A standard gutter system drains runoff from the roof into downpipes that deposit water a safe distance away from your foundation. In situations where this might not be possible – too close to another person’s property line; soil compaction issues cause pooling; or water is being deposited into a high-traffic area – a better solution might be underground drainage for your gutters.
What are Buried Downspouts?
Designed to carry runoff away from the foundation of your home, buried downspouts, also known as underground drains or underground downspouts, are pipes that connect to the gutters. They are typically constructed of PVC, galvanized steel, or corrugated pipe.
Benefits of Buried Downspouts
In a standard gutter system, downpipes and downspout extensions sit directly on the lawn, and can become obstacles when cutting the grass or impede foot traffic. Underground drainage doesn’t have these problems. Other benefits of buried downspouts include:
- Protects from basement flooding
- Boosts your property’s curb appeal
- Prevents water damage to your foundation
- Eliminates common landscaping drainage issues such as standing water, poor grading (water runs towards house), and soil erosion
Components of Underground Drainage Systems
No house, or the property it sits on, is exactly the same. To make your underground drainage system fully functional, you might have to add a French drain or install a downspout extension vent. Main components of an underground drainage system are:
- Trench – pathway from the vertical downpipe to the underground discharge area
- Downspout adapter – connects existing downspout to the buried downspout; often comes with a filter or vent for easy maintenance
- Downspout extension – the underground pipe that will move water away from the foundation to the discharge point. It can be solid, corrugated, or perforated
- Catch basin – collects surface water and filters it before runoff enters the underground pipes
- Bubbler pot – allows excess water to collect until it builds up enough to be released into the lawn
- Pop-up emitter – a device that pops up to emit water, then closes back down
DIY or Hire a Pro
To DIY a buried downspout, you will need to:
- Map out a route and plan how the runoff will travel from point A to point B (degree of slope)
- Dig a trench – it should be deep enough for the pipe to be below the frost line (contact BC 1 Call before digging)
- Remove the existing downspout elbow
- Connect the downspout adapter
- Place the pipe into the trench at the appropriate angle
- If you will be adding a catch basin, install it before filling in the trench; if you will be using a pop-up emitter, attach it after
- Fill in the trench
Depending on the complexity of the project, a contractor will be able to handle all aspects of creating the best underground drainage system for you and your home. If the pipe can travel in a straight line from the downspout to the drainage area it will be easier to install than an underground network of pipes required to avoid trees and other obstacles that could interfere with the pipe’s functionality. If you are unsure about how to complete any of the steps or which techniques to use, hire a professional to install the buried downspout.
