Downspouts are an essential part of a home’s drainage system. While traditional downspouts dispense water at the surface, buried downspouts, also known as underground downspouts, take this further by channeling water away from your home through underground pipes. But, like anything buried out of sight, they come with their own set of challenges. This guide will cover the pros and cons of buried downspouts, how to handle their top problems, what is involved in maintenance, and potential alternatives.
What is a Buried Downspout?
Traditional downspouts carry water from the gutters to the ground. If the downspout is not long enough, the water can over-saturate the soil surrounding your foundation and lead to structural damage. A buried downspout is designed to move water away from your home’s foundation more efficiently than a traditional downspout by directing water underground and a safe distance from your home.
If you are unsure whether you have them, try following your gutter system and see if you can find where the water dispenses. If you notice downspouts that lead into the ground or your home’s runoff disappears mysteriously, chances are you have buried downspouts.
Are Buried Downspouts Good or Bad?
Whether considering them for aesthetic reasons or practical functionality, weighing the benefits against the potential drawbacks is essential before deciding if buried downspouts are good or bad. Consider the following pros and cons:
Pros:
- They can improve curb appeal by removing unsightly downspouts.
- They help prevent soil erosion near your home’s foundation.
- They reduce the risk of water damage to your basement and foundation.
- Eliminates standing water, reducing the breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.
Cons:
- They can become clogged more easily than exterior downspouts.
- They’re more challenging to maintain since they are not readily accessible.
- They can lead to unforeseen problems if not installed correctly.
Despite the challenges buried downspouts pose, professional installation and an effective maintenance routine can be highly beneficial for your home. They enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property and offer a practical solution to potential water damage, making them a valuable addition to any home when handled correctly.
Top 6 Problems with Buried Downspouts and How to Fix Them
Problem 1: Clogging
Buried downspouts tend to clog because of the accumulation of debris from the gutters that make their way into the pipes. Unlike surface-level downspouts, where debris might visibly hang off the side or be easier to clean out, buried systems conceal these blockages, making them harder to detect until problems arise. Additionally, smaller particles can settle over time within the pipe, gradually building up and reducing water flow.
Solution: Regular maintenance is critical to preventing clogs. Removing debris from your gutters and installing gutter screens, catch basins, or leaf guards at the downspout connections can trap debris before it enters the system. Additionally, schedule professional cleaning services annually to remove any buildup accumulated over the months. This proactive approach ensures your downspouts remain clear and functional throughout the year.
Problem 2: Poor Drainage
Poor drainage in buried downspouts often results from incorrect installation or inadequate planning. When downspouts are not correctly connected to a sufficiently distanced drainage area or installed at a shallow angle, water doesn’t flow away as intended but accumulates around the home’s foundation. This problem is compounded if the surrounding soil has poor absorption properties or lacks a proper gradient to facilitate water movement. Additionally, pipes may sag or settle unevenly over time due to soil shifts, further impeding water flow.
Solution: Proper installation and regular inspection can mitigate such issues and maintain the downspout system’s efficacy. The buried downspout must extend at least 10 feet away from your house. If you continue to experience poor drainage, consulting with a drainage professional might be necessary. They can assess your system’s current slope and direction and make the required adjustments to improve water flow and prevent pooling.
Problem 3: Cracks or Breaks in the Pipe
External pressures are a primary reason buried downspout pipes crack or break. Pressure can arrive from the weight of vehicles driving over areas under which the downspouts are buried or from the natural settling of soil over time. Temperature changes can also cause the ground to expand and contract, creating additional stress on the pipes. Furthermore, tree roots seeking moisture could grow into the pipes, leading to cracks or complete breaks. Materials used for the downspouts also play a role, as some may become brittle over time or are not durable enough to withstand the ongoing stress, leading to their eventual failure.
Solution: Selecting quality pipes is the first step to preventing cracks and breakage. Also, avoid planting shrubs or trees near the pipes. If you suspect any damage to the pipe, a plumber’s snake is an invaluable tool for locating obstructions or breaks. Sealant can often fix minor cracks, offering a quick and cost-effective solution. However, more severe damage might necessitate pipe replacement. In such cases, hiring a professional is crucial to ensure the repair is handled correctly and maintain your downspout system’s integrity.
Problem 4: Freezing
In colder climates, buried downspouts are particularly vulnerable to freezing. When water flowing through these downspouts encounters freezing temperatures, it begins to freeze, blocking the flow of water and causing cracks or even bursting of the pipe, leading to costly repairs and the need for replacement.
Solution: Ensuring the downspout system is appropriately graded is essential, allowing water to flow freely and not remain stagnant in the pipes. Additionally, using insulated materials and potentially installing heating elements for your downspout system can offer protection against freezing temperatures. Taking these steps will help maintain the efficiency of your downspouts, even in freezing conditions.
Problem 5: Maintenance
Since the downspouts are buried, inspecting them for clogs, damages, or wear and tear is significantly more complex than above-ground systems. This lack of visibility makes it challenging to identify the early signs of blockage or damage, often resulting in problems being overlooked until they escalate into more severe issues. Another challenge is the complexity of cleaning and repairs. Removing debris, fixing cracks, or replacing sections of the downspout requires excavation, which can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and potentially costly.
Solution: Implementing a comprehensive maintenance plan is crucial for addressing the inherent challenges of maintaining buried downspouts and addressing potential problems before they become significant. Consider investing in a camera snake to inspect the pipes for clogs or damage without digging up your downspout system. Hiring professionals with specialized equipment and expertise can ensure thorough cleaning and repairs are done efficiently and correctly. Preventative measures such as catch basins or leaf guards can also significantly reduce the frequency of necessary maintenance.
Problem 6: Wear and Tear
Buried downspouts are inherently more susceptible to wear and tear and have a reduced lifespan than above-ground downspouts due to their constant contact with moisture, soil, and other underground elements.
Solution: Homeowners must take proactive measures and select durable materials. One practical approach is using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, which offer superior durability and resistance to environmental stressors compared to traditional materials. Additionally, a protective coating on the pipes can shield them from moisture and chemical damage. Regular, scheduled inspections play a critical role in extending the life of downspouts by identifying and addressing minor issues before they escalate.
How to Maintain Buried Downspouts
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping buried downspouts functioning correctly. Follow the following steps:
- Annual Inspection: Conduct inspections yearly to identify any blockages, cracks, or accumulation of debris that could impede water flow.
- Cleaning Routine: Remove debris to prevent blockages, ensuring smooth water diversion away from the home.
- Post-Storm Checks: Verify that the downspouts effectively channel water away from the house to prevent water damage after heavy storms.
Alternatives to Buried Downspouts
If buried downspouts seem like more trouble than they’re worth, consider alternatives such as:
- Above-ground extenders, which attach to the end of traditional downspouts to carry water away from the foundation.
- Rain barrels, which collect runoff water that can be used for gardening.
Each option has pros and cons and can be a viable solution depending on your home’s layout and personal preferences.
While buried downspouts can significantly improve your home’s drainage system and protect your foundation, they require careful installation and regular maintenance. By understanding the potential problems and solutions outlined above, homeowners can ensure their drainage system works efficiently year-round.
Are you considering upgrading your home’s drainage system in Chicagoland? Contact us today for a quote on downspout installation, comprehensive drainage systems, and foundation waterproofing solutions. Protect your home by ensuring it has a practical and well-maintained drainage system.
