Why Do I Need Downspout Extensions?

Many older homes feature downspouts connected to a municipal sewer system. While this seemed like a good idea at the time, many municipalities discovered heavy rains can overload storm sewer capacity, resulting in overflows and backups in sewage treatment plants; this can then lead to raw sewage entering lakes and streams, which provide our drinking water. This is why structures of this type are now required to be disconnected by local governments.

Even if your home does not have this type of downspout extensions, you may still need them to protect against erosion and water damage to the home. Easy to install, they are an affordable solution to a potentially dangerous problem. Basement flooding may cause structural damage to your home and water combined with electricity can be deadly. Mold infestations in furnishings and other household items, as well as walls and floors may cause significant health problems. These types can help you manage the water around your home.

Why Downspout Extensions Are Still Needed

If your local government requires you to disconnect the current downspout extension, you may wonder why they are still needed. The answer is simple: these structures redirect water flow away from the home, which may prevent basement flooding, foundation damage and associated health issues.

These structures help homeowners protect the home's foundation and landscaping by skirting sensitive areas and putting the water where it will do the least amount of damage. Most homes have enough land, or access to a street, allowing these structures and adequate water paths to protect your home and family. Properly managed rainwater is usually absorbed by plants and replenishes the natural ground aquifer - without damaging lawns, walkways, and the foundation of the home. Properly managed water flow also helps protect against sewer overflows.

Preventing Erosion Damage With Downspout Extensions

Downspout extensions provide safe pathways for rainwater, away from the walls and foundation of your home. This may help reduce the volume and flow of water in and around your home. These structures may also be used to direct water into pathways or trenches, putting rainwater where you want it and away from sensitive areas. Proper stormwater management may also reduce mosquito infestations by reducing or eliminating mosquito breeding grounds around your home.

Ideally, your downspout extension will discharge rainwater at least 3 feet away from the foundation of your home, six feet is even better. For added convenience, you may want to install retractable types; they can be out of the way when not needed. These structures help reduce erosion, which can compromise the foundation of your home and destroy expensive landscaping. Maintaining these types of structure is very simple.

Downspout extensions provide insurance against damage and disease. Even if your region experiences minimal rain, a sudden squall may lead to foundation damage, basement or crawl space flooding, and muddy holes in your yard.