Why Birds Nest In Gutters & How To Prevent Them From Returning
July 7, 2023
7 Signs Of Improper Gutter Slope
July 24, 2024
WHAT WAY SHOULD SPLASH BLOCKS FACE?
Whether your splash blocks are concrete, pvc, or any other material the only way that they should face is away from the home. Splash blocks are designed to kick the water out and away from the home’s foundation. Doing this helps prevent rain water from causing damages to the foundation and/or basement leaks from occurring.
Another added benefit of splash blocks is that they help prevent soil erosion under the gutter downspouts. Heavier rains cause stronger flows of water to come out of the downspouts. Without anything under them the water often causes soil erosion or even kill grass in some areas.
REASONS WHY A BACKWARDS SPLASH BLOCK IS NOT GOOD
-
WATER IS ABLE TO DRAIN TOWARDS FOUNDATION
-
MOSQUITO BREEDING GROUND
When a splash block is turned in the wrong direction the closed end prevents the water from being able to drain. This often causes the water to leak out of the open end onto the foundation. Thus making matters worse and defeating the purpose of the splash block altogether.
Since water is not able to drain out of splash blocks that are turned the wrong way, it ends up staying there and becoming stagnant. Mosquitos and other insects are attracted to standing water and are known to congregate in water collecting in splash blocks. 
SPLASH BLOCK INSTALLATION TIPS:
-
SPLASH BLOCKS SHOULD SLOPE AWAY FROM THE HOME
-
DIG TO ADD SLOPE IF NECESSARY
-
BACK OF SPLASH BLOCK NEEDS TO BE BEHIND DOWNSPOUT
Splash blocks should always be set on a slope that points away from the home. If it is ever tilted back so that the open end is higher than the back end, then the water will drain towards the foundation. If necessary, dig the ground out from under the block to give it a proper slope.
The back of the block should always face the home and it should always be positioned behind the downspout. In the photo below we see a splash block that is positioned almost directly under the end of the downspout elbow. Although it appears to be working correctly in the photo below, it is not configured as best as possible. In a more gentle rain the water could drop straight down from the downspout and go between the block and the wall directly into the foundation. In the situation below we would recommend removing the piece of brick and putting the back of the block flush against the side of the home so that there is no open gap.
OTHER WAYS TO DIRECT DOWNSPOUT WATER AWAY FROM THE FOUNDATION
Small aluminum “kick out” extensions are able to be added to your existing downspouts so that they drain a couple feet away from the home.
-
CORRUGATED DRAIN TUBE EXTENSIONS
Black corrugated drain tube is the most common method for extending downspouts to drain into other areas. They are able to maneuvered to fit into any space.
-
PVC AND/OR UNDERGROUND DRAINS
A lot of new homes have underground drainage systems that downspouts are able to connect and drain into.
CONCLUSION:
Splash blocks should always have the open end pointed away from the home, and be set on a slight slope tilted away from the home. Facing a splash block inwards could allow water to drain directly into your foundation during heavy rains.
RELATED ARTICLES BY MY GUTTER DOCTOR:
Why Birds Nest In Gutters by My Gutter Doctor
7 Signs Of Improper Gutter Slope by My Gutter Doctor
Does Flex Seal Work On Gutter Systems by My Gutter Doctor
Downspout Clog Prevention by My Gutter Doctor
