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Fix a splash block that is missing

We'll confirm the splash block is missing, choose and install a replacement, and direct water away from the foundation—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • Splash block (concrete, plastic, or metal)
  • Hose (to test flow)
  • Downspout extension (if the outlet is high above the ground)
Step 1 of 5

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the splash block is missing, choose and install a replacement, and direct water away from the foundation.

Install splash block

Goal: Choose and place a splash block under the downspout outlet.

  • Measure the downspout outlet width. Choose a splash block (concrete, plastic, or metal) that fits and extends at least 12–18 inches.
  • Level or slightly grade the soil under the outlet. Position the block directly under the outlet, angled away from the foundation (at least 4–6 feet).
  • Good: Block in place. Proceed to Check extension if the outlet is high.
  • Bad: Ground slopes toward the house—call a landscaping professional for regrading.

Check extension

Goal: Confirm the downspout outlet reaches the block so water lands on it.

  • If the outlet is more than a few inches above the ground, add a downspout extension. Slide it over the existing pipe. Water should land on the splash block.
  • Run a hose into the gutter or downspout. Water should flow across the block away from the foundation.
  • Good: Water flows away. No pooling at the base.
  • Bad: Water still pools—reposition the block or extend further. If the ground slopes toward the house, call a pro.

When to get help

Call a gutter or landscaping professional if:

  • The ground slopes toward the house and needs regrading.
  • You want a buried drain line instead of a splash block.
  • The downspout is damaged and needs repair.

Use a sturdy ladder and spotter when working near gutters.

Verification

  • A splash block is under the downspout outlet, angled away from the foundation.
  • Water flows across the block and away from the house during rain or when running a hose.
  • No pooling at the base and no erosion of soil.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Verify the downspout discharges onto bare soil with no block.
  2. Install splash block Choose and place a block under the outlet, angled away from the foundation.
  3. Add extension if needed If the outlet is high, add a downspout extension so water lands on the block.
  4. Call a pro Ground slopes toward house, need regrading, or want a buried drain—call a pro.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Downspout outlet position
  • Whether a downspout extension is needed
  • Steps already tried

Is the splash block missing?

Look at the base of the downspout. Water discharges onto bare soil with no block to direct it away.

Check the downspout base. Missing: bare soil, eroded ground, no block. Present: if water still pools, the block may be too small or misaligned—reposition or replace. Good: block missing—proceed. Bad: block present but water pools—reposition or extend downspout.

Yes No (block present)

You can change your answer later.

Does the downspout outlet reach the ground or near it?

If the outlet is high above the ground, water may splash past a small block. Add a downspout extension first.

Check the outlet height. Too high: add a downspout extension so water lands on the block. At ground level: place the splash block under the outlet. Good: outlet position known. Bad: outlet damaged—call a gutter professional.

Yes No (too high)

You can change your answer later.

Install splash block

Choose a splash block that fits under the outlet. Place it angled away from the foundation (4–6 feet). Run a hose to test. Water should flow across the block away from the house. If the ground slopes toward the house, call a landscaping professional.

Done

Add extension and splash block

Add a downspout extension to bring water to the block. Place the splash block under the extension outlet. Run a hose to test. Water should flow away from the foundation.

Done

Reposition or replace splash block

The block is present but water pools. Reposition it so it angles away from the foundation. If the block is too small, replace with a larger one. Run a hose to test. If the ground slopes toward the house, call a landscaping professional.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does a splash block matter?
A splash block directs water away from the foundation and prevents erosion. Without it, water pools at the base, washes away soil, and can seep toward the basement. It also protects the ground from the force of the downspout discharge.
Can I install a splash block myself?
Yes. Splash blocks are sold at home centers. Place the block under the downspout outlet, angled away from the foundation. If the downspout is too short, add a downspout extension first—see fix-downspout-overflows.
When should I call a professional?
Call a gutter or landscaping professional if the ground slopes toward the house and needs regrading, the downspout is too short and you need an extension, or you want a buried drain line instead of a splash block.

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