How to Bury a Gutter Downspout

Gutter downspouts collect rainwater that falls on the roof of a house and directs it away from the home. Unfortunately, downspouts sometimes simply direct the water to the foundation of the home, which can lead to moisture seepage problems in the basement. One solution to this common problem is to bury the gutter downspout and connect it to an underground drain system that carries the rainwater further out away from the home.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• 4-inch plastic SDR-35 sewer pipe
• PVC pipe cement

Instructions

1. Check with the building and inspections department of your county to determine if there are any special stormwater regulations. Ask if stormwater can be drained into the yard, as some counties do not permit this.

2. Call the gas, electric and water companies before digging to ensure that you know where all cables and pipes are buried. If you cut a cable or pipe, you can be held responsible for the repair cost.

3. Decide where to run the drain line in the yard. This depends on other things buried in the yard such as gas or water lines.

4. Dig a 12- to 14-inch-deep trench along the entire length of area where the drain pipes will be installed. As the trench is dug, create a slope away from the house by creating a 1/8-inch fall for every foot dug. The result is that the beginning of the pipe will be buried rather shallow, while the end furthest from the home will be buried deeper.

5. Attach the end of the pipe closest to the home to the gutter downspout. To do this, attach a 90-degree angle pipe fitting to the downspout by covering the inside of the angle fitting with PVC cement and then pushing it onto the lower end of the downspout. Cover the inside of the free end of the angle fitting with PVC cement and attach the ground pipe to it.

6. Begin laying sections of 4-inch plastic SDR-35 sewer pipe into the trench. Connect each piece of pipe with a pipe coupling. Rub the inside of the coupling with PVC cement and attach firmly to the other section of pipe by twisting clockwise. To lay pipe at an angle, use a 45-degree angle fitting and attach it with PVC cement as with the other pipe sections.

7. Allow the PVC cement to dry thoroughly for several hours. Cover the trench and pipes with soil.

References

• AskTheBuilder.com: Installing Downspout Drain Lines