Drainage and Water Management Flashcards
6 cards from real Gutter Company practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Drainage and Water Management flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a splash block placed at the base of a downspout?
Answer: To disperse water and direct it away from the foundation
Splash blocks channel water away from the foundation and disperse the force of the downspout discharge to prevent soil erosion.
What is a French drain and when is it recommended in conjunction with gutter downspouts?
Answer: A trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects groundwater away from the foundation
A French drain is a sub-surface drainage system that collects and redirects downspout discharge and groundwater well away from the home's foundation.
What grading specification around a home's foundation helps downspout water run away rather than toward the structure?
Answer: A positive slope of at least 6 inches drop over 10 feet away from the foundation
Building codes and drainage best practices call for at least a 6-inch drop over 10 feet away from the foundation to ensure surface water drains away from the structure.
What is a rain barrel and what is its role in a downspout system?
Answer: A decorative barrel placed under a downspout to collect rainwater for reuse in irrigation
Rain barrels capture and store roof runoff from downspouts for later use in garden irrigation, reducing water consumption and managing stormwater.
What is a downspout diverter used for?
Answer: To direct water either into a rain barrel or away from the home when the barrel is full
A diverter automatically routes water into a rain barrel until it is full, then diverts overflow away from the foundation.
What is the risk of connecting downspout drainage directly into a municipal sanitary sewer system?
Answer: It is illegal in most US municipalities and can overload the sewer system during rain events
Most US municipalities prohibit connecting stormwater downspouts to sanitary sewers because stormwater volumes can overwhelm treatment capacity and cause overflows.