Most residential gutters are made from aluminum. Aluminum gutters are affordable and will last a long time. Gutters made with vinyl, galvanized steel, or copper are also available. Unless you have previous experience installing gutter systems, have a professional install them.
If you find that your gutters are sagging, check the hangars. These can deteriorate over time, but can easily and cheaply be replaced. Check for leaks and holes in the gutters, as well. If you find any, gutter sealant can be purchased at any hardware store.
Follow up the debris removal with a good flushing of water from your garden hose. Make sure the water is flowing freely out of the downspouts, and remove and blockages that may be preventing this. If you prefer, you can hire a professional to clean your gutters. The charge for this service varies, depending on the size of your home, but usually ranges from $50 to $250.
Elbows and extensions can be obtained at any hardware store. Typical cost is just under $20 per extension.
Make sure to direct the water at least 6 feet (1. 8 m) away from your home’s foundation. If necessary, you can connect the downspouts to PVC pipe and bury the pipe underground to direct the water further from your home.
Make sure the water doesn’t end up on an incline that slopes back down to your home. This will result in the water draining straight back to the foundation of your home.
Avoid soils with high clay content, since these drain poorly. Purchase granular soil with a high sand content. [9] X Research source You can buy bagged soil at any home improvement store. Buy 1 bag to start the job. Once you know how much area 1 bag covers, you’ll have a good idea of how many more you’ll need to finish the job based on the size of your home and how steep you want to make the downslope.
Pack soil around your house and slope it downwards at about 1 inch (2. 5 cm) per 1 foot (0. 30 m). [10] X Research source Be sure to pack the soil firmly when creating the slope. Then, add grass seed, which, once it takes root, will prevent the soil from eroding.
These underground utilities include gas, water, sewage, electric, and phone lines. If you damage any of them while you’re installing the French drain, repair costs can be significant.
You now have a diagram to help you properly and efficiently redirect drainage away from your home. You should never plan to redirect water to run onto your neighbor’s property. If you are considering directing water into the street or storm sewer, find out what regulations apply by contacting the city for information.
The end of the trench can level off, or you can have it go around your yard like a fence. [15] X Research source You can dig the trench manually with a regular shovel. You can also purchase tools made specifically for trenching, like trenching shovels or trenching hoes, at a hardware store. [16] X Research source
Never lay piping directly onto the soil. The gravel beneath it helps to properly disperse the water, along with the gravel surrounding it. [18] X Research source
If you lay the piping with the holes pointing up, they will get clogged with gravel and the drain will not work properly.
Cover the remaining 1 inch (2. 5 cm) of space with a piece of sod. This will disguise the trench.
