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Where Should Your Downspouts Drain?
Downspouts should carry roof water well away from your foundation. Udderly Gutters places downspouts, extensions and splash trays where your home needs them in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont.
Why Does Downspout Placement Matter?
Your gutters collect the water, but your downspouts decide where it ends up. A downspout that empties right next to the house soaks the soil along your foundation, and that water can find its way into the basement, wash out landscaping and freeze into ice on walkways.
A 1-inch rain on a 2,000 sq ft roof sends about 1,200 gallons of water toward your gutters, and every drop leaves through a downspout.
See how a bigger, better-placed downspout moves water away from your foundation.
How Far Should a Downspout Drain From the House?
Water should land well away from your foundation, on ground that slopes away from the house. If yours empties right at the wall, an extension carries it farther out.
Ways to move water away
- Downspout extensions carry water past the edge of your foundation.
- Splash trays spread water out and protect the ground where it lands. They’re an add-on of about $50 to $200.
- Gutter gates let you clean out downspouts easily. They’re an add-on of about $40 to $160.
- Downspout hinges let you flip downspouts up out of the way for mowing or yard work. They’re an add-on of about $25 to $100.
- Better placement. Your Service Advisor looks at your yard, walkways and foundation and places downspouts where your home needs them.
When Does Drainage Matter Most?
In New England, spring snowmelt and heavy fall rain are the big tests. When snow melts fast, clogged gutters and short downspouts send that water straight to your foundation. See why snowmelt floods basements and our Winter Storm Prep checklist.
Keeping gutters clean keeps downspouts flowing. See our gutter cleaning packages and downspout installation.
Downspout & Drainage FAQ
Why is water pooling next to my foundation?
Usually a downspout is emptying too close to the house, or the ground slopes toward the wall. An extension or better downspout placement moves that water away.
Do downspout extensions help?
Yes. They carry water past your foundation so it soaks in or drains away instead of collecting along the wall.
How much do splash trays cost?
Splash trays are an add-on of about $50 to $200.
Can clogged gutters cause basement water?
Yes. When gutters overflow, water spills straight down along the foundation. Clean gutters and well-placed downspouts keep it moving away from the house.
Reviewed by Chester Aho, Founder. Last updated: November 2026