Gutter Company Drainage and Water Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a splash block placed at the base of a downspout?
- To anchor the downspout to the ground
- To disperse water and direct it away from the foundation (Correct answer)
- To filter sediment from downspout discharge
- To prevent animals from entering the downspout
Correct answer: To disperse water and direct it away from the foundation
Splash blocks channel water away from the foundation and disperse the force of the downspout discharge to prevent soil erosion.
Question 2: What is a French drain and when is it recommended in conjunction with gutter downspouts?
- A decorative drain cover only
- A trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects groundwater away from the foundation (Correct answer)
- A drain installed in the gutter channel
- An underground cistern for collecting rainwater
Correct answer: A trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects groundwater away from the foundation
A French drain is a sub-surface drainage system that collects and redirects downspout discharge and groundwater well away from the home's foundation.
Question 3: What grading specification around a home's foundation helps downspout water run away rather than toward the structure?
- Flat grade for even distribution
- A positive slope of at least 6 inches drop over 10 feet away from the foundation (Correct answer)
- A negative slope directing water under the foundation
- A 2% slope toward the home
Correct answer: A positive slope of at least 6 inches drop over 10 feet away from the foundation
Building codes and drainage best practices call for at least a 6-inch drop over 10 feet away from the foundation to ensure surface water drains away from the structure.
Question 4: What is a rain barrel and what is its role in a downspout system?
- A decorative barrel placed under a downspout to collect rainwater for reuse in irrigation (Correct answer)
- A filter device installed inside the downspout
- A type of downspout extension
- A backup sump pump container
Correct answer: A decorative barrel placed under a downspout to collect rainwater for reuse in irrigation
Rain barrels capture and store roof runoff from downspouts for later use in garden irrigation, reducing water consumption and managing stormwater.
Question 5: What is a downspout diverter used for?
- To increase downspout flow speed
- To direct water either into a rain barrel or away from the home when the barrel is full (Correct answer)
- To prevent leaves from entering the downspout
- To reduce gutter slope
Correct answer: To direct water either into a rain barrel or away from the home when the barrel is full
A diverter automatically routes water into a rain barrel until it is full, then diverts overflow away from the foundation.
Question 6: What is the risk of connecting downspout drainage directly into a municipal sanitary sewer system?
- It is perfectly legal and commonly done
- It is illegal in most US municipalities and can overload the sewer system during rain events (Correct answer)
- It reduces the home's water bill
- It is only a problem in rural areas
Correct answer: It is illegal in most US municipalities and can overload the sewer system during rain events
Most US municipalities prohibit connecting stormwater downspouts to sanitary sewers because stormwater volumes can overwhelm treatment capacity and cause overflows.
Gutter Company Drainage and Water Management 1
What is the purpose of a splash block placed at the base of a downspout?