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Gutters and downspouts should move rainwater runoff away from your house so there’s no erosion along the drip line of the roof. But if the downspouts don’t direct the water far enough away, then you’re simply dumping it along the foundation and you’re creating an even bigger problem. Soil erosion here can do serious damage and if there’s a basement below it only gets worse. At the base of each downspout there should be some sort of control for the water. A concrete or plastic splash block is the simplest form, but for even more control pick up a flexible plastic downspout extension from the home center. This accordion styled pipe can be manipulated to turn the run-off in any direction you choose. That may include directing it into an underground drain pipe, to carry the water to safer spot.