✅ TL;DR Summary
Downspouts not draining right? That can lead to water backing up, gutters overflowing, and even foundation damage. Here’s what to do:
- Check for clogs at the elbow or bottom of the downspout
- Flush it out with a garden hose or plumbing snake
- Adjust the slope if water’s pooling near the home
- Add extensions to move water at least 4-6 feet away
- Call a pro if underground drains are backing up
🌧️ How to Fix Downspouts That Aren’t Draining Properly (Fast & Easy Tips)
Notice water overflowing from your gutters—even though they look clean?
Chances are, your downspouts aren’t draining like they should. It’s a common problem, and it can sneak up on you fast—especially after heavy rain.
And when downspouts don’t do their job, you risk way more than just wet feet:
- Water pooling near your foundation
- Soil erosion
- Basement leaks
- Mold and mildew growth
Let’s break down what causes it and exactly how to fix it.
🚫 What Causes Downspouts to Stop Draining?
We see this all the time on the job. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Leaves or debris clogging the elbows
- Dirt and shingle grit collecting in the lower pipe
- Crushed or damaged pipe from landscaping or settling
- Improper slope or no extension at all
- Underground drain clogs that back everything up
Think of your downspouts like the exhaust pipe of your gutter system. If the exit’s blocked, everything backs up fast.
🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Fix It
1. Clear Visible Clogs
Start at the top and work your way down:
- Remove the elbow if you can
- Use a garden hose with high pressure
- Try a plumber’s snake or even a stiff wire
- Don’t forget the bottom outlet—it’s a common choke point
2. Flush the Line
Once the clog is broken up, run water through the downspout to flush everything out.
If it backs up again quickly, the clog might be deeper or underground.
3. Check the Slope
Your downspout extensions (or splash blocks) should carry water at least 4-6 feet away from your home—and downhill if possible.
If water’s pooling right next to the foundation, that’s a red flag.
4. Install or Replace Extensions
Flexible downspout extenders, splash blocks, or even underground drainage pipes can make a big difference.
Make sure they’re sloped correctly and not buried under mulch or soil.
5. Inspect for Damage
Cracks, crushed sections, or disconnected joints can all prevent proper drainage. If something looks off, it probably is.
🚧 What If It’s an Underground Drain Problem?
If your downspouts connect to an underground drainage system and still don’t drain right, the clog might be deep.
That’s usually a job for a professional with a camera snake or jetting equipment.
We’ve unclogged systems full of:
- Tree roots
- Mud and soil
- Broken pipe sections
- Years of buildup
📦 Real-World Fix: Backyard Flooding Gone in 1 Hour
We recently helped a homeowner whose backyard flooded every time it rained.
Turns out, the downspouts were clogged at the elbows and had no extensions.
We cleared the blockages, added 6-foot extenders, and adjusted the slope.
Problem solved—no more pond in the backyard.
📞 Need a Hand? We’ve Got You Covered
Tried everything and still dealing with slow or clogged downspouts?
Give us a call at +1 888-886-2526 for professional gutter and drainage help.
We’ll get that water flowing where it should—away from your house.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Downspout Problems
Downspouts may be out of sight, but when they stop working, the damage shows up fast.
A little maintenance now can save you thousands later.
Check them regularly, flush them seasonally, and fix clogs ASAP.
Need help or want it done right the first time? You know who to call. 😉