I recently had a downspout installed, and it's currently draining into my backyard. However, I wanted it to go into the rock alleyway instead. The installation team mentioned that this might not be ideal since there could be too much water going there, potentially causing issues for both me and my neighbor. Should I keep it draining into the backyard, or am I right to want to redirect it to the alleyway? Here's a layout of my backyard for reference: https://imgur.com/a/9pmNaaL
3 Answers
They're right about keeping it away from the alleyway. It's best to direct the water into a storm drain system that leads further away from your house. You can check local guidelines for stormwater management. In some places, it’s permissible to connect it to the sewer or drain it into a gravel pit. If you're okay with a bit of work, you can DIY this pretty effectively!
Honestly, you don't want to drain into the alleyway. That can lead to water issues in your basement or damage to your foundation. If you really want to change it, consider digging a trench that directs the water away from your home using a 4" PVC pipe with a slight slope. If you don't have a good spot to drain it, you might want to look into perforated pipes and a gravel setup for better drainage.
Definitely avoid directing it to the alley! That could lead to serious water problems and possible ice formation in winter. If space allows, consider a rain garden. You can dig out a low area and fill it with native plants that thrive in wet conditions. It’s both beautiful and helps manage the water effectively.