
3 Steps to Repairing Your Underground Gutter Drainage System
- Repairing Visible Ends. The first thing you want to do is conduct a visible repair. Visible repairs are done at the ends of the underground downspout pipe.
- Locating Your Gutter Drainage System. If there is no damage to the gutter drainage system at one of the visible ends, the first thing you need to ...
- Underground Gutter Repair. One you have located the area of the underground drainage pipe that is damaged, you will need to dig out a work area.
How to fix downspout problems?
What Are the Best Ways to Fix Yard Drainage Problems?
- Switch to a Reduced Watering Schedule. Naturally, everyone likes to have a lovely and lush garden or a lawn. ...
- Extend or Redirect Your Downspout. The downspout is an integral part of your gutter system. ...
- Build a Rain Garden. ...
- Dig a Dry Creekbed. ...
- Dig a French Drain. ...
- Dig a Dry Well. ...
- Install an Underground Drainage Pipe. ...
How to drain downspout water flow away from a house?
Where Should Downspouts Drain?
- Drainage Pit. A drainage pit accommodates rainwater safely without interfering with your house foundations. ...
- Rain Barrel. Unlike the drainage pit, the rain barrel is relatively easy to set up. ...
- Rainwater Collection System. This is not a sophisticated or elaborate system, as the name suggests. ...
How to install downspout drainage?
Installing a downspout is probably the last item that a person will do when installing a rain gutter. It is important that the downspout is of the correct length to catch rainwater. Step 1 - Measure the Length of the Downspout. Measure the distance from the drain point of the rain gutter to the ground. When measuring, be sure to start from the ...
How to repair a downspout?
How to Repair Leaking or Separated Gutter Downspouts
- Take Basic Safety Precautions. Prepare yourself by wearing plastic gloves and some form of protective clothing. ...
- Inspect and Clean Leaking, Cracked Downspout. Inspect the leaking downspout. ...
- Clean and Re-seal Leaking Gutter Downspout Using Silicone Caulk Tube. ...
- Conduct Other Repairs in Separated Downspout. ...
- Secure Leaking, Separated Downspouts. ...

How do you fix an underground downspout?
1:553:52How to repair a downspout drain pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut now we'll be able to add the the coupler here to the downspout. And get this going we'll take aMoreBut now we'll be able to add the the coupler here to the downspout. And get this going we'll take a couple ridges off just to make this flow a little bit better but we'll get that cut get it attached.
How do you seal an old downspout hole?
2:4616:42How to Add or Move A Downspout to Your Gutter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing the osi we put a nice bead a caulking bead all the way around this this little area right hereMoreUsing the osi we put a nice bead a caulking bead all the way around this this little area right here that we want to seal. Up then what we're going to do is take a piece of old gutter.
How do you fix a corrugated drain pipe?
3:2610:21See Failed Corrugated Pipe | How to Fix, DIY for Homeowners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're going to show you how to do that real simple repair you just got to expose the collapsedMoreWe're going to show you how to do that real simple repair you just got to expose the collapsed section cut it out put a new piece of pipe in.
How do I attach a PVC pipe to a downspout?
0:130:48How to connect your downspout to your drain pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat you're going to want to do is slide this on to your downspout. Then apply your PVC glue to theMoreWhat you're going to want to do is slide this on to your downspout. Then apply your PVC glue to the inside of this fitting. And also to your drain pipe stick.
How do you seal a gutter downpipe?
Clean and dry the area around the damage.Use a sealant gun to apply the sealant thickly over the crack or hole.Spread the sealant out over the surrounding area with a sealant smoothing tool (or your finger if you are wearing gloves).Allow sealant to set and then repeat the process on the outside of the damaged area.More items...•
Can you patch a hole in a gutter?
Patching a hole (If a gutter isn't draining properly, it's either not sloping toward the downspout or it's sagging and needs to be raised.) You have to patch any hole right away so it doesn't grow larger. Buy a tube of roofing cement ($1.40) and a metal-repair patch several inches larger than the damaged area.
How do you fix a black drain pipe?
1:059:26How to Repair Collapsed Corrugated Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey definitely crushed that line so now we're just basically we're cleaning out that trench we'veMoreThey definitely crushed that line so now we're just basically we're cleaning out that trench we've got to make a nice clean trench go a little deeper. So that we have a good piece of pipe to lay
Will corrugated drain pipe collapse?
5:266:54Which is Stronger, PVC or Corrugated Pipe - Actual Crush Test with 7600 ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay you can see the 6-inch definitely collapsed and broke. But remember we were laying just in aMoreOkay you can see the 6-inch definitely collapsed and broke. But remember we were laying just in a trench like this boom with a good two to three inches of pipe exposed above the ground corrugated is
Will corrugated pipe collapse underground?
Corrugated Pipe Installed Underground WILL Fail Driving a riding lawn mower across the earth above this pipe, even walking across it, can cause the pipe to crush and cause a water flow problem it was supposed to be fixing. We use 3,000 Pound Crush PVC pipe which will never collapse.
What type of pipe is used for downspout drainage?
PVC pipeThe Short Answer There are two main types of pipe used in residential settings to transfer rain water. Corrugated pipe and PVC pipe. Corrugated pipe is the cheapest, easiest, and most common option. But we advise people against using corrugated pipe to transfer water underground.
How do you install a drain pipe for a downspout?
2:3511:26Roof Drain, Downspout Drain Pipe, How to Install - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're going to bring that. Around. Then we're going to make our way over here to the main drainageMoreWe're going to bring that. Around. Then we're going to make our way over here to the main drainage line that pulls water away from the area it's a solid pipe.
Should you bury your downspouts?
Downspouts should be buried at least a foot deep underground. If you live in a cold climate, keep in mind that the frost line falls between 36 and 48 inches underground. In that case, you should dig down to below that depth to previent the need to thaw your gutters and downspouts during a cold snap.
How do you seal an outside drain pipe?
0:332:10how To Properly Seal A Drain Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGot some rubber cement here what you're gonna do is take your rubber cement. And put it inside ofMoreGot some rubber cement here what you're gonna do is take your rubber cement. And put it inside of the pipe. And I got one hand here guys. So just do that I've already cleaned off my pipe.
How do you Reslope gutters?
Snap a chalk line from the first and highest mark to the mark by the downspout end. Place the gutter back against the fascia and line it up with the chalk line. Tighten the gutter brackets to hold the gutter in the new position. Check your work by running a garden hose in the gutter.
How do I improve my gutter downspout drainage?
10 Gutter and Downspout Runoff Drainage TipsInspect & Clear Out Your Gutters Regularly. ... Install Gutter Guards. ... Landscape Plants. ... Extend Your Downspouts. ... Route the Water into a Storm Drain or Dry Well. ... Improve Your Grading & Slope. ... Check for Low Spots Around Your Home. ... Consider Installing “french drains,”More items...•
What is a downspout drain?
Downspout drainpipes are used to direct the water that runs off of a structure's roof through the downspout to a ditch, drainfield or other suitable outlet. A broken drainpipe can lead to unsightly puddling or wet spots in a yard or cause dampness or damage in a structure, basement or crawlspace, affecting its appeal and real estate value.
What is a drain pipe made of?
Most drainpipes leading away from downspouts will be made from solid or perforated PVC piping. However, some drain lines may be made out of ABS or corrugated plastic. In these cases use replacement piping, fittings and an adhesive suitable for use with the specific pipe material.
How to remove plastic burrs from pipe?
Deburr the end of each pipe. Run a piece of sandpaper over the interior of each opening to remove plastic burrs.
How to find buried utilities?
Contact your utility companies or use a digger's hotline to determine the locations of any buried utilities prior to beginning.
How to remove old rivets?
Using a drill bit the same size as the old rivets – in this case 1/8” – drill straight through the center of the old rivet until it pops out of place. You’ll be left with the original 1/8” hole the rivets went into. Repeat for the opposite side until all rivets have been removed.
How to replace a spherical elbow?
Slide the elbow onto the bottom of the replaced section. You may need to use pliers to crimp the end of the replacement section so it fits into the new elbow. Once the elbow is in place, you’re done.
Can you remove a downspout?
Now you can easily remove the section of damaged downspout and dispose of as needed.
What to do if underground drain pipe is damaged?
If the underground drain pipe is damaged at the exit point, you can just replace that section.
How to repair a clogged wire?
Use a wire with a metal attachment and run it all the way through your underground drainage system. If your wire hits an area that is clogged, you will know that you have likely reached the damaged area. Use a metal detector to locate the metal attachment that is attached to the wire being blocked by the clog. Now you will know where to start digging to make the repair.
Is corrugated pipe flexible?
Corrugated pipe is much more flexible than pvc. Cut the section away a little bit more than the damaged section and replace it. Use heavy duty couplers that actually insert completely into the corrugated pipe. Exterior couplers disconnect from corrugated pipes easily and leak more. If the damaged area is only 6 inches, you are better served to go ahead and cut out a 2 – 3 feet area and use your new pipe and couplers to make a new clean area. This will prevent you from having more problems in the future.
Do you have to work close to the bottom of the downspout?
If you have to repair the pipe near the foundation you will be required to work close to the bottom of the downspout. You will probably have to detach the bottom strap that holds the downspout in place. The downspout will need to be moved out of the way while you are reinstalling your gutter drainage system.
Can you hear a clogged hose from above ground?
It should eventually run into a clog or other evidence of a damaged pipe. Make sure the hose is turned on and the water is spraying with enough force so you can hear it from above ground. If you have someone helping you, one person can run the hose pipe while the other tries to locate the pipe.
Can you cut a section of a downspout?
You may need to cut a section of the downspout to get it out of the way. Once you repair the rain drain pipe, you can slide the section of downspout you removed back on and reconnect it. Usually when you are dealing with pvc pipe, it is better to hire a professional.
Can you move an underground pipe?
The middle of an underground pipe is a lot less forgiving than an end piece. You can’t move the pipe around and it is not as flexible because so much of it is buried beneath the ground. When you have enough room to start repairing the underground drain, cut the damaged section out.
