Rainwater Downpipe

[Saleha]

The downpipe from the roof guttering on the house I recently bought empties directly on to the ground (it has a shoe end) and not in to a drainage hole. Is this a problem or can I leave it as it is?

 

[bikerm4]

Probably not a problem until it starts freezing in winter and makes a nice skating rink

 

[^woody^]

It is a problem as the water will percolate down and make the local ground soft, which leads to foundation movement. It needs to go into a drain or a soakaway which is away from the house

 

[Saleha]

I now have two conflicting views - any other opinions out there?!

 

[Static]

It depends where the water ultimately collects. Some older downpipes discharge straight onto hard surfacing that then runs into a collector drain (this can sometimes be onto pavement and then the road). IF the downpipe discharges straight onto a flower bed (one that doesnt have a french drain below or some way the water will flow away from the house) then its probably not right and should be sorted before any damage is done

 

[^woody^]

I now have two conflicting views - any other opinions out there?!

I would only add.... where do 95% of existing downpipes and 100% of new build downpipes go to - a drain or the surface?