Gutter systems are so important for protecting homes. From flooding basements to washed-out flower gardens, gutters work nonstop, protecting our homes and properties from a multitude of problems by moving water off the roof and away from them. For many homes with drainage challenges or those who are focused on aesthetic appeal, choosing underground downspouts keeps yards looking clean and water far away from the home.
While offering an exceptional way to protect foundations, reduce erosion, and enhance a home’s appearance, underground drainage systems can cause real problems if they clog. Like any part of a hardworking system, underground downspouts need occasional maintenance. If they are neglected, water has nowhere to go and will spill out in various spots, increasing the risk of costly water damage.
This guide will help readers better understand underground downspouts, how they work, why they are beneficial, and how to recognize when something isn’t right. Readers will also learn how to safely clear a blockage, and better yet, how to prevent one in the first place. If you have downspouts buried on your property or are considering having them installed, this one’s for you.
What Are Underground Downspouts and Why Are They Beneficial?
Also called buried drains or French drains, underground downspouts have been around for over 100 years. Much like downspouts that discharge water at ground level, underground downspouts are just another extension of the gutter system. Rather than water flowing into garden spaces, underground downspouts are buried to carry water farther away from the home. With underground downspouts, water flows to a safe discharge point, like:
- Pop-up emitters
- Slope discharge
- Dry well
- Storm sewer
- French drain
- Sump pump
Although underground drains are buried out of view, they move a considerable amount of water away from the home, whether we see it or not. And with any gutter system, if any part of the path gets clogged, the entire system fails to do its job.
Many homeowners, including those living in Michigan, choose underground drainage systems because they solve problems that above-ground downspouts cannot. Some of the biggest advantages of having underground downspouts include:
- Better protection for the foundation
- Reducing soil erosion
- Flood prevention
- Improved curb appeal
- Convenience during landscaping and mowing
Although the flood risk in Traverse City is low to moderate, heavy spring rains and winter snowmelt increase the risks, making underground drainage an excellent investment in water management. However, because underground downspouts are hidden, problems can easily go unnoticed if homeowners don’t pay attention.
What Happens When an Underground Downspout Becomes Clogged?
There’s no denying that underground downspouts are effective at managing water, but like all parts of a gutter system, they aren’t maintenance-free. When they become blocked with dirt, leaves, twigs, roots, and other debris, water cannot drain properly. As clogs grow, the blockage eventually keeps water from draining at all, until it backs up through the entire system. A clogged underground downspout can lead to:
- Water overflowing from the gutter runs.
- Erosion at or near the foundation.
- Excessive moisture in the home that can lead to mold and mildew growth.
- Flooding in the basement or crawl space.
- Washed-out landscape.
With clogged gutters, the longer they go unnoticed, the more damage water can cause. So, how can homeowners tell when their underground downspouts may be clogged? Let’s take a look.
Signs Your Underground Downspout May Be Clogged
Luckily for homeowners, underground clogs often provide warning signs before a major catastrophe. Homeowners should watch for the following:
- Overflowing gutters during light to moderate rain
- Soggy or damp ground, especially along the trench line of the underground downspout
- Gurgling noises coming from near where the downspout enters the ground
- Standing water around the foundation
- Increased moisture (mildew growth) inside the home
- Water in the basement or crawl space
When homeowners know what to look for and take the time to do so, these warning signs allow for early intervention and help avoid costly problems later on. Now, let’s learn what to do in the event an underground downspout is clogged.
How to Clear a Clogged Underground Downspout
Usually, homeowners can handle a small clog in an underground downspout without too much trouble or any specialized tools. For a minor clog, try these easy DIY steps:
- First, clean debris off of any surface-level drains.
- Next, detach the downspout from the underground pipe (if possible).
- Use a garden hose or pressure washer to flush the line, starting from the top. If water backs up, the blockage is confirmed.
- To remove the clog, use a plumber’s snake and insert it into the downspout, twisting it to collect debris. Pull it out, remove any debris, and repeat at least 5 times, or until the snake comes out clean.
- Once the obstruction has been removed, flush the system one more time to ensure proper flow and reconnect the external downspout.
When clogs are severe, attempts are unsuccessful, or the homeowner is simply uncomfortable performing the task themselves, contact local professionals who offer gutter services. Experienced gutter professionals have the tools and the knowledge to safely remove any clogs and make any repairs necessary, hopefully without having to dig up the landscape. Ideally, the best scenario is to avoid a clog in the first place.
Preventing Future Clogs in Underground Downspouts
The best thing a homeowner can do is prevent an underground clog, as it is much easier to prevent one than to deal with it. The following practices are simple steps that homeowners can take to reduce the chances of a clogged underground drain:
Regular maintenance, which includes cleaning and minor repairs, is the most straightforward way to keep underground drains from clogging and causing trouble. By removing leaves and debris from the gutter system before they ever have a chance to enter the underground downspout, homeowners prevent blockages in these hard-to-reach areas.
Periodic Inspections of the entire drainage system help homeowners identify issues before they escalate into bigger problems. The entire gutter system needs to be inspected at least two times a year during semi-annual cleanings and also after heavy storms.
Gutter guard installation will help reduce the amount of debris that enters the gutter system while still allowing water to flow smoothly. Although gutter guards do not eliminate the need for routine cleanings and inspections, they can keep out up to 95% of the debris that could otherwise end up in an underground downspout.
Flush underground drains periodically by running water through the downspouts and ensuring there are no blockages and that water is flowing freely.
Work with a professional offering Traverse City gutter services who can inspect, identify, and resolve any issues with an underground downspout. Not only do gutter professionals have the experience, skill, and tools to perform the job correctly, but they can also offer additional preventive suggestions, such as installing filters over the drains or making suggestions regarding landscaping issues that the average homeowner may not pick up on.
At the end of the day, there’s no denying that regular maintenance is the best thing homeowners can do to help prevent their underground downspouts from becoming clogged. And by partnering with professional gutter service providers, homeowners can keep their underground downspouts functioning for many years.
Don’t Wait for a Backup: Stay Proactive, Stay Protected
Just because something is out of view doesn’t mean we don’t have to pay attention to it. Although underground downspouts are out of sight, they are still a very critical part of your home’s water management system. When designed well, installed correctly, and properly maintained, underground downspouts are an efficient and “invisible” solution for water runoff. However, when clogs go undetected and the underground system is neglected, the effects quickly spread through the entire system, causing untold damage. By regularly inspecting and caring for the entire gutter system, underground downspouts included, homeowners can rest assured knowing that water is flowing smoothly storm after storm, year after year.