If you see an exposed, open pipe at the exterior of your home, it’s likely a gutter downspout rain leader (e.g., a pipe into which the gutters were designed to be routed, to ensure storm water is directed away from the home). At a recent home inspection in Anacortes, I discovered an open rain leader and recommended it be capped to prevent debris accumulation into the pipe that may block the subterranean drainage system and can be costly to repair.