What Are Downspout Extensions?
Downspout extensions carry the water collected by your gutters away from the foundation and release it at a safe distance, instead of discharging it at the base of the wall. It is one of the simplest and highest-impact steps in keeping a basement or crawl space dry, because a roof concentrates an enormous volume of rain into a few downspouts, and a spout that ends at the foundation saturates the soil there with every storm. APS adds above-grade or buried extensions routed to discharge well beyond the foundation, often as the first and easiest part of a larger drainage strategy that also includes grading and, where needed, yard and interior drainage.
How Downspout Extensions Work
Each downspout is fitted with an extension that carries its flow away from the house. Above-grade extensions release the water several feet out on a graded surface that keeps it moving away; buried extensions run underground in solid pipe to a pop-up emitter or drainage outlet at a safe distance. Either way, the concentrated roof runoff is delivered beyond the zone of soil that loads the foundation, so it no longer saturates the ground at the footing. Because the volume from a roof is so large, moving it away often produces an immediate, noticeable reduction in foundation moisture.
“People spend a fortune on the inside and forget the downspout dumping a swimming pool against the wall every storm. We start there.”
How APS Installs Downspout Extensions
- 1
Assess Downspout Discharge
APS checks where each downspout currently releases and identifies the ones dumping water at the foundation.
- 2
Choose Above-Grade or Buried
Based on the yard and layout, APS selects above-grade extensions or buried pipe with an outlet at a safe distance.
- 3
Route to a Safe Distance
Extensions are run so water discharges well beyond the foundation, coordinated with grading and any yard drainage.
- 4
Install and Secure
Extensions or buried lines are installed, connected to the downspouts, and secured, with emitters set where buried runs surface.
- 5
Verify Flow
APS confirms each downspout discharges to its intended outlet and away from the wall.
What Downspout Extensions Cost and What Is Covered
Cost Range
Cost depends on the linear footage, access, and system specified. APS provides a free written estimate after the assessment.
Warranty
APS in-house workmanship warranty plus manufacturer warranties on system components, both fully transferable to future owners
Frequently Asked Questions
Can something this simple really help a wet basement?
Often dramatically. A roof channels thousands of gallons of rain into a handful of downspouts, and a spout ending at the wall saturates the foundation soil every storm. Moving that concentrated water away is frequently the single highest-impact drainage step.
Above-ground or buried extensions, which is better?
Above-grade extensions are simple and easy to maintain; buried extensions are tidier and route water farther without a visible pipe. APS recommends based on your yard, slope, and how far the water needs to travel.
How far from the house should downspouts discharge?
Far enough that the water lands beyond the soil zone that loads the foundation and on ground that keeps it moving away. APS sets the distance and outlet so the water does not simply run back toward the house.
Do extensions replace the need for other drainage?
They are usually the first step, not the whole solution. Extensions cut the roof water reaching the foundation; grading, yard drainage, and interior systems handle the rest where needed. APS builds the combination your site requires.