How to Bury Downspouts with Just Four Essential Tools
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Water pooling near your home's foundation can cause serious damage over time. One of the best ways to prevent this is by burying your downspouts to direct rainwater safely away from your house. You might think this is a complicated job requiring many tools and skills, but it’s actually quite simple. With just four basic tools and a few supplies, you can do this yourself and protect your home. For a more in depth professional installation to manage storm water Rigid Group can install your downspouts underground. Click HERE for more details and pricing.
This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, making it easy and homeowner-friendly.
The Four Essential Tools You Need
You don’t need a full toolbox to bury downspouts to manage storm water. These four items cover everything:
Trenching Shovel
A narrow shovel designed for digging trenches. Its slim shape helps you create a neat, straight trench without disturbing too much soil.
Tape Measure
Use this to measure the distance from your house. The pipe should extend at least 10 feet away to keep water from pooling near your foundation.
Hacksaw or Utility Knife
This tool cuts the flexible pipe to the exact length you need.
Hand Tamper (or Your Boots)
After laying the pipe, you’ll need to pack the soil back down firmly. A hand tamper works best, but sturdy boots can do the job too.
What to Buy Before You Start
Head to your local hardware store and pick up these supplies:
4-inch Corrugated Flexible Pipe
This pipe usually comes in 10-foot or 25-foot rolls. It’s flexible enough to lay in your trench and durable enough to handle water flow.
Downspout Adapter
This piece connects your gutter’s downspout to the round flexible pipe.
Pop-up Emitter
The green cap at the pipe’s end that lets water flow out into your yard without clogging.
Large Zip Ties
These secure the pipe to the adapters, ensuring everything stays connected.
Step 1: Dig a Shallow Trench
Start by digging a trench that is about 8 inches deep and 6 inches wide. Begin at the base of your downspout and dig straight away from the house.
Key rule: The trench should slope downward as it moves away from your home. This slope allows water to flow naturally away from your foundation. Use your tape measure to make sure the trench extends at least 10 feet from the house.
Step 2: Lay the Pipe
Once your trench is ready, it’s time to connect the pieces:
Snap the downspout adapter onto the bottom of your downspout.
Attach the flexible pipe to the adapter, clicking it into place.
Stretch the pipe along the trench, following the slope you created.
Snap the pop-up emitter onto the far end of the pipe.
Secure the pipe and adapters with large zip ties to prevent any disconnections.
Step 3: Cover It Up
After the pipe is in place, fill the trench back with the dirt you removed. Use your hand tamper or boots to pack the soil firmly. This prevents the ground from sinking after the first rain.
If you removed any grass or sod, place it back on top to restore your yard’s appearance.
Tips for Success
Check the slope carefully. Even a small uphill section can cause water to pool and block flow.
Use a level or a string line to help maintain a consistent downward slope.
Inspect your work before covering the pipe. Make sure water flows freely through the pipe and out the emitter without influence of water pressure.
Clear debris from gutters regularly to prevent clogs in your buried downspout system.
Why Burying Downspouts Matters
Directing water away from your foundation reduces the risk of basement leaks, soil erosion, and damage to your home’s structure. Burying downspouts also keeps your yard looking neat and prevents puddles that attract mosquitoes.
By using just four tools and a few simple materials, you can complete this project in a weekend without hiring a professional.
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