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Many homeowners connect their gutters to underground drains to carry rainwater away from their homes.
In this article, you will learn where underground faucets are, how to clean them, the advantages and disadvantages of having them, as well as some helpful tips for installing them.
What are underground downspouts?
Underground downspouts are vertical pipes connected to the gutters of a home or building that collect, carry or redirect rainwater away from the building. Downspouts aid gutter drainage by diverting water to the street, a nearby drainage system or the side of your home.
When these underground drains get clogged, water will overflow in different places, causing damage to your drain system.
Keep in mind that the drain may be slightly clogged, allowing a little water to pass through, or it may be completely clogged, allowing no water to pass through.
Many of the difficulties associated with exposure to excessive moisture levels can be avoided with a well-constructed and precisely designed downspout and gutter system. In addition, if your gutter systems are neat and attractive, they can help increase the curb appeal and value of your home or company.
A blocked drainage system can also cause foundation damage, corrosion, mold growth, landscape damage, and erosion.
Should you consider building underground downspouts?
So you want to install underground downspouts, but you don’t know if it’s the best option. Below are some pros and cons to help you decide.
These factors might not apply to everyone, but it’s still good to consider these aspects. Pros Cons
If you are looking for a simple waterproofing solution that takes up little space, installing underground downspouts can be a good investment. Additionally, they work with other methods and drainage systems to protect against potential flooding and other water damage.
You won’t have to worry about these downspouts disrupting your landscaping or getting in the way while doing maintenance around your home since they are underground. Moreover, they are also a perfect selling point if you are planning to sell your home.
It’s worth noting that these downspouts are most effective in properties that suffer light to moderate flooding. Homes with a history of flooding, on the other hand, may require a combination of waterproofing and flood-remediation measures to achieve the best results.
Some of the waterproofing measures you can install alongside your underground drains include internal drainage systems, a sump pump, a humidifier, a vapor barrier, and waterproof insulation.
Tips for Installing Underground Downspouts
Most people want to do the installation work without any experience to save time and money.
But unfortunately, this trend can make flooding worse for homeowners like you, and can even cause damage to non-problem areas. Today’s Homeowner Tip
When you are considering waterproofing your home, the best thing to do is to contact a professional contractor who specializes in this field.
Often, these contractors will provide you with a free inspection and offer advice as a reference to base your underground downspouts installation budget on.
That being said, if you choose to invest in having them installed, the installation process isn’t particularly difficult. Depending on the area of your home and lawn, your average contractor will be able to install your downspouts within a day or two.
How to Unclog an Underground Downspout
If you have high humidity levels in your home, overflowing gutters, water collecting around trench lines, it means it’s time to clean it. In addition, you will need to clean and maintain other drainage systems to maintain your protection from flooding and other water damages for a long time.
Leaving your underground drains blocked puts you at risk and potentially causes what you were trying to prevent to happen in the first place, such as water pooling in the basement.Today’s Homeowner Tip
Cleaning your underground drains can be a difficult task. But if you think you can’t do it yourself, you can call a professional to clean them.
This process usually involves the following steps:
- First, you’ll want to take apart the drain.
- Then, insert the plumber’s auger into the drain to begin cleaning.
- Next, rotate it until you feel debris collect on the tool.
- When you feel you’ve collected enough debris, pull the tool back out and repeat the process, proceeding to Step 5.
- Clear your drains using a garden hose to ensure water continues to flow easily through the pipes.
conclusion
If you don’t know whether to install underground downspouts, consider the pros and cons. Even though not everything discussed will apply to most people, it’s a good thing to consider.
Remember that if you notice any water problems, you need to check whether your drainage system needs repairs. Also, you can seek help from professionals in your area.