Gutter Pop-Up Installation

Dig a trench from the bottom of your downspout away from the house at least 10 feet toward an area that slopes away from your foundation so that water, upon exiting, will not wash back toward the house. Dig the trench 10 to 12 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches wide. Leave the dirt and grass along the trench for backfill.

Use a level in the bottom of the trench to make sure that the trench slopes down, so that the pop-up valve will be lower than the bottom of your downspout. One-quarter-inch slant for every 1 foot of trench is optimum. Remove or add dirt as needed to maintain a steady downhill run.

Cut 3 inches of PVC pipe to carry the water. If the pipe is jointed, use 45-degree or less joints and fasten the pieces together with PVC glue, gluing both pieces of each joint then fitting them together firmly. Attach a flexible downspout extension to your downspout with a screw-type hose clamp and a screwdriver. Cut the extension to length to fit onto the end of the PVC and clamp it in place in the same way.

Fit the far end of your PVC into the fitting on the pop-up drain valve. Use PVC glue to ensure a strong joint. Bury the pipe in the trench, leaving the pop-up head of the drain clear so that water will bubble up out of it and drain away from the house.