I am assuming that the pop up drain is at the end of the pipe and is the outlet for the gutter.
Pop up gutter drain freeze.
One of the bad parts about gutters draining underground or just draining is the the specific conditions similar to that which forms ice dams.
A pop up drain emitter is part of a system that more efficiently carries water away from a house s foundation than a standard downspout.
I would see if you can remove the pop up for the winter.
Continue to move down your gutters until you reach the downspout.
Clogged gutters can be a serious hazard and can lead to the formation of ice dams along your roofline accelerating the freezing of your downspouts.
Although calgary has already had a taste of winter there s still time to clear your gutters and downspouts of fall leaves to that they can do their job of moving water runoff away from your home properly.
I also left the gap in the connection between the aluminum downspout and pvc adapter uncaulked to allow another place for water to escape if the system.
Before winter fully sets in it s important to ensure that your gutters and downspouts can handle melting snow and ice.
That would allow the water free access to.
Climb up to your gutter where it s furthest away from your downspout.
Usually the pop up has a drain in the bottom to eliminate standing water.
This year i am placing a u shaped wedge to keep the pop up open and might even cover the whole emmiter with an old bucket.
Yes the freezing issue is the only concern i have with this system.