
How to Install a Downspout Extension
- Find the end of the downspout extension that fits on the downspout.
- Stretch out the downspout extension until it is fully extended.
- Cut the end off the extension that will not be connecting to the downspout.
- Take the side that fits around the drainpipe and slip it around...
How do you extend a downspout without breaking it?
Hold the ends up to your downspout to see which end matches the downspout size. Stretch out the downspout extension until it is fully extended. Unkink and straighten before installation to avoid breaking the extension or pulling it off the downspout. Cut the end off the extension that will not be connecting to the downspout.
How do you attach a downspout to a roof?
Find the end of the downspout extension that fits on the downspout. Most flexible downspout extensions have smooth ends on either side of the accordion-pleated center section. Hold the ends up to your downspout to see which end matches the downspout size. Stretch out the downspout extension until it is fully extended.
Can you install a downspout on an underground drain?
Most gutter companies do not install underground drains, you’d have to contact a landscaper. Splash Stones, Rain Chutes, and Automatic Downspout Extensions can be purchased at any home and garden store, or ordered online as well. CLICK HERE for more information on Downspout Clogs.
What is an aluminum downspout extension?
ALUMINUM DOWNSPOUT EXTENSIONS The aluminum downspout extension is usually just another section of downspout that is added on the bottom elbow. It runs horizontally and lets out in your yard away from the home. In the picture above, they rest on the ground.

How far should downspouts extend from 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.
How do I extend downspouts from my house?
3:2012:103 Options for Extending Your Downspouts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSection back on the home. And then i'll just install one screw here and then use the existing strapMoreSection back on the home. And then i'll just install one screw here and then use the existing strap to secure to the home. And then once that's in just putting the splash guard in. Place.
How do you keep downspout extensions from blowing away?
CradleStake secures your downspout extensions and prevents them from blowing off in a wind or rain storm.
Do downspout extenders work?
So, will extending the downspouts help? Yes. And you should absolutely extend the downspouts away from the home. But they are rarely the only solution needed to solve a water problem in the basement or crawl space.
How far should downspouts be from the ground?
12 to 48 inchesDownspout drains are usually buried from 12 to 48 inches below the ground to better conceal the drainage system. This also serves to avoid damage from rain and snow, and to leave the yard free of obstructions.
Can you bury a downspout extension?
If your downspout has an aluminum extension, you'll need a screwdriver to remove it before installing the plastic extension you'll be burying. Carefully unscrew the old extension and slide the plastic one into place. As you lay down your pipe, make sure the other end winds up at least 8 feet from your home.
Should you remove downspout extensions in winter?
Downspout extensions should be removed before winter sets in. This rule applies to both rigid and flexible downspout extensions. Because downspout extensions are not steeply sloped, they are prone to forming ice blockages. Also, because they travel along the ground they are prone to being covered or blocked with snow.
What do you put under a downspout?
Extending Gutter Downspouts: 6 Ideas for Better Downspout...Aluminum Extension. This one's a popular solution for a few good reasons. ... Buried Drain Pipe. ... StealthFlow. ... Decorative Splash Blocks. ... Roll-Out Drain Sleeves. ... Rain Barrel.
How do you run water away from a downspout?
2:294:21How to Drain Downspout Water Flow Away from a House | This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith fabric put some stone. And then take a perforated pipe with the holes. Down. Put it like thisMoreWith fabric put some stone. And then take a perforated pipe with the holes. Down. Put it like this the water will come through go down in the stone. And weep into the soil.
Should downspouts go into ground?
Building contractors and plumbers agree that downspouts should go into the ground to tuck them away and maintain a property's aesthetic. Also, underground downspouts are more effective because they can pair with French drains and sump pumps to throw water far away from the building.
How far should gutter extend past roof?
The gutter should be installed as close to the shingles as possible; no more than 2 or 3 inches. If the gutter distance is more than 3 inches, the rain will run off the roof and won't drain properly.
How do you connect two downspouts together?
0:182:20Connect two Downspouts To One - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe patio and what i needed to do was create another outlet for all that water coming into this so iMoreThe patio and what i needed to do was create another outlet for all that water coming into this so i took and i added what's called an outlet. And an elbow.
How do you extend a drain pipe?
0:532:05Extending a Sink Drain Pipe : Home Sweet Home Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you need the proper washer insert the retention nut. And the nylon washer. And loosen up there p-MoreSo you need the proper washer insert the retention nut. And the nylon washer. And loosen up there p-trap. And install the extension tail piece. And stole another retention nut.
Is burying downspouts a good idea?
Underground downspouts are considered the more effective alternative to above-ground downspouts because they're easy to tuck out of the way. If you have a large lawn or just want to preserve the aesthetic of your landscaping, underground downspouts will keep your home safe without turning into an eyesore.
Should downspouts go into ground?
Building contractors and plumbers agree that downspouts should go into the ground to tuck them away and maintain a property's aesthetic. Also, underground downspouts are more effective because they can pair with French drains and sump pumps to throw water far away from the building.
How to find the end of a downspout extension?
Most flexible downspout extensions have smooth ends on either side of the accordion-pleated center section. Hold the ends up to your downspout to see which end matches the downspout size.
Can a downspout extension be used to redirect rainwater?
If you bought a flexible downspout extension chances are you're trying to redirect rainwater from making a puddle at the base of your foundation. With a flexible downspout extension you can redirect rainwater around bushes and cement to have it flow into your garden, to a flowerbed or just away from your house. Advertisement.
How To Find The Best Downspout Extensions?
The best downspout extensions are those that can fit with your home and the budget you have.
What Are Downspout Extensions?
After the water has been redirected by gutters, downspout extensions direct water away from a building. You can choose from flexible, roll-out, or flip-up extensions based on the needs of your home.
Are Downspout Extensions Necessary?
When your roofs are large/steep, rain gutters will receive a lot more water, which is why downspout extensions can be useful. The downspout extensions typically run underneath the landscaping. If a building does not have concrete surrounding it, the drainage pipes can be buried inside a trench (normally 12-14 inches deep). For example, you can extend downspout extensions far enough to discharge water into the street or at least a safe distance from your home. In other cases, a specialized mechanism will suffice to collect water without further renovations.
What is an aluminum downspout extension?
ALUMINUM DOWNSPOUT EXTENSIONS. The aluminum downspout extension is usually just another section of downspout that is added on the bottom elbow. It runs horizontally and lets out in your yard away from the home. In the picture above, they rest on the ground.
What is the best pipe for a downspout?
The corrugated flex pipe is the most common option for downspout extensions. These are very easy to maneuver any way that you want them. And you can position them anywhere. You could point this extension to the middle of your yard one day, and once it gets too saturated from rain, go ahead and position these in another area away from the already soggy spot.
Why do you need gutter extensions?
The purpose of gutters is to capture the water coming off of your roof, and re-direct (or channel) it from falling around your homes foundation. If there are no gutters, then the water is able to wash away your foundation and infiltrate your home. That’s why we suggest adding downspout extensions to your gutter system if you are experiencing any basement leak issues.
What is underground drain?
Basically they are Corrugated Flex Pipes or PVC Pipes that are installed underground and lead the water away from your home . They usually lead to the street, sidewalk, or even straight into the sewer system.
Why is my basement leaking?
Whenever your basement is showing signs of leaking walls or even flooding, it is usually the result of a faulty gutter system. The most common cause of basement leaks is when the downspouts are too close to the home. The purpose of gutters is to capture the water coming off of your roof, and re-direct ...
What is the best way to get water out of a house?
RAIN CHUTE. The Rain Chute is another common way to get the water away from your homes foundation. They are basically the same as a splash stone, but they are much longer and feature taller sides. These can also be known as Rain Channels or Gutter Channels.
Where do splash stones go?
Splash Stones are placed under the downspout and their purpose is to take the water a few feet away from the house. They are very common in gardens or on mulched landscapes, as they prevent the water from digging a hole in your garden. If your home has mulch around the foundation, these are the suggested way to get the water over that area.
How long is an underground downspout?
A properly installed underground downspout extension consists of an upright PVC pipe that runs into an elbow joint below ground with another length of pipe, at least ten feet long , extending underground away from the house. Topping the upright pipe is a rectangular debris filter with a slanted top that keeps leaves and other debris out of the pipe and allows it to slide off to the ground.
Where do downspouts dump water?
A poorly designed downspout can take all this water and dump it in four or five places around the house, right at the spot where soil and foundation meet – a prime spot for over-saturating the soil and creating a wet basement.
What material is used for underground downspouts?
Wrong Material – The right material for an underground downspout extension is strong PVC pipe that resists soil movement and belowground exposure. Some installers will use the same corrugated plastic pipe that is meant for interior drain tile that will, instead of carrying the water to the end of the pipe, allow it to seep into the soil exactly where it shouldn’t be. Others, who apparently have no idea of how to do it right, will use cheap extensions from the big box store that are meant for aboveground use (and work poorly there) or even aluminum downspout material!
Why is my basement watering?
One of the main contributors to basement water problems is the oversaturation of soil outside the foundation. When this soil absorbs water, it expands and creates pressure against the foundation walls. This pressure can create cracks in concrete walls or mortar joints and can ultimately cause structural damage to the foundation.
Can you leave a downspout empty?
No Debris Filter – Some installers will leave the downspout emptying into an open upright pipe with no debris filter, leaving a gap between the downspout and pipe to prevent freeze-ups. Obviously, this allows leaves, needles and the debris to end up in the pipe but it also creates an inviting ready-made home for small animals such as chipmunks.
