Keith Wilkes
# **Downspout Drain Installation: Step-by-Step Guide**
Welcome to my backyard garden! In this video, I will show you the step-by-step process of installing a downspout drain. Many people have concerns about using a perforated pipe due to the possibility of root growth. However, I’ll explain why the perforations actually prevent standing water and eliminate the risk of root intrusion into the pipe.
## **Keywords/Tags**:
Downspout Drain, Divert Rain Water, Install Downspout Drain, Pop-up Emitter
### **Why Install a Downspout Drain?**
Redesigning my flowerbed along the house has been a recent project of mine. Before continuing with the back section, it’s essential to replace the existing downspout drain. This project involves burying a drain pipe to divert rainwater away from the house and into the yard.
### **Materials Needed:**
1. Downspout adapter: This expandable piece allows you to divert the water flow according to your desired direction.
2. Tubing: The tubing will be buried underground, connecting the downspout adapter to the pop-up emitter.
3. Pop-up emitter: Buried at ground level, this emitter allows water to flow out of the pipe when it’s full, thereby preventing any possible flooding.
### **Installation Process**
1. Digging the Trench:
– Dig a trench approximately 8 to 10 inches away from the house, extending to the yard.
– Ensure the trench is deep enough to accommodate the pop-up emitter (minimum of 6 inches) and wide enough for the 4-inch tubing.
– Measure the length required for the pipe (typically around 8 feet) and mark it on the trench.
– Smooth the trench’s bottom by adding a layer of sand.
2. Assembling the Components:
– Connect the downspout adapter to the downspout coming down from the roof. Adjust it to direct the water flow.
– Slide the tubing into the adapter. Note that the tubing is perforated, allowing water to drain out before reaching the pop-up emitter.
– Place the pop-up emitter at ground level, ensuring it aligns with the end of the trench.
3. Backfilling and Finishing Touches:
– Carefully fill in the trench, ensuring the soil around the pop-up emitter is leveled with the yard.
– Cover the pipe with soil and ensure that the sod is level with the rest of the yard.
– Sprinkle grass seed over the filled trench and water thoroughly.
### **Summary**
Congratulations! You have now successfully installed a downspout drain to divert rainwater away from your house. Enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained and dry yard. For more helpful videos and DIY projects, subscribe to my channel and don’t forget to click the notification bell. If you found this video helpful, please like, share, and leave your comments below.
**Sources:**
– [**Downspout Drain Installation – DIY Network**](https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/exterior/learn-how-to-install-a-rain-barrel-and-divert-rainwater-away-from-)
– [**Best Practices for Downspout Drain Installation – HomeAdvisor**](https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/downspout-drainage-options/)
This video shows step by step instruction on how I installed a downspout pipe. And for all you that say to not use a perforated pipe because roots will grow into the pipe…Because of the perforations, there is no standing water in this pipe therefor there will be no roots in the pipe because roots do not grow in the open air.Eve Gravel
I would say, put more dirt underneath the sod on top of the pipe and maybe try stepping on it with your feet it should be slightly above the rest of the yard and as you will find out if you get your hose out and wet that area all that dirt it’s going to settle in and you’re gonna have a low spot so you wanna make that grass higher so that when it does get wet and settles down, it will be even if you start off with it even with it completely unpacked, the way you did it it will definitely be a low spot you got to step on it you have to pack it
For added 'peace of mind' or support, wrap the connecting points with a weatherproof tape…
This doesn't look deep enough. Everything I've read says 12 inches. Top of your pipe looks about 4 inches from the surface. It needs be 12 inches from the surface.
do you need another adapter between the end of the pipe to the pop up emmiter?
I did this water was getting to my basement I used a non perforated pipe near the house and a perforated one the rest of the way and wrapped it in landscape fabric it is working great so far some parts of my house the grading is not good and water runs towards the house in a couple of spots this seems to solve the problem. Great video 👍
what is the dimension of the U shaped pvc connector
Thanks
How do I clean out a downspout that is tightly connected to a corrugated pipe?
I wouldn't think that this would work where the ground freezes….
we just laid the pipe on the ground 😂
Did you have to call before you dig here? Or is it not deep enough to matter
Thank you for creating this video. It was a big help!
I hope you like roots
That needs to be much further away from the foundation
So you used the corrugated pipe with holes drilled in it?
I've seen it recommended that you put in a catch basin that allows the water to flow through, catches the leaves and allows you to clean out the grit that often comes off of a shingle roof. Otherwise there is no way to clean out the underground pipe and its gets clogged with grit and eventually fails and has to be replaced
https://youtu.be/bEVBOEIktr4
I’m sharing this here because we can all learn from an expert on this how to do it best.
Everyone seems to have their idea of how to do it better, from pvc to cloth and 2ft gravel. 😭
I'm about to do mine about the same, except the black pipe will be non perforated.
why do you have to use a perforated tube?
perforated pipe sucks ass. It will be solid mud in 5 years…..maybe less. With a sock wrap I'd give it 10 years tops. Should have used solid pipe.
This is why you watch the guys installing. Never use that box-store slinky plastic pipe. It's crushable, roots will get into it, and it's just all around really cheap. Use proper joints or at least true corrugated drainage pipe. Plus, the perforations will clog fast without a sock or landscape fabric around that. At least there's 1/8" of sand to really disperse the water in the bottom though. /s
Seems like you are still dumping water at your foundation level.
Pretty sure there are couple mistakes here.
1. You needed to wrap up the pipe in geotextile fabric with rocks around it so it doesn’t get clogged up.
2. Why did you need the sand? That was unnecessary.
Awesome video. I have had my pipe laying above ground for 2 yrs wondering how I was going to bury it and still have water flow out to the side of the house with the ground being flat, this emitter idea is just what I need and very little work. Thank you
Very cheap materials will break down. Better to use pvc.
What does the emitter do?
How much does your sub pump run? I would think you would want to take the water further away from your house then what you did but maybe not.
Use PVC pipe ,it will last. Unlike that accordion garbage.
I am not on board with a perferated pipe because roots a can grow in there.
The perforated pipe will fill with dirt
Where will I find that three pieces kit at please ? Does anybody know ?
Do you really need the Green cover thing at the end? Or you could just leave it without it and just let water go into the dirt?
Love it and so will the wife. Thank you. Great job.
does this come as a kit?
Where did you get the black tubing and the connector. I went to HD and I couldn’t find it. Did u order online as it looks like it came in a box.
Thanks for the video. Just what i was looking for. Ray, Oklahoma
I did this last year and now working on extending it. Great video
How is this working? Without a barrier, I would think the the roots would overtake that flexible piping over time?
This is a nightmare for maintenance. Let’s hope the plastic tube does not need to be replaced.
Now does there need to be a pitch? I need to do this but not sure on that.
This was very helpful thank you
🤔 what's gonna happen to the water that will just get stuck inside the hose for a long period of time? Is it gonna sit there?
Nicely done, Thank you.
Shouldn't you use a wrap for that perforated pipe so the holes don't get clogged?
When people do step by step instructions how to videos why don't they put what material products and links so we can find the product.