Downspouts and drainage
Every gallon your roof sheds leaves through a few downspouts. Where they let it go decides whether your basement stays dry.
Downspout and drainage work moves roof water from the bottom of the downspout to somewhere it can soak in or run off safely, well away from the house. In Hagerstown and Washington County it's the answer for wet basements after storms, washed-out beds, ice patches on walks and buried downspout pipes that keep backing up.
Signs your drainage is falling short
- Puddles or soggy soil where downspouts end
- Water in the basement after heavy rain
- Ice sheets on sidewalks and driveways in winter
- Downspouts that overflow at the top
- Splash blocks tipped toward the house
- Soil settling or low spots by the foundation
Why it matters on limestone ground
The Maryland Geological Survey identifies Washington County as a karst area, and the Hagerstown Valley as one of the valleys most associated with collapse sinkholes in Maryland. Karst is ground formed on limestone and dolomite, which slowly dissolve. The survey also notes that not every hole is a true sinkhole. Stormwater runoff and leaking underground pipes can leave depressions that look like one. Either way, sending roof water to the same spot next to your foundation year after year is a bad idea. Spreading it out, carrying it away from the house and keeping buried lines from leaking is the safer plan. If you see a new hole or depression on your property, the survey's guidance is to consult a geologist or engineer.
Drainage options
- Bigger downspouts. Moving from 2-by-3 to 3-by-4 inch carries more water and clogs less.
- More downspouts. Long runs and big roof sections often need another outlet.
- Extensions. The simplest fix: carry water several feet out before releasing it.
- Buried solid pipe. Carries water under the lawn to a pop-up emitter or a daylight outlet downhill.
- Rain barrels. Store some water, with overflow piped away from the house.
What about freezing?
A buried line that holds water can freeze, and a frozen pop-up emitter backs water up into the downspout. Good installs use smooth-wall pipe with steady slope, a cleanout, and a way for the line to drain between storms. Before anyone trenches, they should contact Miss Utility so buried lines get marked.
What affects the cost?
- Number of downspouts and how far water must travel
- Above-ground vs. buried lines
- Rock, roots and hardscape in the way
- Outlet type and lot slope
Quotes come from the company you're connected with after they walk the property. We don't quote prices.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How far should downspouts discharge from the house?
Several feet at minimum, and farther where the yard is flat or slopes toward the house. The goal is to keep roof water from soaking in beside the foundation.
Can I send downspout water to the street?
Check with the City of Hagerstown or Washington County first. Many places limit where roof water can be discharged, and it should not flow onto a neighbor or a sidewalk.
Related services
More background: Washington County gutter guide.
Gutters icing up or spilling over?
Call to get connected with a Washington County gutter company that can look at the house and quote the fix.