How far from my foundation should downspouts discharge?

A Pacific Northwest National Laboratory guide gives a minimum of 5 feet, and a Colorado Springs-area foundation contractor quoted by KRDO recommended at least 10 feet. Longer is safer when the grade allows.

Do Colorado Springs homes sit on expansive soil?

Colorado State University Extension says parts of Colorado population centers sit on expansive clay. We could not find a map showing which Colorado Springs neighborhoods are affected, so ask a local professional about your lot.

Can I just remove the downspout extension if it is in the way?

Colorado State University Extension advises against removing downspout extensions. If they are a nuisance, ask an installer about alternatives that still move water away from the foundation.

Can I collect rainwater from my downspout?

Colorado law allows limited rain barrel use at homes, with a cap on the number and size of barrels. Confirm the current rules with the state before you buy.

Downspouts and Expansive Clay Soil in Colorado Springs

Call (719) 628-1885

A gutter system only helps if the water it collects actually goes somewhere useful. In Colorado Springs, where the ground can swell and shrink with moisture, where downspouts empty matters as much as what hangs on the roof.

Why the soil matters

Colorado State University Extension explains that parts of Colorado’s population centers sit on expansive clay, often bentonite, which swells when wet and shrinks when dry. That movement can damage driveways, sidewalks, and home structures. Its advice for homeowners includes grading so water drains away from the house, keeping plants at least 5 feet from the foundation (trees at 15 feet), keeping sprinklers 5 feet away, and not removing downspout extensions.

We could not find a source that says exactly which Colorado Springs neighborhoods have expansive soil, so do not assume your lot is or is not affected. If you have cracked slabs, sticking doors, or gaps around window frames, talk with a foundation or geotechnical professional.

How far should water go?

A building-science guide from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory gives 5 feet as a minimum discharge distance. After a rainy spring, a Colorado Springs-area foundation contractor told KRDO that at least 10 feet is better. We are not setting a rule for you. The takeaway is that a short splash block at the corner of the house is rarely enough, and farther is generally better as long as water does not flow toward a neighbor’s property or pool against another wall.

Options you may see in quotes

Flexible or rigid downspout extensions that carry water out onto the yard
Splash blocks, which spread water at the base but do not move it far
Underground drain lines that carry water farther, which cost more and need correct slope
Rain barrels, subject to Colorado’s limits

Questions to ask an installer

Where will each downspout discharge, and how far from the foundation?
Does the grade slope away from the house at that spot?
Will extensions block mowing paths, walkways, or the neighbor’s yard?
Does the quote include extensions or drain lines, or only the downspout itself?

A note on city rules

We did not find a Colorado Springs rule on where residential downspouts may discharge. If your water would run onto the street or a shared drainage easement, call the city or your HOA first.

Looking at drainage fixes? Call (719) 628-1885 or send a request below and we will connect you with a local gutter installer. See also what gutters cost.