| Drainage Problem Solving: Attaching Hinged Downspout and Creating a Slope |
From "Weekend Handyman" episode WKH-302 |
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 In this week's episode of Weekend Handyman, host Paul Ryan shows a variety of ways to solve minor drainage problems.
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 The projects in this episode will include repairing downspouts and gutters, landscaping techniques and installing a multi-flow surface system (seen here).
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Time: 10 hours over two days. Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 4 out of 5 on the Weekend Handyman difficulty scale.Materials: Downspouts -- Drill Small sheet metal screws Hinged elbow Downspout Splashguard Downspout bracket Landscaping -- Shovel and wheelbarrow Mulch or black dirt 6 mil plastic sheeting Landscape rock Installing Multi-Flow System -- Trenching shovel Rotary laser transit Day-glo marking paint Ditch Witch power trencher Tape measure 6' pry bar 4" x 4" or 6" x 6" wooden post for a tamp Hard hat Safety glasses Hearing protection 2" plastic tape PVC pipe Rodent cap Sand Centering device
Replacing a Downspout- Replace the existing elbow with a new hinged unit (figure A).
- Attach about 4' of downspout to the elbow and rest it in a splashguard (figure B) that will help disperse the water into the lawn.
- Drill pilot holes and secure all parts with short stainless machine screws.
- Attach the bracket to the front of the downspout to hold the extension up (figure C) out of the way when necessary.
Note: Be sure to clear your gutters of debris a couple times a year.
Gutters
Creating a Landscape Slope for Water to Flow- If the ground around the foundation of the home is flat, water can seep back into the foundation. Creating an angled slope away from the foundation will help carry the water away from the foundation.
- Use mulch or black dirt for the fill (figure E) -- the less porous the better. Create a slope that will carry the water at least 4' away.
- Lay 6 mil plastic sheeting over the fill (figure F) and cover the area with landscape rock.
- Another way to divert water is to install a surface drain (figure G). It consists of a cover grate hooked up to a catch basin. Inside the basin is a pipe that runs away from the house. Be sure to keep the grate and basin free of debris and silt.
In the next segment, Ryan and his cohorts get started on installing the multi-flow drainage system.
RESOURCES :
Drain System (Varicore Technologies)
Brand name: Multi-Flow
Model Number: 6" Varicore Technologies
PO Box 131
Prinsburg, MN 56281
Toll-free: 800-978-8007
Website: www.varicore.com
Slope Laser Package with Tripod and Rod (Northwest Lasers)
Brand name: Trimble
Model #: 1242
Where Available: Visit the Northwest Lasers website, information below. Northwest Lasers, Inc.
2200 University Ave.
Suite 100
St. Paul, MN 55114
Phone: 651-645-3828
Website: www.northwestlasers.com
Trencher Walk Behind (Ditch Witch of Minnesota)
Brand name: Ditch Witch
Model #: 1330
Where available: Visit the Ditch Witch of Minnesota website or call their 800 number, information below. Ditch Witch of Minnesota
12826 Emery Way
Sahokopee, MN 55379
Toll-free: 800-252-5811
Website: www.ditchwitchmn.com
GUESTS :
Arnold Plowman
VP Sales
Varicore Technologies
PO Box 131
Prinsburg, MN 56281
Darcy Westlind
Home Inspector
20485 Linwood Rd.
Deephaven, MN 55331
Marlin Breems
Director of Marketing
Varicore Technologies
PO Box 131
Prinsburg, MN 56281
Matt Spector
General Contractor
311 First Ave. N
Suite 505
Minneapolis, MN 55401
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