Downspout to Buried Drain Connection? (drains, costs, pipes, clog)

[clutchrider]

I'm about to undertake this project and am curious about the connection. The part in question is where the gutter downspout will meet the PVC before heading underground. It seems most just connect the gutter to the PVC with an adapter piece which works but my concern is leaves and debris. Even with gutter screens the potential for clogging exists and you will not be able to easily access the pipe for clearing.

So I've seen some ideas that I am considering;

1) Connecting the PVC to a slotted grate above the ground with space to the downspout. Similar to this picture. My concern is water not entering the pipe and flowing around the grate. This particular one seems like a really good option as the store only has flat faced grates. This way leaves are pushed away automatically and not left on forcing the water completely away from the gutter. However this may be an issue in winter.



2) Pop out downspout grate. I've seen variations from pieces inside the downspout that are removable screens to ones that are open air. However their prices can range from $30-50+ online, seems expensive. I did find this one today at the box store which looked promising and only costs about $6 each.



Thoughts.

[CHTransplant]

I've had buried downspout connections for the past 15+ years and have never had a clogging problem with the pipes.

[cdelena]

With a simple downspout strainer at the top (in gutter) any clog will be accessible. I have not had a clog in 30+ years of connected downspouts.

[Emanon13]

I also have a strainer at the top (in gutter).No problems for past 20 years.

Every fall I clean any debris around the strainer.

[jackmichigan]

In my area, downspouts are required to be disconnected from storm drains so that the water drains onto the ground. If yours connects to a storm drain, you might want to consider that for the long-term possibility.

[clutchrider]

No storm drain connections and my gutters don't have any strainers up top. I supposed doing that would go a much longer way. Thanks all.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by clutchrider

No storm drain connections and my gutters don't have any strainers up top.
I supposed doing that would go a much longer way. Thanks all.

That and a flexible teen about 2x per year...
If dry the leaf blower is enough; if wet they have to scoop.