How to seal up downspout drain?
#1
02-04-13, 12:08 PM
How to seal up downspout drain?
I have some water leaking into the basement when it rains or snow is melting. I thought it was a sewer backup so I called my city sewer guy. He said the sewer line looks fine and that before I spend big bucks to have the foundation looked at, I should consider the downspouts. He said they all go directly into the pipe underground and that is no longer legal. He said with large quantities of water going down there, it could leak into the basement if there are some cracks.
So, I will be sealing up those pipes and just having the water run away from the house using one of those plastic/metal guides. The drain that the downspout currently leads into is cement. How do I seal this up? I am hoping to do it myself and not pay big bucks to a gutter guy.
So, I will be sealing up those pipes and just having the water run away from the house using one of those plastic/metal guides. The drain that the downspout currently leads into is cement. How do I seal this up? I am hoping to do it myself and not pay big bucks to a gutter guy.
#2
02-04-13, 12:48 PM
Member
Having your downspout draining into city sewer is illegal in most area.
Is this downspout going into the pipe inside or outside your home?
Pictures of the area you want to block off would be a great help.
Is this downspout going into the pipe inside or outside your home?
Pictures of the area you want to block off would be a great help.
#3
02-04-13, 01:08 PM
it runs down into cement drain pipes outside the house, looks like the house was built that way. Pictures to be uploaded shortly The sewer guy did say it is no longer legal to install it that way, but its how the house was built
#4
02-04-13, 01:15 PM
Member
Originally Posted by yossi
it runs down into cement drain pipes outside the house, looks like the house was built that way. Pictures to be uploaded shortly The sewer guy did say it is no longer legal to install it that way, but its how the house was built
Based on the way you describe it, I would have to guess you should be able to either disconnect the downspout from the pipe or cut the pipe and cap it.
If you are able to cut and cap the pipe below grade, you could fill it in with concrete after it's all sealed and forget about it.
Pictures when you have a chance will help
#5
02-05-13, 09:51 AM
I would suggest cut & seal the concrete pipe below grade, then where the pipe used to be install PVC collectors leading to pop-up drains several feet away from the foundation.
