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Gutter Extensions & Discharge Lines

What Are Gutter Extensions & Discharge Lines?

Gutter extensions and discharge lines carry water away from your foundation, preventing rain and groundwater from seeping into your basement or crawl space. The only difference is gutter extensions are connected to your downspouts, and discharge lines are connected to your sump pump. Both systems use the same pipe material and are installed right below your grass. Once we connect the piping to your downspouts or sump pump, we tie the other ends to a bubbler pot where any excess water that doesn’t seep into the ground can escape and filter into your soil. 

Does Your Home Need Gutter Extensions & Discharge Lines Installed?

If your gutter downspouts drop water within 20 feet of your home, you need extensions. It’s estimated that for every 1,000 square feet of roof space, one inch of rain could produce 600 gallons of water. Increasing the inches of rain and square footage leads to more water. If this water drops into the soil around your foundation, it could eventually end up inside your basement or crawl space. If you have a sump pump installed, this excess water could overload the mechanics and cause it to shut down. If we install a sump pump in your foundation, we always include a discharge line. You need gutter extensions and discharge lines to ensure water is transferred away from your foundation. 

Prevented Issues

Gutter Extensions & Discharge Lines

Foundation damage

Gutter Extensions & Discharge Lines

Water damage

How Are Gutter Extensions & Discharge Lines Installed?

For gutter extensions, we attach the PVC pipe to the end of your downspout. For discharge lines, we drill a 2-inch hole through your foundation so that we can connect the pipe to your sump pump. We connect that to a freeze guard that allows water to escape the line if the pipe clogs or freezes. For both systems, we place the PVC pipe in a small trench, ensuring that it leads downhill for at least 20 feet. 
 
All the dirt we remove, we place over a tarp so it can be easily returned. If we install a French drain (a perforated pipe), we pour gravel inside the trench to allow the water to transfer into the soil. Any water that doesn’t seep into the soil comes out of the bubbler pot at the end of the pipe. We also add a unique sock to the pipe to prevent dirt and debris from entering.. 

Gutter Extensions & Discharge Lines Installer In Chicagoland

If you live in Chicagoland and need gutter extensions or discharge lines (which come with sump pumps), call The Real Seal! We’ve successfully identified the root causes of waterproofing issues for basements, crawl spaces, and slab foundations since 2011. Call today for your free foundation inspection and personalized estimate. 

What Our Customers Are Saying

Gutter Extensions & Discharge Lines FAQs

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Are gutter extensions necessary?

Yes. Gutter extensions prevent water from pouring at the base of your foundation.

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How far should rain gutters extend from my house?

At least 20 feet.

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Why does rainwater go behind my gutters?

It’s possible that your gutters are clogged with leaves and debris. Make sure you clean them often.

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What is the best gutter extension?

The Real Seal uses Schedule 35 PVC pipes, and we stand by our materials.

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Should my gutter extension go into the ground?

Yes. Placing them underground conceals them and prevents them from being damaged.

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Where do I discharge my sump pump water?

We place bubbler pots at the end of our discharge lines and gutter extensions. This allows water to be deposited into a lower part of your property.

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How far can you run a sump pump discharge line?

We always recommend running discharge lines at least 20 feet away from your home and foundation.

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How deep should a sump pump discharge line be buried?

We bury our discharge lines right below your grass.

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Can I discharge my sump pump into the street?

Some municipalities do allow you to connect your discharge lines into the street storm sewer with a solid connection. This typically requires a permit and evaluation from the city.

SERVICE AREA

Waterproofing basements in Chicagoland and surrounding areas.

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