Downspout extensions

 At Go Away Drains, we believe that true home protection starts at the top—with your gutters. While your gutters collect rainwater, it's your downspouts that carry it away. However, if that water is released or improperly managed, it can cause more problems than it solves. For homeowners in MD, our professional downspout extensions are a crucial first step in a complete drainage solution, ensuring rainwater is directed safely away from your foundation. 

 A downspout extension is a pipe or channel added to the bottom of your home's downspouts. Its purpose is to carry the large volume of water from your roof farther away from your foundation before it is released. Instead of a waterfall of water hitting the ground right next to your house, a downspout extension provides a controlled pathway for that water to flow away to a safer area. 

Many homeowners overlook the importance of a proper downspout system, but failing to manage roof runoff can lead to some of the most common and costly water problems:

• Foundation Damage: This is the biggest threat. When water pools near your foundation, the soil expands and contracts, putting immense pressure on your foundation walls. Over time, this can lead to cracks and leaks in your basement, and even structural instability.
• Basement and Crawl Space Flooding: The water that pools next to your foundation will eventually find a way in. A poorly managed downspout system is a leading cause of basement flooding and a persistently damp or musty crawl space.
• Yard and Landscape Erosion: Uncontrolled water runoff can create unsightly trenches and ruts in your lawn, washing away valuable topsoil and damaging your landscaping.
• Siding and Exterior Damage: Water that splashes back onto your siding, windows, and doors can lead to wood rot, mold growth, and discoloration, decreasing your home's curb appeal.
• Preventing Freezing Hazards: During the winter, water pooling near your walkways and driveway can freeze, creating dangerous patches of ice that pose a serious safety risk.

 The need for a downspout extension can be obvious, but it’s important to know what to look for:

• Water Pooling: You see standing water or muddy patches around the base of your home after it rains.
• Foundation Leaks: You've noticed cracks in your foundation, or water seeping into your basement or crawl space.
• Soil Erosion: There are visible grooves or trenches in your lawn directly below the downspouts.
• Downspout is Too Short: Your downspout releases water less than 10 feet from your home's foundation. This is a common and dangerous oversight.

 While other companies might simply connect a pipe directly to your downspout and run it underground, this method leaves your entire drainage system vulnerable. Leaves, shingle grit, and other debris from your gutters will inevitably flow straight into the pipe, leading to clogs, backups, and a flooded yard. This often results in you spending hundreds on a plumber to clear the line.

At Go Away Drains, we use a superior approach that safeguards your system from the very beginning. Our solution includes the use of an NDS 12" catch basin equipped with a Downspout Defender grate.

• Debris Protection: The Downspout Defender grate is specifically designed to deflect leaves and large debris from your gutters. This prevents the debris from entering your drainage pipe in the first place, stopping clogs before they can even start.
• Efficient Water Flow: The catch basin acts as a final point of collection before the water enters the underground pipe. Even with a small amount of sediment, the system remains clear, ensuring water always flows freely.
• Extended System Lifespan: By keeping your drainage lines clear and clean, you dramatically extend the lifespan of your entire drainage system. This proactive measure saves you from expensive and disruptive repairs down the road.

 Don’t let a simple downspout problem turn into a costly water damage disaster. Contact Go Away Drains today for an on-site consultation and a personalized quote on our professional downspout extension installation services in MD! 

"If you've got a drainage problem, we can make it Go Away"