Understanding the pros and cons of burying downspouts is important when deciding whether to choose this drainage solution for your home. They help improve house aesthetics, reduce the risk of water damage to your foundation, and eliminate standing water. On the other hand, they can become clogged more easily and can be more challenging to maintain. Our experts will provide solutions to these issues throughout the article.
Pros
Installing buried downspouts offers a range of benefits that can enhance both the look and performance of your home’s drainage system.
Improve House Aesthetics
By removing visible downspouts and extension pipes, you create a cleaner, more polished exterior that complements your landscaping and overall home design.
Great Way To Reduce The Risk Of Water Damage
A buried downspout system directs rainwater safely away from your home’s foundation and basement. By keeping moisture from pooling near your home, you lower the risk of costly water damage and help maintain a dry, stable foundation.
Eliminates Standing Water
Underground downspouts eliminate the standing water that often collects around your yard during heavy rain or snowmelt. This reduces the breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests, helping you maintain a healthier and more comfortable outdoor environment.
Prevent Soil Erosion Near Your Home’s Foundation
Redirecting water underground helps protect the soil around your home from erosion. This prevents mulch from washing away, safeguards flower beds, and helps maintain healthy grass. This also helps prevent some types of soil from being oversaturated and eroded.
Long-Term Solution
Once installed, buried downspouts require very little maintenance and provide reliable performance for years. They are a long-lasting solution that continues to protect your property with minimal upkeep.
Boost Property Value
A well-designed drainage system adds appeal and value to your home. Buyers appreciate knowing that water is being properly managed, and buried downspouts demonstrate that your property has been thoughtfully maintained and upgraded.
Cons
While buried downspouts offer many advantages, there are also a few challenges to consider before making the investment.
Can Become Clogged More Easily
Buried downspouts are more prone to clogs than exterior systems. Debris from your gutters can accumulate inside the buried pipes, and because these blockages are concealed underground, they can go unnoticed until drainage problems appear. Over time, smaller particles can settle within the pipe and gradually restrict water flow.
Scheduled maintenance is essential for preventing clogs. Installing a debris filter can help keep your system clear of debris for longer.
More Challenging To Maintain
Because buried downspouts are not easily accessible, maintenance can be more complex despite their overall low upkeep. Limited visibility makes it harder to spot early signs of blockages or damage. Cleaning or repairing the system can also require excavation, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and potentially costly.
Using a camera snake can help you inspect pipes for clogs or cracks without digging. Preventative tools such as catch basins or leaf guards can also minimize maintenance efforts.
Can Lead To Problems If Not Properly Installed
If the downspout is not sloped correctly or fails to direct water far enough from the foundation, water can accumulate around your home instead of draining away.
To ensure proper performance, the buried pipe should extend at least 10 feet from your house.
Cracks Or Breaks In The Pipe
Buried downspouts can develop cracks or breaks due to heavy loads, natural soil settling, temperature changes, or invasive tree roots.
Choosing high-quality, durable pipes is key to preventing these problems. Avoid planting shrubs or trees near the drainage lines, and address small cracks with sealant before they worsen. Severe damage may require partial pipe replacement.
Freezing
Cold weather can pose a risk to buried downspouts, as water trapped in the system may freeze and cause blockages or even pipe bursts.
Ensuring the pipes are properly graded allows water to drain completely, reducing the risk of freezing. Using insulated materials can also help protect your drainage system during winter.
Reduced Lifespan
Because buried downspouts are exposed to constant moisture and soil pressure, they typically experience more wear and tear than above-ground systems.
Selecting durable materials, combined with regular inspection and maintenance, can help extend the lifespan of your underground drainage.
Installation Costs
Installing buried downspouts is more expensive than using standard above-ground extensions. Costs vary depending on your property’s location, materials used, and labor requirements.
Not Ideal For Every Yard
Certain yard conditions, such as a flat landscape or high water tables, can make buried downspouts less effective without special modifications. In these cases, additional planning or different drainage solutions may be required to ensure proper water flow away from your home.
Alternatives to Buried Downspouts
If burying your downspouts is not the right option for your home, there are several alternatives to help keep your home and basement dry.
- Above-Ground Extenders: Above-ground extenders attach to the end of traditional downspouts and direct water away from your home’s foundation.
- Rain Barrels: Rain barrels collect runoff water from your gutters, which can then be reused for watering gardens or landscaping.
- French Drains: This system features a perforated pipe buried in a gravel-filled trench, allowing water to flow freely through the soil. For more details, you can read our article on the different types of French drains.
How to Install Buried Downspouts
Installing buried downspouts takes precision and the right materials to ensure effective drainage and lasting performance. Here is a quick DIY guide. Keep in mind that this guide is not extensive and is designed to give you a general idea of the whole process.
- Dig a Sloped Trench: Dig trenches maintaining a slope to keep water flowing away from your home once it leaves the gutter system.
- Attach the Extension: Connect the underground extension to your existing downspout and lay it along the trench. Most buried downspouts extend between 10 and 50 feet, depending on your property’s drainage needs.
- Backfill the Trench: Refill the trench to cover the pipe completely. Use rock and gravel as backfill to prevent soil expansion and flooding, ensuring proper water flow and long-term stability.
- Replace Grass and Landscaping: Restore your lawn and any disturbed landscaping to blend the system seamlessly into your yard for a clean, natural look.
DIY vs Professional Help
For most homeowners, burying downspouts is not a DIY project, especially if you want lasting and reliable results. Taking the do-it-yourself approach often requires extensive research, added expenses, and a significant time investment. Mistakes can lead to drainage issues that require the entire system to be redone.
Consulting with a drainage professional ensures your system has the correct slope, direction, and materials to handle water efficiently and prevent pooling. By hiring experts with the right equipment and experience, you can complete the project safely, efficiently, and correctly.
Who Should You Hire To Do The Work?
Qualified landscaping companies with drainage experience, licensed plumbers specializing in outdoor water management, and general contractors familiar with residential runoff systems are all capable options.
Here are a few tips:
- Select professionals who understand local grading requirements and stormwater regulations.
- Ask for references.
- Verify credentials.
- Request a written estimate before beginning any work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the pros and cons of burying downspouts.
What Are The Different Types Of Underground Downspouts?
The two most common pipe styles used for underground downspouts are corrugated flex pipes and PVC pipes. Corrugated flex pipes are flexible, versatile, and lightweight, although they are generally not as strong or long-lasting as PVC. PVC offers superior durability, but it usually costs more to purchase and install.
A drainage professional can help you choose the right pipe material based on the needs of your property.
How Long Does It Take To Install Underground Downspouts?
The process of installing a single underground downspout usually takes about one hour. The total time can vary depending on the extension length and the complexity of the layout. When you need several downspouts installed, the full project may take a few days, depending on your requirements.
Are There Maintenance Requirements For Underground Downspouts?
Although underground downspouts do not require frequent maintenance, they still need occasional care. Common maintenance steps include scheduling yearly inspections, clearing debris when needed, and confirming that the system is still working effectively after major storms. Adding a debris filter can help reduce buildup and make maintenance simpler.
Schedule Your FREE 20-Point Inspection
At EverDry Toledo, we’ve been providing comprehensive basement waterproofing services in northern Ohio and southeast Michigan since 1986. Schedule your FREE 20-point basement inspection today by contacting us online or calling us at (419) 469-5833. Let us help you protect your home and ensure long-term peace of mind.
