6. Ray is installing an eavestrough. He needs the eavestrough to drop 1 in. for every 60 in. length so the water will drain properly. a) What is the slope of the eavestrough? b) Ray found standing water in the eavestrough. How can he fix this?

**a) What is the slope of the eavestrough?** The **slope** of the eavestrough indicates how much it drops over a certain horizontal distance to ensure proper water drainage. It's typically expressed as a ratio or a percentage. - **Given:** - **Drop (Vertical Change):** 1 inch - **Horizontal Length (Run):** 60 inches - **Slope Calculation:** \[ \text{Slope} = \frac{\text{Rise (Drop)}}{\text{Run}} = \frac{1 \text{ inch}}{60 \text{ inches}} = \frac{1}{60} \] - **Expressed as a Percentage:** \[ \text{Slope (\%)} = \left( \frac{1}{60} \right) \times 100 \approx 1.67\% \] **Answer:** The slope of the eavestrough is **1 inch of drop per 60 inches of length**, which can also be expressed as a slope ratio of **1:60** or approximately **1.67%**. --- **b) Ray found standing water in the eavestrough. How can he fix this?** Standing water in an eavestrough can lead to various problems, including water damage to the roof, fascia, and foundation. To fix this issue, Ray can take the following steps: 1. **Check the Slope:** - **Ensure Proper Gradient:** Verify that the eavestrough maintains the correct slope (1 inch drop per 60 inches) throughout its length. An inadequate slope can prevent water from draining efficiently. - **Adjust if Necessary:** If parts of the eavestrough are sagging or not sloped correctly, adjust the hangers or supports to restore the proper gradient. 2. **Clear Blockages:** - **Remove Debris:** Leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog the gutter, causing water to pool. Regularly clean the eavestrough to ensure unobstructed flow. - **Check Downspouts:** Make sure downspouts are free from obstructions. Use a plumber’s snake or a high-pressure hose to clear any blockages. 3. **Inspect for Damage:** - **Look for Holes or Cracks:** Damage to the gutter can allow water to escape and cause pooling. Repair or replace any damaged sections. - **Seal Joints Properly:** Ensure that all joints are sealed to prevent leaks. 4. **Install Gutter Guards:** - **Prevent Future Blockages:** Gutter guards can help keep out debris, reducing the frequency of cleaning and minimizing the risk of standing water. 5. **Ensure Proper Downspout Placement:** - **Adequate Drainage:** Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation. Installing extensions or splash blocks can help direct the flow away effectively. 6. **Consider Increasing Gutter Size:** - **Capacity:** If the current eavestrough is too small to handle the volume of water, upgrading to a larger gutter system may be necessary. **Summary:** To eliminate standing water, Ray should verify and adjust the gutter’s slope to maintain the required 1 in./60 in. grade, clear any blockages from debris in the gutters and downspouts, repair any damage to the eavestrough, and ensure that water is effectively directed away from the house.