A Simple Step That Prevents Big Problems

Concrete work locks everything in place — which is why drainage planning must happen before the pour, not after. One of the most important steps in that process is properly extending gutter downspouts using PVC pipe beneath the concrete.

In this project, the Precision Hardscape & Construction team demonstrates the professional method for routing downspouts underground so that water is safely redirected away from the home — protecting the foundation, slab, and surrounding landscape.

It’s a straightforward process, but skipping or rushing this step leads to expensive drainage failures, water pooling, slab movement, and long-term structural damage.

Why Downspouts Must Be Extended Before Concrete Is Poured

Rainwater leaving your roof has to go somewhere. If that water discharges near the foundation or under a slab, gravity and erosion will do the rest.

Without proper drainage routing:

  • Water accumulates under concrete

  • Soil shifts and washes out

  • Slabs crack and settle unevenly

  • Foundations experience moisture pressure

  • Yard drainage becomes chaotic

Once concrete is poured, fixing these issues requires cutting, tunneling, or demolition — all costly and disruptive solutions.

Doing it right beforehand eliminates those risks.

The Professional Method Explained

Step 1: Install PVC Pipe Under the Slab

Before concrete placement, rigid PVC pipe is laid beneath the future slab location. This ensures:

  • Strong structural support

  • Smooth internal water flow

  • Long-term durability

  • Zero collapse risk

This pipe becomes the permanent underground channel that safely transports roof runoff away from the structure.

Step 2: Use Proper Adapters & Reducers

Correct fittings are essential for smooth water transfer and system efficiency. Adapters and reducers allow:

  • Seamless transition between gutter systems and underground piping

  • Reduced flow turbulence

  • Lower clog potential

Every joint is properly aligned and secured to prevent leaks or separation.

Step 3: Route Water to a Safe Discharge Zone

Water should always exit well away from foundations, slabs, and footings. Proper routing directs flow:

  • Toward natural slopes

  • Into drainage basins

  • Away from landscaped areas

  • Toward pop-up emitters

This protects both the structure and surrounding soil stability.

Step 4: Install Pop-Up Emitters for Clean Discharge

Pop-up emitters allow water to exit underground piping safely and efficiently. When installed properly, they:

  • Prevent surface pooling

  • Reduce erosion

  • Maintain clean yard appearance

  • Automatically retract when not in use

This creates a drainage system that is both functional and visually discreet.

Why This Method Matters Long-Term

A concrete pour is permanent. If drainage is wrong, the slab becomes a liability instead of an asset.

Correct downspout extension:

  • Extends the life of concrete

  • Protects the foundation

  • Prevents erosion and washout

  • Improves yard drainage

  • Reduces long-term maintenance costs

It’s one of the highest ROI steps in outdoor construction.

Professional Drainage Planning Makes the Difference

At Precision Hardscape & Construction, drainage is treated as an engineering problem, not an afterthought. Every project begins with careful evaluation of:

  • Slope

  • Soil conditions

  • Rain runoff patterns

  • Foundation protection

  • Long-term water flow behavior

That’s why our hardscape projects not only look exceptional — they function correctly for decades.

Final Thoughts: Concrete Is Permanent — Drainage Must Be Perfect

Once concrete is poured, drainage mistakes become permanent problems. Extending downspouts properly before the pour is one of the simplest yet most critical steps in any hardscape or concrete project.

It’s not about doing more work — it’s about doing the right work at the right time.

Work With Precision Hardscape & Construction

If you’re planning a patio, walkway, driveway, outdoor kitchen, or full outdoor transformation, Precision Hardscape & Construction ensures that every detail — including drainage — is done right from the start.

📍 Serving Calabash, NC, Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Shallotte, Little River, North Myrtle Beach & Myrtle Beach, SC
📞 Call: (843) 222-5377
🌐 Visit: www.precisionhardscapeconstruction.com

Let’s build it once — and build it right.