Roof Downspout Disconnection

Description simple downspout disconnection involves directing flow from roof downspouts to a pervious area that drains away from the building see figure 4 3 1.

Roof downspout disconnection.

During heavy rain every downspout on your home can send 12 gallons of water a minute to the sewer system which increases the risk of basement backups and sewer overflows. Downspouts may also be connected to a pipe in the ground that connects directly to the sanitary sewer or storm drain system. Use similar downspout material or use adapters to change to plastic pipe. This prevents stormwater from directly entering the storm sewer system or flowing across a connected impervious surface such as a driveway that drains to a storm sewer.

Downspout disconnection reduces stormwater in the sewer system. Some downspouts cannot be disconnected. Water is then redirected to flow into a rain barrel or to a lawn or garden where it can soak into the ground. Downspout disconnection is the process of disconnecting the downspout from a pipe or the paved area.

Drill a hole on either side of each fitting and screw in a sheet metal screw to secure the fitting. If necessary use needle nosed pliers to crimp the old downspout pipe so it slides into the new elbow.