A downspout that doesn't do its job is a terrible thing for a house. When water isn't redirected away from your home, it will drain into the ground near your house and can seep into your foundation and basement walls, which will weaken the structure and can lead to a buildup of mold and mildew in your basement.
The trouble is, downspouts can easily get kicked or knocked out of alignment, thereby causing foundation issues down the road. Do yourself a favor and make sure your downspouts are set up properly before the winter storms hit.
The first step in protecting your foundation from water damage is to make sure the ground slopes away from your exterior walls. Water that is allowed to pool next to a home will always lead to problems.
Water directed from downspouts should not just dump into the ground, but be directed through the use of a concrete trough or permeable rock channel. Plastic gutters can also be placed directly under downspouts to assist in guiding the water. So make sure those are in place. Then, remember to regularly inspect your gutters for obstructions, and don't forget the downspouts.
Timothy is a lifelong DIY enthusiast who is fixated on smart home tech, beautiful tools, and wrenching on his FJ62 Land Cruiser. He’s the DIY editor at Popular Mechanics and also the founder of the home improvement site, Charles & Hudson, the Webby-nominated family site, Built by Kids, and Tool Crave. When not working, you’ll find him on his board or bike enjoying the LA weather with his family and friends. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
