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This has been reviewed and updated on 3/2/2021.

 

A Home Maintenance Tip from Archway Home Inspections

Gutter downspouts draining next to the house foundation will damage the foundation and lead to moisture penetration into the basement.” How many times have I made this inspection comment over the last 18 years? 

To protect your home and its foundation, follow these downspout rules of thumb:

  • The Placement Rule: Ensure proper drainage and prevent overflowing water by placing at least one downspout for every 40 linear feet of gutter. 
  • The Extension Rule: Use downspout extensions if there are no drain pipe positions available to remove the water from the house. Make sure the discharge point is at least six feet from the property. 
  • The Distance Rule: Collecting large amounts of water from a roof and dumping it next to one area of the foundation causes damage. Downspouts should drain at least six feet from the foundation.
  • The Pooling Rule: Discharge points that are not properly pitched away from the home will create pools of backed-up water. They will increase ground seepage and leak into the basement. 
  • The Underground Rule: In some neighborhoods or with some older homes a downspout cannot drain directly to the ground but must connect to an underground pipe that drains to the municipal storm sewer or the municipal sanitary sewer. Verify with your neighbors or the local municipality if this is the case with your house.

 

-          Jeff Tikkanen

Archway Home Inspections, LLC

 

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