Downspout

What It Means

A downspout is the vertical pipe that drains a roof gutter, carrying rainwater from the roof edge down to ground level. Where that water lands matters: the basement guidance from University of Minnesota Extension, FEMA and EPA ties many wet-basement problems to roof and surface water that isn't carried away from the foundation. An extension or a splash block at the bottom moves the outlet farther out.

How It Sounds at Home

• "The downspout's pouring right next to the foundation again."
• "Put an extension on that downspout before the basement floods."
• "Water's shooting out the gutter seam instead of going down the spout."

The Breakdown

Keep downspouts doing their job

1. Clear the gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris. Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's home maintenance checklists both include this job.
2. Seal leaking gutter seams so water reaches the downspout.
3. Look at where each downspout ends. Add a rigid or flexible extension, or a splash block, so the water lands well away from the wall.
4. Aim for an outlet at least 4 to 5 feet from the foundation. The sources we checked give figures in that range.
5. Check the soil next to the house. It should fall away from the wall, dropping at least 1 inch for each foot, across at least the first 6 feet.
6. Buhata's own suggestion: watch during the next heavy rain to see where the water actually goes.

Short version to try today. Walk around the house and check the bottom of every downspout. Any that empty right at the wall get an extension first.

Worked example. The soil drops 4 inches over the first 6 feet from the wall. The guidance calls for at least 6 inches over that distance (1 inch per foot times 6 feet), so this yard is 2 inches short near the house.

Good to Know

The basement guidance we checked, from University of Minnesota Extension, FEMA and EPA, says that steering rain and surface runoff clear of the foundation, with gutters, downspouts and extensions or splash blocks, fixes a large share of wet-basement complaints. Clearing gutters means ladder work: OSHA's ladder guidance says to inspect the ladder before using it, set it on firm, level ground and keep three points of contact while climbing. Buhata's own suggestion is to hire a pro for a second-storyUser storyA short description of something a product should do, written from the point of view of the person who needs it, often in the form "As a, I want, so that." See more gutter.

Related Terms and Categories

• Gutter cleaning

  Clearing leaves, needles and debris out of roof gutters and downspouts so rain drains away. CSU Extension advises spring and fall at a minimum.

• Gutter guards

  Covers, screens or inserts fitted to a roof gutter to keep leaves and debris out while letting rain through, so the gutter needs clearing less often.

• Sump pump

  A pump set in a pit in a basement floor that switches on as groundwater collects there and sends it through a pipe away from the house.

• Roof inspection

  A look over a roof and the attic beneath it for damaged shingles, wear and leaks. FEMA advises checking the roof surface at least once a year.

• Mold

  A fungus that grows indoors wherever moisture lingers. EPA says fix the water problem, then scrub it off hard surfaces with detergent and water.

• Seasonal home maintenance

  Home upkeep sorted by time of year, so each job lands when the weather suits it and before the system it protects is needed most.

Home maintenance and repairs