutter plus as much mesh as you will need to hook it onto both sides of the gutter. When you have it fitted, it is easy to use a leaf blower to remove the worst of the leaves.
You are so welcome!