Why Downspouts are Important

Posted on by David Reid

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Why Downspouts are Important

A downspout is a long, hollowed out tube usually made of aluminum that goes from the gutters of your home down to the ground.  They collect the water from the gutter and channel it out to the ground.  More specifically, the downspout redirects the water away from your foundation by taking the water that collects within your gutters and pushing it through the vertical tube that runs alongside the home.  Your downspouts are often found at the corners of your home where gutters meet.  However, downspouts can be at any point that is low.

Where the gutters meet, a small hole is created so that the water will filter through this hole. A connecting piece then is inserted and tightly sealed, bridging together the gutter’s hole and the top of the downspouts.  That hole at the bottom of the gutter needs to be tightly sealed off so that the water only pushes through it rather than escaping out the sides.

The downspout usually has a curve at the bottom to help push the water out more efficiently.  A splash guard can be inserted to help push that water farther out.  Sometimes, a trench has to be dug so that the downspout goes into the trench, and a pipe connected to the downspout helps continually push the water out of the trench.

Problems with Downspouts and Solutions

One simple problem with a downspout may be that it is missing a part.  It’s important to inspect your downspout on a regular basis to make sure that all parts are present, including the lower part that curves to spit the water out.  One common problem is that debris collects in the downspout causing a blockage.  This can be from a number of causes including twigs, sticks, dirt, or even debris from animals like parts of a bird’s nest.

If you notice water is collecting and you suspect a blockage, take apart the top and bottom downspout pieces and clear out any debris that may be in there.  If you have a downspout that goes into the ground, you’ll want to check if the pipe that carries the water from the downspout is blocked.  You can usually do this easily by using a plumbing snake and shaking out any leaves or clogged dirt.  If you notice water is pooling but there is no blockage from debris, the next step is to check your gutters.  It may be that a debris blockage is in the gutters themselves rather than the downspout.

Potential Issues with Faulty Downspouts

A downspout that is not effectively pushing the water away from the house can lead to numerous issues.  For example, a faulty downspout may actually push the water back towards the house rather than away from it.  This is why it’s important to get a technician with experience in gutter installation.  Since the gutter and the downspout are connected by the hole that is cut, it is necessary for the hole to be the perfect size so that enough water drains through and so that the hole is not so small that it often gets clogged with debris.  An experienced worker will have the right tools needed in order to cut a precise, perfect sized hole.

Leaky Basements

One problem that can result is water leaking into the basement.  If the water is pooling in one area and not draining as it should be, the water can seep through cracks in the foundation into the basement.  One way to address this is by making sure to extend the downspout at least ten feet away from the foundation.  It’s important to address this cause of basement flooding because mold can quickly form from stagnant water coming in and going undetected.  Similarly, the water can seep into a crawlspace, which can result in a musty smell throughout the home.

Yard Erosion

Another issue with downspouts that are not functioning efficiently is that yard erosion can occur.  When the downspouts do not push water away from the foundation, that water will start to collect in one place.  The water can also circulate around in one area if there is no slope in the yard. This is especially common when heavy rainfalls occur, continually pushing the water to collect in that same place.

Because of the water sitting in the same places, the yard starts to erode.  The grass is killed and all that is left is muddy dirt that takes away from the visual appeal of your home.  The soil can also begin to erode, especially if you have the type of soil that doesn’t drain well.  This means that random holes will be left in your yard.  One option is to add some type of natural looking rock that will carry off the water. You can put down a rubber liner first and then rocks or gravel. This will prevent silt from collecting in the rocks.

What Is a French Drain?

A French drain is a water drainage system made from a gravel-lined ditch with a length of pipe that routes water away from a building’s foundation.  French drains are used to manage groundwater, stormwater, and drainage problems.  The French drain system prevents excess water from building up after heavy rain in areas where it can do damage to building foundations, basements, retaining walls, or landscaping areas.

Why Do Downspout Sizes Matter?

Your home’s gutters catch the rainfall from your roof and the downspouts drain the water from the gutters. When the gutters and downspouts are too small, the gutters can overflow during heavy rain.  Gutter downspout sizes are measured by their diameter. The larger the diameter, the more water the downspout can handle.

Standard Downspout Sizes

Downspouts and gutters generally come in two styles: K-style and round. You should stick to the same style for both your gutters and your downspouts.  K-style downspouts are rectangular and come in sizes of 2×3 or 3×4 inches in diameter. You can find round downspouts in diameters that range from 3 to 6 inches.

Rectangular downspout sizes are similar to the K-style, but they’re also available in a larger 4×5 inch diameter.

Know the Size of Your Gutters

When you’re sizing downspouts, you’ll need to know the watershed area of your roof and the maximum rainfall intensity for your area.  The good news is, if you already have gutters, this figure has already been calculated.  You can just go off of the size and style of gutters you have. Gutter and downspout capacity are both shown in square footage amounts.

Most homes have gutter sizes that are either 5 or 6 inches in diameter.  K-style gutters in the 5-inch size can handle about 5,500 square feet of water, whereas the 6-inch size can handle almost 8,000. Round gutters in the 5-inch size can handle about 2,500 square feet and the 6-inch size can handle nearly 4,000.

Choosing the Right Downspout Dimensions

Generally speaking, 5-inch K-style gutters will need 2×3-inch downspouts and 6-inch will need 3×4.  Keep in mind that these are only guidelines.  If it rains a lot in your area or your roof has a high pitch, you may need larger downspouts. Instead of using larger downspouts, you can also add more downspouts to boost your drainage capacity.

Update Your Downspouts Today

If your drainage system isn’t working as it should, it might be time to upgrade your downspouts.  Once you know about downspout sizes, you’ll know how to best protect your home from water damage.