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Gutter and Downspout Runoff Drainage Tips

Bad drainage puts your home at risk for serious water damage.  Even if you have a sump pump installed, water can get into your home’s basement if you don’t have effective gutters. A proper roof runoff system diverts the flow of water away from paved areas and toward storm drain systems – and most importantly, away from your home.

10 Gutter and Downspout Runoff Tips:

There are many things you can do to improve the effectiveness of your gutters.  Below are things to take into account when trying to improve your water drainage and runoff:

1. Inspect & Clear Out Your Gutters Regularly

Twice in the Fall and before Spring.  Check your gutter connections and repair or seal any loose joints.  Gutters should be replaced every 25-30 years or so.

2. Install Gutter Guards

This will help to prevent clogs and overflowing drains.

3. Landscape Plants

These will help provide a natural solution to your drainage problems. Turn your problem into an advantage by creating a rain garden to manage water runoff.

4. Extend Your Downspouts

There are a variety of different ways to do this.  It’s fairly easy to install. Call a professional to have your downspout extension installed correctly.

5. Route the Water into a Storm Drain or Dry Well.

Speak with your plumber about installing a Sump Pump, which directs water away from your home to a nearby storm drain.

6. Improve Your Grading & Slope

This will probably require professional excavation, but it may be necessary to allow water to escape the vicinity of your home.

7. Check for Low Spots Around Your Home

If you do, fill them as soon as you can.

8. Consider Installing “french drains.”

A trench with sand or gravel that allows the water to flow away from the home, in the direction of the grade.

9. Consider Changing Your Impermeable Surfaces

This can cost you a pretty penny, but changing concrete, into permeable pavers or gravel can help dramatically.

10 . Various Rainwater Collection Solutions

Such as rain barrels, cisterns, and rain gardens.

If you do choose a drainage solution that involves digging, make sure you call 811 or your local utility company to make sure it is safe.