Okay, trying to remain flexible as I go along with my gutter run-off project ...

I decided that I could get some ground "infiltration" with this method with one of my two garage downspouts (instead of just shooting it into the alley):

How To Recess Downspouts In About Four Minutes - YouTube

Took me a lot longer than four minutes they claimed in the video, but here is what I did:

trenched and laid pipe (painted and attached elbow and cover first)


adjusted drain level and buried


First section of 4" pipe is solid; second 10 feet is perforated:
4 in. x 10 ft. HDPE Corrugated Perforated Drain Pipe-4040010 at The Home Depot



Question.
I've been exploring above ground gutter extensions to run water into my yard from my house gutters, but having tried this technique, I think I want to try it with a couple of house downspouts.

I'm really focusing on getting water away from the foundation because it has suffered quite a bit of damage in the past (don't want to go with splash blocks).

What unintended/unforeseen negative consequences might there be?

Would the 4" perforated plastic pipe (small slit openings, not the larger round holes found in the white drain pipes) fill with grass roots to the point it becomes useless as a drain. Wouldn't the large diameter - 4"pipe - be able to keep of with root infiltration? The first 10 foot section of pipe would be solid and then transition to perforated.

Winter time (in Denver; buried maybe 4" deep) freezing up?

I guess I could dig large capacity drain holes and place plastic drain boxes, but I think that's kind of extreme - especially if the above plan will work just about as well.

Thoughts?

thanks

 

At least the kids will enjoy the water hydrant effect of the voluminous amount of water being forced out the grate You will have a bunch of water coming out of that. Did the video show it?
Water may never completely evacuate the elbow where the grate is, so your winter will freeze it in all probablity. Daughter lives in Highlands Ranch, and she has sent pix of the tops of my grandkids' heads in the snow...just the tops.

 

"...hydrant effect of the voluminous amount of water being forced out the grate"

I'm okay with that; if needed I can can mold a little bit of quickcrete around it and press some 1/2" rose gravel into it to counter erosion.

"Water may never completely evacuate the elbow"

Thank you! That's the kind of info I was looking for. I'm more concerned with mosquitoes discovering a pool to start of their larvae - but I can see snow and ice building up there too.

I just went out with a drill and long shank bit and drilled about 8 drain holes thru the grate - thru the bottom of elbow.

 

Now that's what I'm talking about!! Cool.