Starting at the roof and ending at the downspouts, gutter systems quietly collect water and move it from the gutter to the ground, keeping the home protected from all sorts of problems. But sometimes, no matter how good the gutter system is, surface runoff can still create a soggy situation.
One solution for homes struggling with eroding landscapes, soggy lawns, or, worst of all, water running toward the foundation is to pipe the water underground.
That’s right: many homeowners across the Traverse City area connect their gutter system to an underground drainage system, allowing them to drain water to a better location. Surprisingly, homeowners can manage this as a DIY project; the key is knowing what to do before picking up a shovel. In this guide, you’ll learn why gutter drainage underground works for some properties and how to tell whether it’s right for yours. You’ll also get guidance on choosing materials, planning a layout, and a basic DIY plan almost anyone (with a little skill and a shovel) can execute. And don’t stress! If you want underground drainage without doing all the work, we have something for you too.
Why Take Gutter Drainage Underground?
Homeowners choose to take gutter drainage underground for many reasons, but one of the most common is aesthetics, or “looks.” Options like downspout extensions and splash blocks can look like an eyesore, so burying the drainage system eliminates most visible hardware and the cluttered, messy look.
Practical benefits that go beyond aesthetics include:
- Moving water farther away from the home’s foundation.
- Reducing soil erosion underneath and near the downspouts.
- Protecting landscaping near the downspouts, as well as flower beds and lawns where water can run.
- Eliminating water pooling around the foundation (as long as the system is functioning properly).
- Keeping water off of walkways.
- Eliminating muddy areas around the downspouts.
Underground drainage systems can be particularly helpful here in Northern Michigan, where one heavy rainfall can send massive amounts of water through the gutters. Keeping drainage underground lets the system move large amounts of water farther from the foundation and protect plants and walkways.
How Does Underground Drainage Work?
Underground drainage is fairly simple. Essentially, a pipe is connected to the end of a downspout where water normally exits the system, and it is buried in a shallow trench. With a carefully calculated slope that keeps water moving through the buried pipe, the underground drainage system discharges water at a chosen endpoint. Sometimes underground drainage pipes discharge water into the open, but often water exits through pop-up emitters or into a dry well.
Is Underground Drainage Right for Your Property?
Underground drainage systems are a great way to control water runoff from the gutters, but they’re not right for every home. First, you must answer the most important question: where will the water go? For an underground drainage system to make sense, the property must have an appropriate place to pipe the water. If the only available drainage locations are in low spots, moving the drainage will not solve any problems.
Other important considerations to determine if an underground drainage system is appropriate for your property are:
- Soil type
- Yard slope
- Location of trees, gardens, sidewalks, irrigation systems, septic tanks, and other landscape features that could complicate the project.
- Existing utilities
- Local regulations
If you can’t find an adequate discharge location, aren’t sure your property can support an underground system, or don’t know your local regulations, it may be time to contact a rain gutter company in Traverse City before starting the project.
So, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how to install underground drainage for your gutters.
Choosing the Right Materials
Every underground drainage installation varies somewhat in materials, depending on the length and complexity of the system. Generally speaking, most residential installations require the same basic components, including:
- A solid drainage pipe. Again, for most residential projects, a 4” PVC pipe is recommended. Perforated pipe is also available but is usually used farther from the home for gradual seepage.
- Connectors (downspout adaptors) and fittings connect the downspout to the underground pipe and allow direction changes if needed.
- Pop-up emitters are a popular option for the end of the drainage line. These devices sit flush with the ground and then “pop up” when pressure builds, allowing the water to exit.
- Gravel or crushed stone for the bedding of the pipe
- Landscape fabric to prevent soil from plugging the system.
- Access points for future maintenance and cleaning.
Different material options are available and may depend on your regional area. In Michigan, we need to select materials that are rated for freeze resistance.
Planning the Layout
Once you decide to move forward, it’s time to map out the entire system. The number one rule for any project that requires digging is to call and have utilities marked first. Once the utilities are marked with flags, you can establish the underground route.
Starting at the downspout, plan a trench route that avoids the foundation, property lines, sidewalks, and low spots in the yard that could flood. A professional rain gutter company would stay at least 6 to 10 feet from any of the structures mentioned. Keep the path as straight as possible, avoiding bends and turns that can slow water flow and trap debris, leading to clogs.
Use these seven simple steps to plan the layout:
- Where will the pipe begin?
- Where will it end?
- Are there any turns?
- Where will the fittings be placed?
- Where will the outlet or pop-up emitters be located?
- Are there any potential obstacles?
- Does the elevation difference between the beginning and end support gravitational flow?
This last question is especially important because water needs to move through the pipe. The slope can vary from system to system, but a common target is around 1%, or 1” of drop for every 8’ of pipe.
How to Install Underground Drainage: A Basic DIY Plan
Once the utilities have been marked, the materials are purchased, and the layout is planned, it’s time to get to work.
- First, mark your drainage route with stakes or marking paint and double-check your planned path for obstacles.
- Grab a shovel (and a buddy if you can) and start digging. The depth depends on the pipe you are using, but it needs to be deep enough for the pipe and to provide adequate cover. As you dig, maintain the planned slope.
- Prepare the gravel bed for the drain pipe. This will help support the pipe and add stability to the trench.
- Prepare the pipe by cutting it to the appropriate lengths and lay the pieces along the trench instead of placing them inside before a final evaluation.
- Once the pipe is ready, place it inside the trench and join the sections with the appropriate fittings.
- Connect the downspout to the underground drainage pipe using the correct adaptor so that the water cannot escape.
- At the end of the route, install the selected drainage component (pop-up emitter).
- Test the system by running water through the gutter system from the top of the downspout to confirm all connections are secure and water discharges where intended.
- Finally, fill the trench with a thin layer of gravel and then top off with soil. Gently tamp the ground to settle it, then replace the sod or add mulch.
Underground Drainage Without Doing All the Work
If that sounded like a lot of work, that’s because it kind of is. For some, tackling an underground DIY project sounds like fun, but for others, the planning and physical labor are daunting. Fortunately, with a professional rain gutter company, you can get underground drainage without ever picking up a shovel yourself. Specializing in all things gutters, local experts have the skill, experience, and tools to install an underground drainage system on your Traverse City property, suited to local soil and freeze conditions. Taking the guesswork out of the process, gutter professionals can deliver underground drainage that you can be confident in.
A Better Path for Your Gutter Water
For many homeowners, taking gutter drainage underground is a smart way to keep water from causing trouble around their house while keeping the yard cleaner and less cluttered. With careful planning, the right materials, and the right slope, DIY homeowners can install their own underground drainage system.
Of course, don’t forget several important details. First, always call and schedule utility mapping before you dig. Once the utilities are marked, take your time, plan the straightest route possible, maintain the right slope for proper drainage, and make sure the system works before burying it. If you’d rather skip the work, partner with a local rain gutter company that can deliver a reliable underground drainage system without all the work.