Why do I need downspout extensions?
Many homes built before 1960 had rain downspouts connected to the municipal storm sewer system.
Most municipalities now require disconnection of these downspouts. Why? Heavy rains can exceed storm sewer capacity, causing overflow into the sanitary sewer system. This can overwhelm sewage treatment plants, causing discharge of untreated sewage into the lakes and streams that also provide our drinking water.
Most homes have enough land around them to absorb rain that falls on the roof, if the water is discharged properly from downspouts. This replenishes your natural groundwater aquifer, and helps reduce pollution caused by sewer overflows.
You can also help prevent wet basements and erosion damage to your lawn and flowerbeds by discharging rainwater at least three feet (preferably six feet) from your foundation.
Rainguard™ offers an effective, attractive and inexpensive solution that is easy to install. Our self-retracting downspout extensions are available in three colors, and in lengths up to six feet.
See "Why Choose Rainguard?" for a comparison of alternative rainwater dispersal solutions.
See "Resources" for more information on municipal downspout disconnection programs.
"Every year, billions of gallons of stormwater runoff mixed with raw sewage pours into the Willamette River through combined sewer overflows. The Downspout Disconnection program provides a simple, safe and effective way for residences to be part of the solution by reducing runoff from roofs that contribute to those overflows."
City of Portland, Office of Neighborhood Involvement
"Disconnecting residential roof downspouts from the combined sewer system may be an important way to reduce water pollution caused by Combined Sewer Overflows. Participating in the pilot project can contribute to a cleaner Burrard Inlet and English Bay. Please help protect our environment by taking part in this program."
City of Vancouver
Downspout Disconnection Program
