How to Route Gutter Water 10 Feet Away from Your House (Houston Drainage Advice)

💧 How to Route Gutter Water 10 Feet Away from Your House

Question from George in Houston:

“Hello! I’m adding gutters to my house. At a few spots, I need to route the water away from the house around 10 feet. Please recommend some products for this application. Thanks!”
— George M.

🌿 Garden Guy’s Answer

Great question, George — and you’re absolutely right to plan ahead. Getting that water directed a full 10 feet away from your foundation is one of the smartest (and least expensive) ways to protect your home from erosion and settling issues. Houston’s heavy rains can really test your drainage setup, so here’s what to think through before choosing your materials.

✅ What to Consider Before Choosing Products

1. Distance and slope
Make sure the grade slopes away from the house — even a gentle ¼-inch drop per foot is enough to keep water moving.

2. Type of diversion
You can go above ground with splash blocks and flexible extensions, or underground with buried drain lines. For a 10-foot run, either method works depending on how visible you want it to be.

3. Durability
Houston sun can be brutal on cheap materials. Look for weather- and UV-resistant options like HDPE plastic, aluminum, or composite. Avoid thin vinyl that warps over time.

4. Discharge location
Make sure your water exits safely — not onto walkways, driveways, or toward your neighbor’s fence line.

5. Maintenance & debris
Pick a setup that’s easy to clean and securely attached to the downspout. Clogs or disconnected pipes can send water right back toward your foundation.

6. Aesthetics
If your outlet is visible from the street or patio, go with decorative or stone-look splash blocks that blend into the landscape.

💪 Want My Product Picks?

There are some great ready-to-go kits that make this simple — from flexible drain tubes to decorative splash blocks that last through Houston’s hurricane season.

If you’d like me to send you my 3–5 favorite products and a quick setup plan for your exact scenario, tip the Garden Guy team 3 coffees below and I’ll email your personalized list.

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