Why We Buried the Downspouts Instead of Leaving Them Above Ground in Berks County, PA

Pankey Nelson
Jun 30
5 min read

Updated: Jul 10

When homeowners think about installing a new patio or walkway, they usually picture the finished concrete—not what's happening underneath it.

But on this project, one of the most important improvements wasn't the concrete at all. It was what we did with the home's downspouts.

Instead of allowing rainwater to discharge next to the house, we rerouted the downspouts underground and extended them all the way to the edge of the yard.

It's an upgrade most people will never notice, but one that can make a tremendous difference in protecting a home's foundation, landscaping, and new concrete.

At K+L Construction, we look beyond completing the project—we protect the entire property while we're there.

Why Downspouts Matter More Than You Think

Every time it rains, your roof collects hundreds—or even thousands—of gallons of water.

If that water is discharged directly beside your foundation, it has nowhere to go except into the surrounding soil. Over time, that can lead to:

Water pooling around the house
Soil erosion
Washed-out landscaping
Wet basements or crawl spaces
Premature wear on patios and walkways
Foundation settlement and moisture problems

Many drainage issues begin with something as simple as where the downspouts empty.

The Problem We Found

As we prepared this property for a new concrete patio and walkway, we noticed the existing downspouts discharged close to the home's foundation. Leaving them in place would have allowed roof runoff to collect near the new concrete and continue saturating the soil around the house.

Since excavation was already part of the project, it made sense to solve the drainage issue before the new patio was installed. It's much easier—and more cost-effective—to address drainage during construction than after a finished patio is in place.

Our Solution: Underground Downspout Re-Routing

Rather than installing simple splash blocks or leaving flexible drain pipe above ground, we buried the drainage system beneath the yard using durable Schedule 35 PVC pipe.

The new piping carries roof runoff safely underground and discharges it near the edge of the property, well away from the home's foundation and in the direction of a nearby stream.

By moving the water farther away from the house, we're helping prevent it from soaking into the soil where it can cause problems over time.

This approach provides a cleaner appearance, eliminates trip hazards, and creates a more permanent drainage solution than temporary above-ground extensions.

Why We Routed the Water to the Edge of the Yard

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming that moving water just a few feet away from the house is enough.

In many cases, it isn't.

Water naturally follows the path of least resistance. If it's discharged too close to the foundation, it often finds its way right back toward the home—especially during heavy rains or when the ground is already saturated.

That's why we extended the discharge point all the way to the edge of the yard, allowing the water to permanently leave the area around the home.

The goal isn't simply to move the water.

The goal is to keep it away from the house.

One Improvement That Protected Multiple Investments

By rerouting the downspouts underground, we helped protect much more than the foundation.

This single improvement also helps protect:

The new concrete patio and walkway
Landscaping and planting beds
The surrounding soil from erosion
The home's finished basement
The homeowner's long-term investment

Good drainage isn't just about preventing puddles—it's about protecting everything those puddles can damage.

Better Together: Drainage and Foundation Waterproofing

This project also included fresh foundation waterproofing while the excavation was already open.

The foundation wall was exposed, cleaned, coated with a new waterproof barrier, and properly backfilled before the patio was installed.

Combined with the underground downspout system, these improvements work together to dramatically reduce the amount of water collecting around the home's foundation.

Sometimes the best solution isn't one product or one repair—it's combining several improvements into a complete water management system.

Don't Wait Until Water Becomes a Problem

Many homeowners don't think about drainage until they notice a wet basement, standing water, or cracking around their foundation.

By then, the repairs can be much more involved.

If you're already planning a patio, walkway, excavation project, or foundation repair, it's the perfect time to evaluate where your downspouts discharge and whether your drainage system is doing its job.

Addressing these issues during construction often saves time, money, and headaches down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should downspouts be buried instead of using splash blocks?

Splash blocks move water only a short distance from the foundation. Buried drain lines carry roof runoff much farther away, helping reduce erosion, protect the foundation, and prevent water from collecting around the home.

How far should downspouts discharge from a house?

Every property is different, but the goal is to move water far enough away that it can't flow back toward the foundation. On this project, we extended the drainage to the edge of the yard to keep water well away from the home.

Can buried downspouts help prevent basement water problems?

Yes. While every property is unique, redirecting roof runoff away from the foundation is one of the most effective ways to reduce excess moisture around the home. When combined with proper grading and foundation waterproofing, it can significantly improve long-term water management.

Proudly Serving Berks County and Surrounding Areas

K+L Construction provides expert drainage solutions, downspout re-routing, excavation, grading, concrete installation, foundation waterproofing, and site preparation throughout Berks County, including Boyertown, Bally, Fleetwood, Kutztown, Oley, Topton, Bechtelsville, Reading, Pottstown, Quakertown, and neighboring communities throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.

We believe the best projects don't just improve how your property looks—they improve how it performs for years to come.