Are you wondering what an underground downspout drain is? There are many common misconceptions about understanding what this is, as many people believe it is a gutter. This is not true.
Both the gutter and the underground downspout drain are parts of an overall drainage system that help to protect your house from rain!

Your house is able to withstand millions of gallons of water in the form of rainfall due to these systems.
This article will teach you everything you need to know about underground downspout drains to ensure your house remains safe and protected! Let’s dive right in!
What Is An Underground Downspout Drain?
Underground downspout drains are integral to the protection of your home. They are the drains that connect to the gutter on the roof of your home.
These drains have a very important role. They carry the rainwater that your gutters catch, and take them to the underground drainage systems. The water that travels underground is then carried away from your house, where it is dumped.
Without an underground downspout drain, your house would very easily become damaged by water. This damage could occur on the inside or the outside of the home if it is not properly protected.
Most of these drains are situated underground. They are dug underground so that they can meet the pipes that will carry the water away from the house. All of these drains are usually made from PVC.
This is because this material is very strong and durable. It is also a very affordable material, making it much more desirable for these types of projects.
Where Can I Find The Underground Downspout Drain?
These drains connect to the guttering on your house. Usually, the pipes will come off of the gutter at a place where the roof is at a steep angle so that the water flows there.
These pipes will then run underground where they carry the water away from the house to join the drainage system.
Not only do these drains prevent flooding, they also prevent the build-up of moss, mold or mildew on your roof that can be caused by dampness.
How To Choose Your Underground Downspout Drain
There are lots of different materials that you could use for your underground downspout drain.
You can opt for PVC, plastic, copper, galvanized steel or many other materials.
When you are choosing the material for this drain, you need to remember that the downspout also goes underground. For this reason, it needs to be made from a very sturdy and durable material, such as PVC.
Installing A Downspout Yourself
If you are a do it yourself kind of person, then installing a downspout yourself is definitely doable. It will save you a lot of money in the long run. If you do choose to DIY this project, then you will need to consider the following:
- The size of your downspout. You need to make sure that you have purchased the correct size.
- The number of downspouts. It is important that you have enough downspouts to serve the whole gutter system around your house. Usually, you will need one every 20 feet.
- Where you put your downspout. It is best to place them in the corners of your gutter so that they collect the most water.
- Safety. Make sure that you are installing effective and safe plumbing, and that you are safe while you are doing so!
- The material of your downspout. Ensure you choose a material that is durable and reliable.
Pre-Planning
If you are choosing to install these drains yourself, then you will need to ensure that you have planned this before you start. This is because it needs to comply with the regulations.
Getting A Plumber To Install A Downspout
If you don’t want to install the downspout yourself, then you should get a plumber to do it for you. This is a great way to make sure that your house is properly protected, and that your drainage system is top range.
While it is much more expensive to have a plumber install the underground downspout drains in your home, it is much safer and may save you a lot of money and heartache in the future!
Should You Consider Installing An Underground Downspout?
There are many advantages and disadvantages to having an underground downspout drain.
Advantages
If you have an underground downspout installed, then you are investing in the future of your home. It is a great way to waterproof your home without taking up any space, too.
They are also fantastic at preventing flooding or water damage to your home.
As well as this, these products are underground, so they don’t look too bad in your garden.
You can also install other waterproofing remedies alongside this one. You can install a sump pump, a dehumidifier, and vapor barriers, among other things.
Disadvantages
Downspouts can clog up over time, causing difficulties with the water flowing. They are difficult to maintain, as they are underground.
It is also difficult to service them because of where they are.
They work in areas that have a controllable amount of water. If your area gets very large volumes of water, then you may want a more effective system.
If you live in an area with heavy flooding that occurs often, then this may overwhelm the system of the underground downspout drain. You may end up with the water overflowing. In this case, you will need to make sure that you install a much more robust system.
Final Thoughts
This is a complete beginner’s guide to underground downspout drains! Now, you should have all the information you need about these drains.
Whether you’re just looking to understand how they work, or you’re considering installing them in your home, you will find what you are looking for in the article above!
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