International Compliance Association (ICA) Home Inspector Practice Exam

What component redirects rainwater expelled by a downspout?

1. Splash block

2. Gutter guard

3. Drainage pipe

4. French drain

The correct answer is: Splash block

The component that redirects rainwater expelled by a downspout is known as a splash block. A splash block is a device placed at the base of a downspout to manage the flow of water that comes from the roof. Its primary function is to direct water away from the foundation of the building, which helps to prevent erosion and water pooling around the foundation. By using a splash block, the rainwater is effectively channeled away from the home's structure, reducing the risk of water damage, basement flooding, and other moisture-related issues. This simple yet effective solution is particularly important in maintaining a dry and stable environment around the home. In contrast, gutter guards are designed to prevent debris from clogging the gutters, drainage pipes transport water away from an area, and French drains are more complex systems aimed at redirecting groundwater or surface water, but none of these serve the specific purpose of managing the immediate expulsion of water from a downspout as directly as a splash block does.