Choose the discharge point first

Watch the water during a storm or controlled hose test without flooding the wall. Mark where it currently lands, where the ground slopes, and whether water collects at the foundation, walkway, window well, or property line. Then choose a route that remains accessible for cleaning.

Check Acceptable direction
Foundation Away from the wall and openings, not into a low spot beside it.
Grade Continuous enough to avoid standing water or backflow.
Erosion Protected outlet or stable surface where runoff will not cut soil.
Neighbors and paths No discharge onto a walkway, shared boundary, or another structure.
Maintenance Extension can be removed, flushed, and inspected.

Do not bury a problem without confirming the outlet and local drainage rules. Underground or rigid systems need their own slope, cleanout, and discharge plan.

Limits

This guide does not set a universal distance, pipe diameter, buried-drain design, or local legal requirement. Heavy runoff, basement water, steep lots, and shared drainage need qualified local review.