Roof water is one of the most underused homeowner resources. Practical downspout drainage ideas should focus on collecting and dispersing water to gardens and trees.

You can turn the burden of excess water into a tremendous homesteading asset.

Consider that 1 US gallon = 231 cubic inches. 1,000 square feet = 144,000 square inches. Meaning that 1 inch of rain on 1,000 square feet is 623 gallons of water.

But how can you manage that water effectively? Downspout drainage should move the rainwater away from the house.

Draining 1,000 square feet of a roof into a flower bed set against the house so it can run into the basement tends to be counterproductive.

To avoid water damage to your basement, you should aim to drain your gutters at least 4 feet from your house — preferably 10 or more feet.

The shorter end of this range can be right for you if there are additional factors working in your favor, such as the yard that slopes away from the house, good (and expensive) basement insulation, and dense soil around the house.

But generally, the further away from the buildings you drain your gutters, the better.

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