Should a Downspout Disappear Underground?

On some homes, the downspout ends above the lawn.

On others, it enters a buried pipe.

Underground drainage can create a cleaner-looking exterior and move water farther from the building.

But it only works when the buried system stays open.

Where Does the Pipe Go?

Before connecting a downspout, know the outlet.

It might lead to:

• Daylight farther down the property
• An approved stormwater system
• Another drainage feature

A pipe that disappears underground with no known outlet deserves investigation.

What Can Go Wrong?

Buried drainage can become:

• Clogged
• Crushed
• Disconnected
• Root-intruded
• Frozen

When that happens, water may back up toward the downspout.

Why Is Maintenance Harder?

You cannot easily see the inside of a buried line.

That means recurring:

• Gutter backup
• Water escaping at joints
• Slow drainage

may require further investigation.

Should Every Downspout Be Buried?

No.

Simple above-ground discharge may work well when:

• Grade slopes away
• Water has a safe destination
• Extension length is adequate

Hidden Drainage Is Useful Only When You Know Where the Water Goes.

Envirotech Exteriors can assess the visible eavestrough and downspout system and identify when underground drainage needs additional investigation.