Can a Failed Downspout Create a Basement Leak?

Clogs and Debris

• Any number of materials can clog downspouts, leading to problems. Asphalt shingles do loosen the small stone material on the surface, which washes down to the eave troughs and downspouts. Wash these materials out of the eves about once a year. Leaves and other wind-borne debris also accumulate in the eaves. Remove this material in the fall, after all the leaves have fallen, to avoid problems with spring rains. A wire mesh cap over the eave trough can also help limit the accumulation of debris.

Elbows and Extensions

• A right angle elbow at the bottom of the downspout diverts the water from running straight down along the basement wall. Adding an extension to the elbow carries the water further away from the basement. Rigid extensions get in the way of mowing and yard work but are most effective. Flexible extensions roll up and out of the way when the area is dry and extend during rain.

Added Drainage

• Ground sloping away from the home increases the runoff and permits less water to soak into the ground along the basement foundation. Install and maintain a sump pump in the basement to handle water infiltration that may occur. Providing extensions for the downspouts does no good if the ground slopes back to the house.

Benefits

• Along with decreasing the chances of water leakage into the basement, an eave trough and downspout system reduces erosion around the house. Clogged downspouts cause the eave troughs to overflow, creating a wall of water washing straight down at the roof line, which can cause erosion, especially in flowerbeds. The water also washes away mulch and other landscape elements near the home.