Directions for How to Connect Gutter Downspouts.
- Connect an elbow to the gutter opening for the downspout with two sheet metal screws. It should bend toward the house wall.
- Fit another elbow onto the first elbow. It will form a slight S shape.
- Strap the bottom elbow to the wall with a U-shaped gutter bracket.
- Place the tape measure on the bottom rim of the lowest elbow.
- Measure from that point to the top of the bottom elbow near the foundation.
- Add 3 inches to this measurement to account for fitting overlapping pieces together.
- A downspout section is usually 10 feet long. If the length you need is more than 10 feet, then you will have to fit two pieces together.
How much does it cost to install a downspout?
The standard rule of thumb is to install downspouts every 35 feet. Downspouts cost between $3 and $5 per linear foot on average. Gutter Elbows Gutter elbows cost about $5 to $7 each. Unless it is a straight shot from the gutter to the ground, it is normal to use at least one elbow to bring the downpipe flush with the wall to the ground.
How many downspouts do I need for my Gutters?
You have three options:
- Get 7- or 8-inch gutters. They'll cost more and probably require a custom order through a professional installer.
- Increase the pitch of the gutter. The standard is about ¼ inch per 10 feet. ...
- Add downspouts. The above recommendations assume that you have properly sized downspouts every 40 feet. ...
Is it difficult to install a gutter?
It is difficult to install gutters on your own, but that doesn’t mean that it is impossible. You can determine for yourself whether or not you want to take on the challenge of installing gutters around the perimeter of your home. However, as you do so, you’ll want to consider those individual factors that could make your job harder, such as:
How to install a rain chain gutter downpipe?
Five Ideas for Installing a Rain Chain:
- Stake the bottom link of the rain chain into the ground so it doesn’t sway but stays in one place.
- Consider a rain barrel to harvest water.
- Add a decorative collection or catch basin in climates where drought is more prevalent. ...
- Arrange rocks, pebbles and stones in a decorative way around the stake.
How do I keep my gutter downspout from falling off?
The downspout must be attached to the side of the home to prevent it from falling. Use caulk to create a strong seal between the gutter and the downspout. After the caulking has dried, test your new gutter and downspout system....Hours.Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PMSaturdayClosedSundayClosed4 more rows
How do you anchor a downspout?
0:002:07Tapcons Used for Fastening a Downspout to Brick - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe hole should be drilled 1/2 inch deeper in the base material in the actual penetrate. The deeperMoreThe hole should be drilled 1/2 inch deeper in the base material in the actual penetrate. The deeper the embedment of the anchor in the base material.
What holds a downspout in place?
Use two screws per joint. Fasten the downspouts snugly against the wall, with two flexible aluminum downspout bands per 10-foot section using nails or screws. A little temporary duct tape helps to keep the downspout stationary while fastening.
How do you secure a downspout to the ground?
0:201:26How to Use Downspout Extenders to Protect Your Foundation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere are three very simple ways to do that this is a splash block its job is to carry awayMoreHere are three very simple ways to do that this is a splash block its job is to carry away discharged. Water this version is installed by removing the elbow and slipping on the extender.
What screws to use for downspouts?
1 1/2″ Hanger Screws W/HEX Bit The 1 1/2″ hanger screw by Raytec is the best screw to use while fastening a downspout strap to the wall of a home. Pro's use the 1 1/2″ gutter screws on every downspout strap regardless of the home exterior materials.
How do you secure downspouts to siding?
Place a downspout strap at the top where it meets the elbow. Secure one end of the strap to the siding with a zip screw and a cordless screwdriver with 1/4-inch socket attachment. Screw the fastener in slowly and release the trigger on the drill just before the screw head meets the vinyl siding.
How do I attach a downspout to aluminum siding?
0:202:18Atlantic Drain ~ Howto INSTALL new GUTTERS ~ phase 4 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you want to place place your straps directly underneath of your downspout drop. I go five boardsMoreAnd you want to place place your straps directly underneath of your downspout drop. I go five boards up from the bottom. And about eight boards down from the top here for this siding.
How do you use a downspout clip?
0:101:21How To Install A Downspout Strap - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull them over the top and then just tack them in place they're really just there for decoration.MorePull them over the top and then just tack them in place they're really just there for decoration.
What do you put under a downspout?
A rain tank is usually placed under the gutter downspout to collect water to be used later. You can further use the water collected to irrigate your flower bed, garden or do some other clean-up.
How far off the ground should a downspout be?
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. While this is a common approach that's favored by many homeowners, there are things to consider.
What do you put under a downspout?
A rain tank is usually placed under the gutter downspout to collect water to be used later. You can further use the water collected to irrigate your flower bed, garden or do some other clean-up.
Should downspouts touch the ground?
Map the route of the pipes to identify the water's path after it reaches the downspouts. Consider any slopes on the ground and the conditions of the soil. Your gutter downspouts should not touch the ground. Otherwise, the rainwater might get backed up in the gutter until it starts overflowing.
Are rain chains better than downspouts?
Go With Gutters To summarize, traditional gutter downspouts simply stack up better than rain chains when put to the test. They endure heavy rain better, they effectively redirect rainwater, and they don't leave pools of standing water that attract pests and damage soil.
How do you install a catch basin under a downspout?
3:055:34How do I install an NDS catch basin for my drainage system? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the catch basin in the hole on top of the gravel. The top of the catch basin should be levelMorePlace the catch basin in the hole on top of the gravel. The top of the catch basin should be level with the ground next to the basin.
Tools and Materials Needed
The gutter experts at PJ Fitzpatrick recommend having these materials available for this project:
Learn How to Install a Gutter Downspout
If you need to angle the downspout beneath the roof overhang toward the wall, place an elbow at the top in the gutter drain hole.
PJ Fitzpatrick Specializes in Gutters
The home renovation experts at PJ Fitzpatrick have repaired thousands of gutters over the years. We’re very familiar with how to install a gutter downspout. Contact us today or fill out our estimate form for help with your project.
What tool do you use to crimp a downspout?
A special downspout crimper tool will do this, but you can use needle-nose pliers.
How long is a downspout?
A downspout section is usually 10 feet long. If the length you need is more than 10 feet, then you will have to fit two pieces together.
How to secure seams on a sleeve?
Secure the seam with two sheet metal screws.
Where to place tape measure on a sleeve?
Place the tape measure on the bottom rim of the lowest elbow.
How to measure for a downspout?
Instead, measure the distance between the horizontal (or nearly horizontal) end of this elbow and the (nearly) horizontal end of the elbow you installed in Step 1. Add 3 inches to this measurement.
What is a metal downspout strap?
Metal straps secure downspouts to walls and prevent the downspouts from moving and potentially disconnecting from the gutter system. Pay special attention to your handiwork when you secure downspout straps to a brick house so the screws will hold tightly for a long time. Advertisement.
What to do if water backs up into gutter?
If water flows out of the bottom carrying leaf debris with it, your job is complete. However, if water backs up into the gutter, a clog is present in the downspout, and you must remove it .
How to get a clogged cable out of a septic system?
Use a handheld auger: Wearing gloves and eye protection, feed the auger into the top or bottom downspout opening and turn the drum clockwise. Once it’s all the way through, pull the cable back. You may need to do this several times to remove the clog completely.
How to protect your eyes from a roof?
To ensure your safety, take these precautions: If possible, get help from another person to hold the ladder steady and to turn water on. Select a sturdy, extension ladder to reach the top opening on high roofs. Wear thick suede gloves to protect your hands and work goggles to protect your eyes.
Can you clean downspouts by yourself?
Get Help Cleaning Your Downspouts. Even with these tips in mind, cleaning your gutters and downspouts is still a chore you likely dread each fall. Don’t go it alone, especially if you lack the time or physical ability to clean the gutters safely by yourself. Instead, trust Mr. Handyman for the job.
Can falling leaves clog gutters?
The falling leaves sure are beautiful, but they can wreak havoc on your gutters and downspouts. If you procrastinated gutter cleaning, you may now have a clogged downspout on your hands. Don’t fret – with these tips from Mr. Handyman, you’ll learn how to clean out downspouts in no time.
Where to place a bracket on a downspout?
Place a U-shaped bracket, or clincher, around the downspout at the first marked area. This bracket should wrap around the outside of the downspout and have two arms that press against the wall's surface. You'll also need a bracket at the base of the downspout.
How to measure a downspout?
1. Measure a 6-foot length parallel to the downspout from the corner of the structure upward with a measuring tape. Mark the 6-foot length on the wall with a pencil. This marked area denotes the future attachment point.
What is a gutter system?
Gutter networks that surround a home's roof line divert rainfall away from the structure's foundation and into a nearby drain or sewer system. The vertical sections, called downspouts, are commonly installed against the exterior wall so that the water has a controlled route down from the roof.
Do you need a hole for a stucco house?
Stucco homes will need a hole created for the screws with a masonry drill bit. Consult your local home improvement store for specific fastener types if you are unsure of the correct screw or anchor. Warnings. Verify that the ground beneath the ladder is stable to hold your weight.
Do you have to affix gutter downspouts to the wall?
You must affix the gutter downspouts to the wall after they are connected to the upper gutter system, however, for the best drainage; loose sections can bend or crack if there are consistent winds across the structure's sides.
How far from the ground should you measure for a downspout?
Measure from the point at which the second elbow contacts the wall to a point about 6 to 8 inches from the ground below to determine the actual length of downspout you will need.
How far away from the ground should you cut a downspout?
Measure from the point at which the second elbow contacts the wall to a point about 6 to 8 inches from the ground below to determine the actual length of downspout you will need. You'll need to attach an additional elbow and a short downspout pipe to ensure that the water routes away from the wall.
Why are downspouts important?
They are responsible for routing rainwater or snowmelt from the gutters at the roof's eaves to the ground below. Properly installed downspouts ensure that rainwater is carried away from the foundation of the house so there is no flooding or potential foundation damage.
Where do gutter elbows attach?
Guttering elbows generally attach directly to the underside of the gutter with a screw and again at the downspout with another screw. Seams between the elbow, the gutter and the downspout are typically sealed with caulk containing an aluminum sealant. Advertisement.
Who is the author of Downspout Anchoring Methods for Masonry?
Downspout Anchoring Methods for Masonry. By Jared Lewis. ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Jared Lewis. Jared Lewis is a professor of history, philosophy and the humanities. He has taught various courses in these fields since 2001.
Do you have to measure downspouts?
Measuring. Measuring before attempting to install downspouts can save you a heartache. You don't have to measure downspouts to the exact inch, but you should have a rough idea of how much material you need before you rush off to the home improvement or hardware store to buy anything.
Do downspouts fall directly below the gutter?
Many downspouts do not fall directly below the guttering on the edge of the roof. Instead, the roof often overhangs the wall below, so it is necessary to add a couple of elbows that allow you to connect to the overhead gutter at an angle so the downspout is flush with the wall.
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.
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.
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.
Do you need gutter guards for underground drains?
Underground Drainage systems do have their downsides as well. If you have these, it is highly recommended that you have gutter covers or gutter guards on your gutter covers. You can’t have any debris getting into these underground pipes, because they are very hard to keep clear.
