Downspout puddles and a rain barrel
We just moved into a new house, and one of the downspouts seems poorly placed, resulting in pooling and puddles on a stone patio very close to the house. Photo attached.
The other downspouts all run into PVC pipes that go underground. I do not know whether the PCV leads to a proper drain, but the downspout in question is the most problematic by far. It is the only downspout midway along a 50 foot wall.
I’m considering simply installing a rain barrel under this problem downspout (e.g., Sample rain barrel on Amazon. This model is plastic, but can withstand freezing temperatures and thus preferable.)
Am I missing anything? Any lessons learned/pitfalls to avoid re: rain barrels? There seem to be several accessories, eg mosquito bombs.
Thank you.
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Replies
Emerson,
Most people who use rain barrels still have an overflow connected to a storm drain system, or at least directed well way from the house. Unless the barrel can hold all the rain that falls without overflowing, your problem will persist.
Hmm, your helpful feedback guided me to Dr. Google... I had no idea how quickly rainwater accumulates. One rain barrel will not solve this issue.
Any other suggestions how to get that water away from the house? Thank you.
Emerson,
Unfortunately not very palatable ones. You probably don't want to break up that nice rock patio to lay pipe or connect to the storm drains - especially if you don't know they are down there. The best solution might be to move the downspout. Is there a better location at one end or the other?
Thanks Malcolm. I agree on both counts - have eyeballed (re)moving the downspout, and I think this will be the best way to go. If removing the mid-point downspout, I will need to ensure a smooth flow from the current corner downspout to corner downspout (perhaps 40 feet apart). Might be a good time to place a "gutter helmet" or similar to keep that open. Perhaps other GBAers will have insight or other suggestions.
UPDATE: Looks like I'll be fine at 40 feet. I'll do a bit more homework, and perhaps up-size that section of gutter to 5" and/or change the slope away to run from the midpoint to either end. Let's hope the previous owner did a good job with the underground drainage that I can't see.
Happy New Year!