What is a splash block?
A splash block is a simple, rectangular or curved piece of material, typically made of concrete, plastic, or stone, placed directly underneath the bottom opening of a downspout. Its primary function is to receive the concentrated flow of rainwater from the downspout and redirect it horizontally away from the immediate vicinity of the house’s foundation. It acts as a rudimentary deflector, dissipating the force of the water and spreading it out over a wider area.
Why use a splash block at your downspout
Using a splash block is a basic, yet effective, step in protecting your home from water damage:
- Foundation Protection: The most crucial benefit. Without a splash block, concentrated water from a downspout can quickly erode soil directly around your foundation, potentially leading to cracks, leaks in the basement, or structural issues. A splash block disperses this water, reducing its erosive force.
- Erosion Control: It prevents the formation of unsightly trenches and muddy areas in your landscaping directly beneath the downspout.
- Siding and Trim Protection: By directing water away from the house, splash blocks help prevent water from splashing back onto your siding, windows, or trim, reducing the risk of rot, mold, and staining.
- Cost-Effective: They are an inexpensive solution for managing downspout runoff compared to more complex drainage systems.
- Easy to Install: Simply place them!
Materials: plastic vs concrete vs stone
- Plastic Splash Blocks:
- Pros: Very lightweight, inexpensive, easy to move and install, come in various colors.
- Cons: Can be easily displaced by strong winds or heavy rain, less durable than concrete/stone, can become brittle over time, and might look less aesthetically pleasing.
- Concrete Splash Blocks:
- Pros: Very heavy and stable (less likely to be displaced), highly durable, and cost-effective.
- Cons: Heavy to move and install, can crack over time due to freezing/thawing cycles, limited aesthetic options.
- Stone Splash Blocks (Natural Stone/Flagstone):
- Pros: Highly durable, very aesthetically pleasing, blends naturally with landscaping, and won’t move easily.
- Cons: Most expensive option, heavy to move, may require professional installation for large pieces.
Choosing the right size & angle
- Size: Choose a splash block that is at least 2-3 feet long to ensure it effectively disperses water far enough from the foundation. Wider blocks offer better dispersion.
- Angle: The splash block should have a slight downward angle, away from the foundation, to promote continuous water flow. Many splash blocks are designed with a built-in incline. Ensure the ground beneath it also slopes away from the house.
Step-by-step install guide
Installing a splash block is one of the simplest DIY home projects:
- Clean Area: Clear any debris, leaves, or soil from the ground directly beneath your downspout.
- Level Surface: Ensure the ground where the splash block will sit is relatively level and firm. You may need to remove a small amount of soil to create a stable bed.
- Position Splash Block: Place the splash block directly under the downspout opening, ensuring the downspout’s discharge is centered on the splash block.
- Angle Away: Make sure the splash block’s angle directs water away from your house foundation. The end of the splash block should ideally be at least 2-3 feet from the foundation.
- Secure (Optional): For plastic blocks in windy areas, you might place a heavy rock on them or use landscape pins to help secure them. Concrete and stone blocks typically stay in place due to their weight.
Maintenance, winter prep & displacement issues
- Maintenance: Periodically check splash blocks for accumulated leaves or debris that could impede water flow. Sweep them clean as needed.
- Winter Prep: In freezing climates, ensure splash blocks are clear of debris before winter. While less critical than downspouts, stagnant water on or around them can freeze. Heavy ice buildup can occasionally shift lighter plastic blocks.
- Displacement Issues: Plastic splash blocks are particularly prone to being moved by strong winds, heavy water flow, or accidental kicks. If displacement is a recurring problem, consider switching to a heavier concrete or stone block, or opting for a more permanent downspout extension.
Alternatives: downspout extensions, French drains
While splash blocks are simple, other options offer more robust water diversion:
- Downspout Extensions (Flexible/Rigid): These are pipes that attach directly to the downspout and carry water further away (5-10 feet or more) from the foundation. They offer more controlled drainage than splash blocks.
- Underground Drainage Systems: Pipes buried beneath the ground that connect to downspouts and carry water a significant distance away (e.g., 10+ feet) to a pop-up emitter, dry well, or rain garden. These are highly effective and aesthetically pleasing.
- French Drains: Trenches filled with gravel and a perforated pipe, designed to collect and redirect both surface and subsurface water away from soggy areas or foundations.
- Rain Barrels/Cisterns: Collect and store rainwater for later use, offering a sustainable alternative to simple discharge.
Don’t let rainwater damage your home! All Gutters helps you choose and install the best downspout solutions, from simple splash blocks to advanced drainage systems. Contact us for a free assessment!