How to Drain a Downspout Away From the House When the Ground Is Level

Wet basements and damaged property can be the result of water from downspouts collecting around the foundation. When the ground is too flat to drain away from the house, an underground drainage system can convey the water away to a safe discharge point. A perforated pipe releases water slowly, allowing it to infiltrate the ground and reducing the amount of storm water that leaves the property. Consult with a professional about the drainage plan, and check local regulations about acceptable runoff outlets before starting the work.

Shovel
Downspout adapter
Solid drain pipe, 4-inch or 6-inch
Perforated drain pipe, 4-inch or 6-inch
Pipe connector
Gravel, 1/2-inch to 1-inch diameter
Geotextile cloth
Coarse sand
Grass seed

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a trench 5 to 6 inches wide and 8 to 12 inches deep. Start from the downspout and end at a swale, ditch or storm drain, sloping the trench away from the house. Line the trench with 1 to 2 inches of gravel and geotextile fabric.
- 2
  Lay perforated pipe in the trench from the outlet to where it will be connected to the solid pipe. Wrap the geotextile cloth around the pipe.
- 3
  Connect the solid pipe to the downspout with the downspout adapter. Connect the other end of the solid pipe to the perforated pipe with the pipe connector.
- 4
  Fill around the pipes with at least 1 inch of gravel. Lay 4 or 5 inches of coarse sand on top of the pipe. Cover with grass seed.

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