How Do Rain Chains Work?
- First, the rainwater collects in the gutter.
- Then it begins to follow the chain.
- The chain tension creates resistance and slows down the rainwater.
- If it is a line-styled chain, it will not resist much. ...
- Finally, the water hits the ground or the barrel if set up at the chain’s bottom.
What are rain chains and how do they work?
Rain chains work similarly to a downspout, both direct water away from the roof to the desired location. Rain chains help to direct water to rain barrels, landscaped beds, or other water features. It is critical to make sure the water flowing from the chain is flowing away from the foundation of your home; rain chains offer little benefit otherwise.
What is a rain chain and how does it work?
The rain chain is a series of several interlocking decorative bowls or cups. There is a hole at the bottom of each cup, allowing rainwater to pass from one container to the next. The rain chain functions precisely like the downspout. The chain is attached to the end of the gutter.
How effective are rain chains?
What do you put at the bottom of a rain chain?
- | Rain chain basin. A rain chain basin ( like this one *) is a large bowl usually made out of cement or metal that catches the water at ...
- | Rain barrel. I use plastic rain barrels to catch the water runoff. ...
- | French drain. You can also build a large basin (or french drain) into the ground. ...
- | Water feature. ...
How do rain chains work without gutters?
- Rain Chains.
- Rain Dispersal Systems.
- Grading.
- Drip Edge.
- Ground Gutter or French Drain.
- Drip Path.
- Built-in Gutters.
Do rain chains work in heavy rain?
Do rain chains work in heavy rain? Every rain chain is different, but in general, you'll want to attach your rain chain to a gutter or downspout for best results during very heavy rain. Don't worry, you won't need your gutter or downspout to go all the way to the ground. That's what the rain chain is for.
Do rain chains actually work?
Rain chains also don't do anything to move the water away from your foundations. They don't help you prevent erosion – which is the whole point of having a gutter system in the first place. Traditional rain chains use a small pot or catch basin to handle the water that travels down the chain.
Do rain chains make noise?
If you just thought that a rain chain produces some sound on its own then we are afraid to say that you are wrong. The chain doesn't have any innate sound but it still makes soothing sounds when rain water passes over it.
What do you put at the bottom of a rain chain?
2:105:41How to Install a Rain Chain | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStone. We'll drill holes in the bottom of the pot. As. Well once the rain chain is hung we can putMoreStone. We'll drill holes in the bottom of the pot. As. Well once the rain chain is hung we can put it in the pot. And add more stone.
Can rain chains be used without gutters?
Do I need rain gutters to use my rain chain? No. Although rain chains work best when attached to a rain gutter they can also be used wherever the water flows off of your roof, awning, or shed.
What are the benefits of rain chain?
Benefits. Used to enhance the vision and sound of water flowing down, rain chains turn drainage into a unique experience instead of concealing the process within closed pipes. They can also help slow the water flow and thereby reduce erosion on the ground.
Do rain chains splash?
If soil loss is a concern, consider cupped chains, which will reduce the amount of splashback. Plain chains or loop chains will splash more as less surface area exists to slow the water down. Rain chains work similarly to a downspout, both direct water away from the roof to the desired location.
Do rain chains freeze?
Rain chains can freeze over in the winter. Normally this does not cause any problems and can be quite beautiful. However, some attention must be paid to both the amount of ice that is gathering on the chain and the length of the chain. As both lengths and amount of ice increases, so does the weight on the chain.
How do you drain a rain chain?
0:402:01Adding Rain Chain and French Drain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply slide the pipe inside the hole that you just drilled. This will allow the water to dischargeMoreSimply slide the pipe inside the hole that you just drilled. This will allow the water to discharge from the pit as it comes down the rain chain.
Do rain chains need to be anchored?
Anchor your rain chain. Because rain chains are loosely detached from the structure and hung from your gutter, anchoring your rain chain is important. In the event of harsh weather elements, you want to secure your rain chain in place so it can resist high winds and avoid any damage to your rain chain.
How much do rain chains splash?
A standard 8.5' length of rain chain ranges from 5-7 pounds, although the water in the chain during rainfall does add a little to that. Long drops (20+ feet) may require some additional gutter reinforcement. Contact us (link) if you have questions and for further guidance.
How do you install a rain chain without a downspout?
Select a corner of your roof that sheds rainwater in a vertical stream. ... Drill a hole in the bottom of the bucket. ... Screw the eyehook into the soffit under the roof crease where you'll hang your rain chain. ... Remove the handle from the bucket. ... Lay the metal rod across the bottom of the bucket.More items...
Why use rain chains?
Rain chains are an easy way to conserve water. Are you looking to ditch the downspout? One stylish way to do so is by replacing your old aluminum or plastic gutter downspouts with rain chains. Although traditional downspouts are durable and reliable, rain chains stand out.
Why are rain chains good for water?
Rain chains give your home its own mini waterfall and are aesthetically pleasing to both watch and listen to as water flows down.
What are rain chains made of?
Rain chains come in a variety of materials and designs. Rain chains can be fabricated from copper or other common metals. Copper rain chains are one common arrangement. (Photo courtesy of the Rain Chains Store) Rain chains can be fabricated from copper or other common metals. (Photo courtesy of the Rain Chains Store)
What is a copper rain chain?
Copper rain chains are a durable and stylish alternative to downspouts. (Photo courtesy of the Rain Chains Store) Rain chains offer unique decorating opportunities. Rain chains can be fabricated from copper or other common metals. (Photo courtesy of the Rain Chains Store) Rain chains come in a variety of materials and designs.
Where do rain chains attach to?
Rain chains attach to the opening in your gutter where the downspout normally would appear and filter water either down copper chains or a series of several decorative copper bowls or cups. There’s a hole at the bottom of each cup, allowing water to pass from one cup to the next.
Do rain chains need to be installed in gutters?
They hang from the same opening as gutter downspouts. Some installation kits come with a piece to reduce the size of the hole. Rain chains don't necessarily need to hang from the gutter opening, but doing so typically ensures best results.
Can you use rain chains to water koi ponds?
Many eco-friendly homeowners enjoy the ability to use the collected water for other purposes, such as watering plants and flowers. Rain chains are especially beneficial in areas of the country that are under frequent drought conditions.
What is a rain chain?
Like with downspouts, a rain chain carries rainwater collected from the gutter down and away from the roof. Unlike a downspout, rain chains have two extra duties: elegance and melody. Not only are they beautiful, but they also sound like a day at the spa when the rain trickles down.
What are the two main styles of rain chains?
The two main styles of rain chains are cups and chains. Cup rain chains feature small containers linked together. The rain collects in the top cup and then spills over into subsequent cups in the chain. Cups move more water than chains, and you can find almost any shape you can think of, including fish, umbrellas, and watering cans.
Why use rain barrels?
Using rain barrels is especially nice in hotter areas where there are water shortages. Rain barrels can come with a faucet and hose attachment at the bottom of the barrel, making it easy for you to access the water. Basins are generally small and won’t collect as much water. RELATED: Solved!
What are some examples of chain designs?
Examples of chain designs include hearts, leaves, and hummingbirds. You can also make a rain chain if you like DIY projects and are artsy. You can make them as unusual or as plain as you like. Photo: Etsy.
Can you put a rain chain in a rain barrel?
You don’t need to attach a rain barrel or basin to all of your rain chains. You can if you would like to, or you can only connect one or two.
Do cups move more water than chains?
Cups move more water than chains, and you can find almost any shape you can think of, including fish, umbrellas, and watering cans. With chains, the water sort of dribbles down the chain links, which often feature interestingly shaped links. You can find chains where each link is differently shaped and others where all links in ...
Can you use rain chains to collect rainwater?
Rain chains come in various styles, but if you like DIY projects, these make a relatively easy project, and you can use them to collect rainwater for your garden. Read on to learn more about what rain chains are, and how to incorporate them around your home.
Why are rain chains important?
And because they’re one of the more unique pieces of garden decor available, they make an incredibly special gift. 2.
Why are rain chains used today?
They are still used today to keep water runoff away from the roofs of both homes and religious temples. Like many items that hail from Japan, rain chains are a perfect mix of functionality and beauty.
What are rain chains made of?
Many rain chains are made of copper, an already-gorgeous element which famously develops a unique patina over the years. Others are made of steel and finished to stay copper-colored forever. 7. Rain Chains Can Also Be Purely for Decoration.
How much does a rain chain cost?
Rain chains are reasonably priced and can boost your garden’s wow factor for less than you think. You can purchase a high-quality rain chain starting at around $50— a small price to pay for an item that’s as pretty is it is effective. 4. Rain Chains Are Less Likely to Clog.
How to make a rain chain?
Then, set up your rain chain for successful draining by following these steps: 1 Stake the end of your chain to the ground so it is not susceptible to high winds 2 Add a basin, copper rain barrel, or rain chain receptacle to harvest and reuse rain water 3 Decorate your receptacle with stones, rocks, floating plants, and whatever else you wish to complete the look!
What color is a rain chain?
You can find a rainchain in just about any color and every theme, although the copper-colored variety are definitely the most popular.
Do rain chains make a sound?
It should be no surprise, then, that they can sound clunky and unnatural when rain is rushing down them. On the other hand, rain chains were specifically designed to create beautiful sounds when rain falls.
