Clogged Underground Downspout Drain: What to Do
Updated
Short answer
If water backs up out of the downspout joint at the ground while the downspout itself is clear, the buried line is plugged. It needs a drain snake or jetter from the outlet end, not more water from the top. DOE guidance is for such lines to reach a catchment more than 10 feet from the foundation, not tied into the foundation drain.
How to tell
- Water spills out where the downspout meets the buried pipe.
- The yard or curb outlet never runs, even in heavy rain.
- A soggy patch or sinkhole along the pipe's route.
What to do
- Clear the gutter and downspout first, so no more debris goes down.
- Find the outlet (yard pop-up emitter or curb) and clear it.
- Run a drain snake or jetter from the outlet end back toward the house.
- If roots or a crushed pipe are the cause, the line needs digging up.
Some gutter crews carry a jetter; others refer this out. Ask when you request a quote.
Quick answers
Should downspouts connect to the foundation drain?
No. DOE building guidance says underground downspout lines should go to a catchment more than 10 feet from the foundation that is not connected to the foundation drain.
Rather have someone else do it?
Tell us the address, how tall the house is and what you need. A local crew calls back with a price before anything is booked.