Unlike California and much of the southwestern United States, here in western Pennsylvania we have no issues with drought. Actually, with abundant rainfall and rivers up the wazoo, we tend toward the opposite end of the moisture spectrum: flooding. Our home is at an elevation where we’re safe from floods (brief pause to knock on head), but frequently the rainfall is so heavy that all the gutters do is slow the water down. This results in much of the water spilling over the edge of the gutters, and ending up right by the foundation, usually followed by a minor lake in the basement. After a recent episode of sogginess, I decided it was time to add a downspout, to try and divert some of that agua somewhere it would be less harmful and more useful – Texas, perhaps?
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