Downspouts Installation

Downspouts are very crucial. They take all the rain and safely distribute it from the gutter to the most suitable spot away from the foundation. If the water is not diverted you run the risk of the property’s foundation having water damage, erosion, landscaping being destroyed, and other repercussions. If you’re interested in having your downspouts maintained or replaced contact the guttering experts at J.R.B. Enterprises for help.

Installing Downspouts

Our team will calculate the angles, roof shape, and lengths to determine where the best place for your downspouts should go.

Most Downspouts Characteristics:

  • Downspouts are fully enclosed and run from the gutter to the ground.
  • Downspout brackets.
  • Downspouts are always placed at the low points in the gutter to allow the rain to travel easily to them.
  • They are the same material as the gutters.
  • Occasionally a wire strainer over the hole in the gutter to prevent downspouts from getting clogged.
  • Elbows are to curve the downspouts in different directions.
  • Tip-outs are used at the bottom to run water from the foundation of the home.

Splash Blocks and Underground Drainage Systems

To prevent soil erosion and splashing mud, splash blocks are sometimes installed beneath downspouts. These simple, rectangular devices usually have a close-ended side (which sits beneath the downspout) and an open-ended side (which guides water away from the property). Splash blocks are typically made of plastic or concrete.

An alternative to a splash block is an underground drainage system, which inconspicuously carries rainwater away from the property. In these systems, the downspout connects to a drainpipe that transports the water beneath the ground.

Diagnosing and Fixing a Clogged Downspout

Like gutters, downspouts clog easily when leaves, twigs, and other debris accumulates. Most homeowners know that it’s important to clean their gutters periodically, but they forget to clean their downspouts.

Rainwater cannot drain properly through a clogged downspout, so it’s important that clogs are removed promptly. Unfortunately, downspout clogs cannot easily be seen. If you notice any of the following symptoms, your downspout may be clogged:

  • Water is not flowing out of your downspout during a downpour.
  • During a storm, water flows out from the edges of the gutter.
  • The soil beneath the gutter has eroded.
  • The gutters are pulling away from the fascia because they’re carrying excessive weight.
  • You notice peeling paint, dirt, or moisture on your property’s exterior walls.

To determine if your downspout has a clog, first check to see if the cage at the top of the downspout is clogged, bent, or out of place. If the cage isn’t the culprit, try placing a garden hose inside the downspout and turning it on. If water begins backing up, there is a clog.

To locate the clog, try tapping a screwdriver down the length of the downspout, starting at the top and working your way down. Listen for a dull thud, as opposed to a hollow ring. This will tell you where the clog is located.

If your downspout is clogged, schedule a professional cleaning to have the clog removed. You could also try removing the clog yourself by (1) cleaning out the cage at the top of the downspout; (2) cleaning out debris yourself by hand; or (3) using a plumbing snake, stick, pressure washer, or hose to free the obstruction…

Maintaining Downspouts

When you schedule periodic cleanings and inspections of your gutters, request that the guttering team also checks your downspouts and removes any clogs. And to prevent clogs in the future, considering having gutter guards installed. By preventing debris from entering your gutter system, gutter guards reduce the likelihood of clogs.

To learn more about our residential guttering services, please contact JRB Enterprises at 719-358-6484.