How Gutters Should Connect to Drains
The primary purpose of gutters is to direct rainwater from the roof and away from buildings. This prevents soil erosion around your home that can damage the foundation and damage your basement. Water collected by rain gutters is then directed into the drainage system by downpipes or rainspouts.
Downpipes extend vertically from the roof to the ground. Most buildings feature such pipes on the corner, where they are less likely to sustain any damage or interference. The main ways downpipes connect to drains and discharge water are:
- Connecting downpipes directly to drains where they discharge into soak away pits
- Connecting downpipes directly to drains where they discharge into surface sewer lines
- Connecting downpipes indirectly to drains with gully trappers where they discharge into a combined sewer
Ideal Materials for Downpipes
before the 70s, downpipes were made of cast iron, but this proved to be costly as such a material is prone to rust. Nowadays, downpipes are made of PVC and other insulated plastics. Such plastics are easier to maintain, less prone to corrosion and resistant to the effects of sunlight.
Galvanized steel, aluminium alloys and other coated metals also make great downpipes. You can use any pipe as long as it fits into your drainage system and can last for a few years.
Maintenance
Gutters trap twigs, leaves and other debris. Birds and small rodents also like to build nests on such features. Such waste filters down into downpipes, causing blockages. You can attach your downpipes to your building using removable brackets. Such brackets allow you to detach the downpipes and clean them when the need arises.
It would help if you also considered cleaning your gutters every three months to get rid of any debris. Straighten any bent gutters to ensure they remain effective. It’s also a great idea to paint your gutters and downpipes annually to make them look more beautiful and to add a layer of insulation against the sun and the biting cold of winter.