Downspout discharging too close to the house: what it is, how serious, what it costs

Gutters collect the water from the roof. The downspout, « descente pluviale » in a French report, is the vertical pipe that brings it down to the ground. At the bottom, an extension or a splash block should carry it away from the house: reports often say “at least six feet”, about two metres.

A roof collects a lot of water in every rain, and all of it leaves through a few downspouts. When it lands at the foot of the wall, it soaks in along the foundation.

On its own, it is rarely urgent: an extension often solves it. In analyses, I usually put it under “Can wait”.

It moves up when the report also notes water in the basement, efflorescence or ground sloping toward the house on the same side. Another case to watch: a downspout that disappears into the ground. You need to know where that pipe goes; if it is the foundation drain, it takes all the roof water and can overflow.

Extending or redirecting one downspout: $100 to $250, and every downspout on the house: $350 to $800. Cleaning the gutters: $150 to $350. Refastening a sagging gutter section: $150 to $400. Replacing the gutters on the whole house: $1,200 to $3,200.

These are ballpark figures for Quebec, to be confirmed with quotes.

1. Where does each downspout discharge, and how far from the foundation?
2. Did you see signs of water in the basement on the same side: stains, efflorescence, a damp smell?
3. Are some downspouts connected to a pipe in the ground, and do you know where it goes?

Does your report mention downspouts? Upload it: in five minutes, I tell you what comes first, what to have checked and what to ask the seller.

Often, yes: an extension or a splash block that carries the water away solves it for little. If the ground slopes toward the house, the water will still come back: the grading needs fixing too.

At least once a year, in the fall, after the leaves drop. More often if tall trees hang over the roof.