Downspouts and surface drainage in Lexington, KY
Many basement leaks start on the roof. In sinkhole country, where that water ends up matters as much as getting it away from the wall.
Surface drainage work keeps rain and roof water from soaking the soil next to your foundation. It includes gutter and downspout extensions, buried downspout lines, regrading soil so it slopes away from the house, swales that steer yard water, and fixing window wells and patios that drain toward the wall. For Lexington homeowners whose basements leak during storms at the same corners every time, it's often the cheapest place to start, and sometimes the whole fix.
Signs the problem starts outside
- Leaks under the same downspout corner every storm
- Gutters that overflow in heavy rain
- Mulch beds or soil sloping toward the house
- Window wells that fill with water
- A patio or driveway pitched toward the foundation
- A low spot or sinkhole where yard water collects
Why it matters more in karst
In most places, the rule is just to move water away from the house. In the Bluegrass, it also matters where the water lands. The Kentucky Geological Survey explains that sinkholes flood when inflow exceeds what the conduit underneath can carry, that eroded soil and debris can clog a sinkhole's throat, and that sinkholes flood more often when there's development in their watershed. University of Kentucky Extension adds that sinkholes shouldn't be used for disposal. A buried downspout line running straight into a sinkhole can deliver sediment and peak flow at the worst moment. A better plan spreads water out over ground that slopes away from the house, and keeps it from concentrating in a low area.
What are the options?
- Gutter cleaning, resizing and guards so water actually reaches the downspouts in a downpour.
- Downspout extensions that release water several feet from the foundation onto ground that slopes away.
- Buried lines to a pop-up emitter or daylight, sloped so they drain and don't freeze full.
- Regrading so soil falls away from the foundation for the first several feet.
- Swales and rain gardens that slow and spread runoff.
Rules worth knowing
Lexington's sinkhole ordinance, adopted in 1985, governs development plans on land with sinkholes, can set aside nonbuildable areas around them, and requires buildings on filled sinkhole areas to rest on solid rock. Changes that affect neighbors' drainage or public stormwater can involve the Urban County Government, so ask before redirecting water across property lines. Any digging requires calling Kentucky 811 at least two full business days ahead.
What affects the cost?
- Number of downspouts and length of any buried lines
- How much soil must be moved or brought in
- Hardscape like patios and walks that must be adjusted
- Restoring lawn and plantings afterward
Pricing comes from the company you're connected with after it walks the property. We don't quote prices.
Where we can connect you
Common questions
Can I run my downspouts into a sinkhole?
It's best not to. University of Kentucky Extension advises that sinkholes shouldn't be used for disposal, and concentrated runoff and sediment can contribute to sinkhole flooding and clogging.
Do I need to call 811 before regrading my yard in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky law requires excavators, including homeowners, to contact Kentucky 811 at least two full business days before digging.
How far should downspouts extend from the house?
Far enough that water lands on ground that slopes away and doesn't run back toward the foundation. The right distance depends on your lot's grade.
Related services
- Basement drainage systems
- Sump pumps and battery backups
- Foundation crack sealing
- Crawl space encapsulation
More on sinkholes, permits and local rules: Fayette County karst basement guide.
Water at the footing, a leaking crack, or a crawl space that smells?
Call and a waterproofing company that works in the Bluegrass will come find the source.