It is very important to have sufficient and properly located gutters and downspout lines on your home, as downspouts are the most common cause of basement water problems. If you see water overflowing from your gutters or downspouts and have already checked to be sure they are not clogged, then you either have a problem with the discharge drain line or an inadequate downspout, which is too narrow to carry the water in a heavy rain. In this case, you will want to install a larger diameter downspout.
Be sure you have gutters on all the eaves and that no water is flowing directly onto the side of your house. If it is install gutters and a downspout where it can be discharged at least 10 feet away from the home, but preferably going to a drain line to a curb or storm sewer or other appropriate discharge area.
Check your downspout and drain lines carefully. Repair or replace whatever you can. The easiest thing to do is to go to your local “Do It Yourself” hardware store, explain the problem, and buy a ready-made fitting to replace any broken ones. Make sure water is not leaking from the gutters or downspout lines.
Downspout discharge drain lines are very important. They must be working. You can check them by putting a garden hose in the fitting where the downspout enters (usually about a foot above ground) and turning it on. Be sure to note the amount of flow and after allowing enough time for the water to travel through the pipe, watch to see that approximately the same amount of water comes out at the curb or discharge area.
If you suspect blockage, have Roto-Rooter clean them out. If they can’t be cleared, install a new line. You may have to replace the buried downspout discharge drain lines, as “Rooter-Rootering” may not permanently repair the problem or may not be able to open the line, or may damage a fragile line. If there is a breach in the line, water will be leaking from it, even if some water still flows at the discharge area (curb or other down slope location). The material is about 40 cents per foot. These lines usually curve about one foot down in the ground and run at that level to the discharge point.
Installation usually costs $4 or $5 per foot, but you can do it for much less. The trench should be about 5 inches wide and about 14 inches or so deep. It needs to be sloped gently toward the discharge point.
As always, I wish you good fortune and success solving your waterproofing problems. Take a deep breath and try not to get discouraged if things don’t go quickly and easily, as is often the case. Don’t take it personally. Remember, nearly every solution which now exist was acquired by trial and error by someone who was frustrated before you. Persevere, you’ll get the job done and feel very good about it.
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