Homeowner's downspout pooling problem gets a simple DIY fix for under $20

A homeowner dealing with rainwater pooling against their house turned to Reddit with a concern many property owners know all too well. 

When a downspout sends water to the wrong place, the small annoyance can turn into a much bigger foundation issue.

Here's what to know

According to a Reddit thread posted on the site's r/Homeowners forum, the issue had worsened from water gathering at the end of a downspout to runoff spreading "all the way down the right-hand side, sitting right against home."

The original poster also noted: "I'm not very handy." They added that they were willing to try an easy DIY approach and asked how to redirect the water away from the house and what it might cost.

Most replies pointed to a low-cost add-on instead of a bigger drainage project. The main recommendation was to extend the downspout and send the water toward a part of the yard that naturally falls away from the house. 

One commenter wrote: "Go to home depot or any hardware store, get some flexible gutter downspout extension and pop it on there, screw it in with some small sheet metal screws so it doesn't fly off in the wind, and point it somewhere where it won't cause water problems. Less than $10."

Another commenter offered a similar estimate, writing: "Downspout extension. Less than $15-20."

Standing water against a home is rarely something homeowners want to leave unaddressed. Even when it starts as a puddle near one wall or around a sprinkler head, repeated soaking can contribute to erosion, muddy walkways, and extra stress around the home's perimeter.

And if a $10 to $20 extension solves the problem, it could help someone avoid spending far more on a larger drainage project before it is actually necessary. 

Thankfully, in this case, the least complicated suggestion was also the cheapest. Attaching a flexible downspout extension so the water lands farther from the house is both inexpensive and simple. The OP agreed, stating: "At least temporarily, I'll go with an extension."

Where can I learn more?

These stories share more practical tips on spotting leaks and saving water at home.

• A home expert showed customers how to detect leaks and save thousands on repairs.

• A realtor suggested a blue-dye toilet test to catch hidden leaks cheaply.

• Turning off the tap while brushing can save 8 gallons of water each day.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.