Standard downpipes can interfere with the overall aesthetic of a home’s exterior. A common reason homeowners prefer to bury their gutter system’s downspouts is to boost curb appeal. However, gutter problems can be harder to identify with underground drains. Being able to recognize potential issuess is essential in keeping your home safe from water damage. Signs your buried downspouts aren’t working include pooling water, basement flooding, and overflowing gutters.
Pooling Water/Stained Pavement
One of the most common signs that buried downspouts aren’t draining properly is pooling water. This typically occurs where the downspout attached to the wall is connected to the underground adapter(s) and pipes.
When the area is paved, the water that spills out from the downspout might have dried up before the pooled runoff is noticed. It’s a sign of underground drainage issues when there are noticeable stains or watermarks on the cement or paving stones.
Basement Flooding
Clogged underground downspouts can cause pooling water around the downspout to accumulate too close to the foundation. When this occurs, runoff can seep into the basement, resulting in flooding. If the basement flooding isn’t because of plumbing issues, sump pump failure, or foundation cracks, check the underground drainage system.
Damaged Foundation
Another tell-tale sign that buried downspouts are having drainage issues is visible damage to the foundation. Pooling water can be responsible for soil erosion; when the earth next to the foundation is washed away, cracks, pinholes, and/or fissures can appear in the cement due to shifting.
Overflowing Gutters
When gutters overflow, the most likely reason is clogged gutter channels. If there are no blockages around the gutter outlet or snagged debris on seams inside the gutters, the clogs are inside the buried downspouts. You might not see overflowing gutters unless you happen to be out in the rain standing directly underneath the eaves. Look for water damage on siding, soffit, and fascia – water can stain cladding or splash up into the roofing system.
Sagging Gutters
Clogged underground downspouts can cause water to backup into the gutters and stay there. Combined with debris, standing water is heavy, putting stress on the gutters. A gutter system starts to sag as the nails holding the gutters in place pull away from the fascia.
Saturated Landscaping
An underground downspout system typically has a discharge area where the runoff is deposited. Depending on the system, it might include a catch basin, pop-up emitter, or a bubbler pot. Saturated flower beds, standing water around trees, or soggy patches of grass is a sign that somewhere the underground downspouts are clogged.
While catch basins can’t be seen, pop-up emitters and bubbler pots are generally flush with the ground. When landscaping becomes oversaturated, check to see if vegetation or grass has become overgrown, preventing the bubbler or pop-up emitter from working.
