How do you add length to downspout?

Author: Lucy Watsica  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Simple Steps That Help to Extend Your Downspout
  1. Start with Laying Out the Trench. ...
  2. Then Mark the Trench Line. ...
  3. Time to Dig the Trench. ...
  4. Move Onto Laying Out the Pipe Lengths and Fittings. ...
  5. Install the Starter Elbow. ...
  6. Make Sure to Insert Adapter and Reducer. ...
  7. Carry On With Installation. ...
  8. Start with Second Downspout.

Can you extend a downspout?

If you notice that rainwater doesn't flow away from your house during heavy rainstorms, it's time to take matters into your own hands by attaching a rigid or flexible extension – which can be found at most home improvement stores – to the end of the gutter downspout.

What is an alternative to downspout extensions?

If you want something easy to install, plastic splash blocks win out over downspout extensions.

How do you join two downspouts together?

Connect the top section of downspout to the bottom section by crimping its edges. A special downspout crimper tool will do this, but you can use needle-nose pliers. Crimp all the way around the downspout to a depth of at least 1 inch. Insert the top crimped section into the lower section as far as it will go.

How to extend a downpipe?

Simple Steps That Help to Extend Your Downspout
  1. Start with Laying Out the Trench. ...
  2. Then Mark the Trench Line. ...
  3. Time to Dig the Trench. ...
  4. Move Onto Laying Out the Pipe Lengths and Fittings. ...
  5. Install the Starter Elbow. ...
  6. Make Sure to Insert Adapter and Reducer. ...
  7. Carry On With Installation. ...
  8. Start with Second Downspout.

Gutter one piece outside mitre

How far should my downspouts extend from my house?

As mentioned above, the water should be diverted at least 4 to 6 feet away from the house. If a home has basement walls, it should be at least 6 feet away. The furthest away from the foundation the better. Putting gravel or rocks at the end of the downspout to avoid erosion is a great idea.

What is a downspout coupler?

The adapter is mainly used to connect the rainwater sink and drainage pipe to ensure stable drainage of rainwater. Our universal downspout tile adapters are perfect for making the transition from the downspout to your drain tile.

How to join two downpipes together?

If you need to add an additional length of downpipe, join the two parts with a downpipe pipe socket and pipe clip. To allow for expansion, leave a 10mm gap between the end of the pipe and the bottom of the pipe socket. Then attach a pipe clip over the joint.

What is the best downspout extension?

If durability and long-term protection are your priorities, aluminum or galvanized steel extensions are the best choices. For ease of installation and adjustability, flexible or roll-out extensions are highly recommended.

How much does it cost to add a downspout extension?

Above-ground extensions typically range from $10 to $50 depending on the material and length. Underground extensions, which often require trenching, can cost significantly more, ranging from $200 to $2,000.

Should downspout extenders be buried?

One of the most important benefits of installing buried downspouts is protecting your home's foundation from water damage. Improper drainage can result in pooling water that seeps into the ground near the foundation, causing cracks, shifting, and other structural issues over time.

How to add length to gutter?

How to Extend Your Downspout
  1. Step 1: Lay Out and Mark the Trench Line. ...
  2. Step 2: Dig the Trench. ...
  3. Step 3: Lay out the Pipe Lengths and Fittings. ...
  4. Step 4: Connect the Adapter and Reducer. ...
  5. Step 5: Lay and Connect Pipes. ...
  6. Step 6: Connect Your Second Downspout. ...
  7. Step 7: Backfill the Trench. ...
  8. Step 8: Create a Drainage Point.

What is the maximum length between downspouts?

Allow 1 square inch of downspout cross-section for every 100 square feet of roof area. Place downspouts at least 20 feet apart but no more than 50 feet apart.

What is a downspout extension called?

Gutter extensions, also called downspout extensions, are attachments that are placed on the end of the downspout to channel rainwater away from the foundation of the home.

What does a downspout clip do?

A downspout clip, also known as a downspout bracket, is designed to anchor the downspout to the side of the house. This ensures that the downspout remains in place, directing water from the gutters away from the foundation and preventing potential water damage.

What is a drain coupling?

Drain Couplings are designed to connect two pipes with the same or similar (within 10mm) outside diameter. Drain Coupling are made from three component parts: one moulded EPDM rubber body and two stainless steel clamp bands, which when tightened create a secure connection.

How to join two pieces of downspout together?

Each section needs to overlap at least six inches when connected. Attach the elbows to the ends of each section using sealants and screws. Connect the sections to the bottom of your downspouts and check to see if they are secure. After this, you should be done.

How to join different size gutters?

Gutters are joined by using union brackets, also known as gutter joiners or couplers. Gutter unions have rubber gaskets which create a seal to create a watertight joint. They are simple to install by simply screwing them onto the fascia boards and pushing the length of gutter into them.

What is the rule of thumb for downspouts?

Size of the Gutter Drainage Area: As a rule of thumb, one downspout should be placed every 25-35 linear feet of guttering. Depending on the local climate and rainfall intensity, some homeowners may need more downspouts. Many homeowners add extra downspouts to boost the drainage capacity of their gutters.

What to put at the end of a downspout extension?

You may also consider using a splash block at the end of the downspout extension, which will help prevent soil or lawn erosion. Splash blocks can help direct water into rain or rock gardens.

What happens if you don't have enough downspouts?

However, placing them up to every 40 feet apart is adequate when this is your only option. Each downspout can only handle so much water. It is essential to have enough downspouts in your gutter system. Without enough downspouts, the water will not drain from your horizontal gutters quickly enough.

Previous article
How much does it cost to replace siding?
Next article
Why do bed bugs only bite me and not my husband?