Want to hide your gutter downspout but don’t know how? How about adequately installing your gutter downspout so that it can be appropriately buried? Well, if that is so, then this blog may help you a lot.
Some tasks are easy to do but seem very hectic. This task is one of those tasks that is easy to do when done properly but becomes very hectic after every mistake.
If you want to improve your home’s drainage system while maintaining your lawn’s appearance, burying your gutter downspout is the way to go. By installing it underground, you can effectively guide rainwater away from your home and towards the areas of your lawn that need it most. Not only will this protect your home from drainage issues, but it can also save you money by turning the project into a DIY.
Don’t let expenses hold you back from improving your home’s functionality and aesthetics.
How Burying a Gutter Downspout Can be a Good Idea?
A significant advantage of burying a gutter downspout is that it evenly distributes water to the dry parts of your lawn, especially if your lawn has uneven water retention. This makes it an excellent solution for areas that frequently experience rainfall. Proper drainage of water away from your home is crucial as it can cause damage to the structural integrity of your house. Additionally, it can create puddles in your yard, ruining your footwear and causing your pets to leave footprints.
There are the following factors that can help your decision of either burying your gutter downspout or finding a different solution:
- The layout of your yard.
- The climate of the place where you live in.
- The amount of rain you get each year.
Tools Required for Burying Gutter Downspout
- Shovel
- Level
- 2×4
- Rubber mallet
- Chisel
- Utility Knife
Supplies Needed for Burying Gutter Downspout
- PVC Pipe
- Various PVC fittings
- Purple PVC primer and glue
- Black corrugated tiles and fittings
- Three downspout adapters
- One animal guard
- One sack of quick-rete
Steps to Bury a Gutter Downspout
1. Identifying the Problem
Firstly, to start solving your lawn issues, it is important to pinpoint the problem accurately. Are you concerned about the appearance of your lawn, the drainage system, or the uneven distribution of water? Maybe it is all of these issues combined. Once you have identified the problem, you can start finding the best solution. Now that you know what is causing the problem, it is time to get to work.
2. Routing the Downspout
When it comes to managing rainwater in your yard, it is important to remember that each yard is unique. To start, decide where you want the water to go and create a diagram to map out the route for your gutter downspout. To prevent puddles and protect your foundation, it is recommended to drain the downspout on a hill several feet away from your home or into the sidewalk or street. Aluminum downspouts or PVC pipes above ground can work well in yards with rocky soil or lots of shrubs and bushes to hide the extension. The length of your buried downspouts will depend on the size and layout of your yard. Aim for a length of eight to ten feet to ensure that water stays away from your foundation.
3. Digging
Before embarking on your digging project, it is important to take precautions to avoid hitting any gas or utility lines. You can easily do this by contacting your state’s 811 or visiting their website.
Once you have taken care of this, it is time to get started on the fun part! Gather your tools and begin digging along the route you have mapped out for your gutter downspout. While your neighbors may be curious about your project, don’t let their questions distract you. It is important to bury your downspout at least one foot deeper than the ground level.
For those living in colder climates, keep in mind that the frost line typically falls between 36 and 48 inches below the ground. If this applies to you, dig even deeper to ensure proper installation.
Make sure the trench is wide enough to leave four inches of space on both sides of the pipe. Happy digging!
4. Demount the Old Gutter Downspout Extension
To install the plastic extension that will be buried, it is important first to remove any old aluminum extension using a screwdriver. Carefully unscrew the old extension and slide the plastic one into place. When laying down the pipe, ensure the other end is at least 8-10 feet from your home. It is crucial to maintain alignment during the process and handle the equipment with care to avoid injury.
5. New Extension Connection
A perfect plastic downspout extension should be flexible and durable. Using several solid layers of water tape and screws, connect the base of the gutter downspout carefully.
To ensure a reliable downspout extension, choose one that is both flexible and durable. Connect the base of the gutter downspout carefully using multiple layers of water tape and screws. It is important to select an extension that properly fits your gutter downspouts, which are typically either 2 by 3 or 3 by 4 inches.
When it comes to color options, black, white, and brown are the most common options. While color may not be a top priority since the extension will likely be buried underground, it is still important to ensure that it coordinates well with your home’s aesthetic.
Additionally, consider purchasing a vent for easy and affordable gutter maintenance.
6. Setting Your Downspout
Now that you have completed digging your trench, it is time to install the downspout. Make sure to position the downspout extension at a gradual angle to avoid water backup. Before burying the downspout, conduct a final inspection to identify any potential issues, such as high spots, that may hinder water flow. If everything looks good, you can proceed to bury the downspout.
7. Fill the Trench
It is time for the shovel show again! By using your shovel. Cover the downspout extension and fill it with soil. Once it is covered, settle it down carefully and softly.
You are all caught up! Now the job is done, and all you have to do is wait for the coming rainy season to see if you have done a good job or not.
Advantages of Pop-Up Emitter
- The flow of water gets maintained in the flat yards.
- Doesn’t let scattered pieces of waste get into your drain pipe.
- Disguising the end of your downspout extension
Bravo! It’s done. Now you got your gutter downspout fixed perfectly enough to do wonders in the next rainy season.
Benefits of Burying a Gutter Downspout
- Boosts the aesthetics
- Prevents icy spots during winters
- Enhances yard drainage system
- It paves the way for rainwater to move away from your foundation
- Minimalizes the risk of pooling in your yard
- Prevents water damage or leaks in your home
Now let’s begin the steps of burying your gutter downspout. But before we move into the steps, let’s have a quick look at the pieces of equipment you will need to carry out this DIY project efficiently.
Summing It Up
Now that you have come to the end of this blog, we hope that you have a solution to your foundation’s drainage problem. Burying a Gutter Downspout is not as easy a task as it seems. It takes hours of hard work and labor to get this task done.
However, getting this task done by yourself as a DIY is a better option in every way. You get to know more about the problems of your foundation deeply while doing this task. Since it is a task of your home, you will get it done more efficiently and with full dedication. You can even take help from your homies to make this task even more interesting and joyful for all of you. It can even turn into a fun-learning session for your kids and new thing that they will learn about their house maintenance.
All the best for your turn, and try this task!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Any Chance of Freezing in Buried Downspouts?
In cold weather, there is a possibility that buried downspouts may freeze if cold water flows through them. If you suspect that your buried downspout is frozen, you can carefully pour hot water down the top of the downspout to melt it. However, if this method fails, you may need to dig up the downspout. It is important not to use a hammer to break the ice as it can cause damage to your gutter downspout.
Should I Bury My Gutter Downspout?
It depends on your specific situation. If your downspout is currently dumping water too close to your house and causing damage to your foundation or basement, then burying it may be a good solution. However, if the downspout is already directing water away from your home and causing no issues, there may be no need to bury it.
How Much Does It Cost to Bury a Downspout?
Although it depends on the place and the motive because I believe the cost of burying a downspout can vary depending on a few factors, such as the length of the downspout and the depth at which it needs to be buried. It’s probably best to contact a local contractor or landscaper to get a more accurate estimate.
