Keep Roof Runoff Away From Your Foundation

Downspout Drainage Systems That Prevent Basement Leaks and Soil Saturation

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When downspouts discharge next to your foundation, thousands of gallons of roof runoff soak into the soil right where you don't want it. You may notice damp basement walls, cracks in the foundation, or eroded soil near the house after every storm. Allied Water Services redirects roof runoff away from your foundation using underground discharge systems that move water safely to the street, yard, or drainage system without saturating the ground around your home.

This service involves connecting your downspouts to buried pipe that carries water at least ten feet away from the foundation, sometimes farther depending on lot slope and drainage capacity. The system can integrate with existing yard drainage or discharge independently. Installation is clean and concealed—no exposed pipe or splash blocks cluttering your landscaping.

If you've had basement moisture issues or notice soil washing away near your foundation, redirecting downspouts is one of the most effective ways to stop the problem at its source.

What's Included in This Service

The work starts by disconnecting your downspouts and digging a trench from each outlet to the discharge point. You'll see us install underground pipe, typically solid PVC or corrugated HDPE, sloped to carry water by gravity. The downspout connects to an inlet at ground level, and the pipe runs underground to a pop-up emitter, curb outlet, or drainage tie-in.

After installation, water from your roof flows underground and exits far from the house instead of pooling next to the foundation. Allied Water Services sizes the pipe to handle peak flow from your roof area, even during heavy downpours. The system reduces erosion, eliminates standing water near the house, and lowers the risk of basement leaks.

We use pop-up emitters that open under water pressure and close when flow stops, keeping debris and pests out of the line. If your lot has limited discharge options, we can tie downspouts into a larger yard drainage system or storm line. This service is compatible with gutter guards and can be added to homes with existing landscaping with minimal disruption.

Homeowners considering downspout drainage often want to understand how the system works and what results to expect. These questions address the most common concerns before installation.

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Why Locals Choose This Option

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Why Locals Choose This Option

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Why is downspout drainage better than a splash block?

Splash blocks only move water a few feet and still allow it to soak into the soil near your foundation. Underground drainage carries it much farther and keeps it out of sight.
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How far does the water need to discharge?
At minimum, ten feet from the foundation. On some lots, we extend it farther to reach a better discharge point like a swale, curb, or drainage system.
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What if my yard doesn't slope away from the house?
We can still install underground drainage by running the pipe to a lower area, tying into an existing system, or using a discharge point at the street or property edge.
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Will this prevent basement leaks?
Redirecting roof runoff reduces hydrostatic pressure around the foundation and eliminates one major source of basement moisture. It won't fix existing foundation cracks, but it stops water from reaching them.
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What maintenance does the system need?
Very little. Keep downspouts clear of leaves so water can enter the pipe freely, and check pop-up emitters occasionally to make sure they're not blocked by debris or turf growth.

If roof runoff is saturating the soil near your foundation or causing basement moisture, underground downspout drainage moves that water where it belongs. Get in touch to discuss your property and schedule installation.