Diverting Water From Gutter Under A Sidewalk

The addition of a perforated pipe laid in gravel underneath can help handle heavy water flow.

Diverting water from gutter under a sidewalk.

Diverters and extenders are widely available and handy homeowners can complete this option as a do it yourself project. One of the corrugated tubes has a dip in the middle of the run which isn t ideal but otherwise during the summer this configuration works decently for the time being. Divert downspouts to nearby flowerbeds. This is naturally the messier option so make sure you have a change of clothes handy.

Fast draining soil is also key. Simply cut your gutter extender at a 45 degree angle and connect it to your downspout with the zip hinge and 8 screws. A small swale might carry gutter water from a house to a dry well while a more substantial one could run along the base of a hill above a low lying house to divert water around it. There are a variety of different ways to do this but we recommend building your very own retractable downspout using zip hinge.

A french drain or a rain garden may also be needed on the opposite side of the walk too. Do not direct diverted rainwater towards sidewalks driveways or other solid surfaces in order to avoid icing hazards during winter weather. Trench drains are concrete lined channels that help direct water flow while filtering out debris using grates or filters to reduce clogging. However a pressure washer works even better.

Currently for each gutter corrugated tubing is run underground under the sidewalk for approximately 20 feet where it discharges out the side of the hill approximately 18 inches lower than where it began it s not a steep hill. It can be accomplished with a normal garden hose. It s fairly easy to install. A concrete or brick paver contractor will also install cross sidewalk drains but as always make sure your contractor is licensed and insured.

One of the easiest ways to avoid potential issues from gutters is to use diverters to guide the water into a nearby flowerbed or onto your lawn. Method 2 pvc pipe water this method uses water pressure to push the pipe through the dirt under the sidewalk. One of the more intricate methods of controlling water flow around a building or property is by using french drains. Downspouts can be extended beneath raised patios porches or decks to redirect rainwater to flowerbeds and other areas were water is needed.