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Clean regularly, inspect for rust or damage, and apply sealant to joints as needed.

If you want to avoid burying your downspouts, several alternatives can help direct water away from your home's foundation. One option is to connect a rain barrel to your downspout. During a storm, the barrel collects water that you can later use for irrigating your lawn or garden. Another common solution is to install an above-ground downspout extension. This can be done in a couple of ways:

• Splash Guards: Placing a splash guard, available at most hardware stores, under your downspout can act as a simple funnel to direct water away from the house.

• Downspout Extensions: You can add an extension to the end of the downspout's elbow to carry water further into your yard. Some extensions are flexible, allowing you to maneuver them around landscaping.

These above-ground solutions are particularly useful if your home has a slab foundation that you cannot dig up. However, they have limitations. An extension may not move water as far from your home as an underground system. More importantly, if your yard slopes back toward your house, these methods will be ineffective, and burying your downspouts remains the best option to prevent potential flooding and water damage.

You may have a clogged gutter. Downspouts can also clog if your gutter collects too much debris. Hire a professional gutter cleaner, and if you still have problems, install a gutter guard (which prevents debris from entering your gutter system) and a downspout extension (which helps drain water further away from your foundation, so it doesn't pool near your house). Follow these tips to keep your gutter downspouts clean.

It is not recommended to clean gutters, or do any work on your roof for that matter, without the use of a ladder. Please make sure you have a spotter and avoid slippery surfaces when performing this task.