Whether a simple downspout replacement or repair, or as part of a complete gutter and downspout installation, these steps simplify the downspout installation process.
Downspout installation is a critical part of any gutter job. Downspouts are prone to damage from traffic around the home, and extra care must be taken to ensure they are properly fastened to withstand the abuse of weather, cars, animals and children.
Materials Needed to Install a Downspout
- Downspout pipe, which comes in 10-foot lengths in various colors.
- Elbows to transition from the gutter to the downspout pipe and from the bottom of the downspout to the ground. In most cases three elbows are sufficient.
- Downspout pipe bands to attach the downspout to the wall of the house.
- Painted zip screws to attach the various parts of the downspout together.
- Longer screws (preferably 3") to attach the pipe bands to the wall.
Tools Needed to Install a Downspout
- Tape measure.
- Aviator snips.
- Cordless drill with 1/4" bit for driving in zip screws, and #2 Phillips bit for attaching pipe bands to the wall of the house.
- Ladder.
- 4 foot or longer level.
- Pencil.
Directions for Installing a Downspout
- Begin at the gutter outlet tube. Start with an elbow pointing from the bottom of the gutter toward the house. Note that the crimp of the elbow will go on the bottom, pointing toward the house. Attach the first elbow to the outlet tube with a cordless drill, securing it with a few zip screws. Be sure the elbow is pushed all the way up onto the outlet tube. Ideally, the outlet tube should not be visible from the ground.
- Add a length of downspout pipe with the crimped end at the bottom, and another elbow with the bottom (crimped) end pointing down towards the ground. If unsure of pipe length, start with a little extra material and hold it up to the first elbow, marking the correct length with a pencil.
- The bottom elbow of the downspout arm should now rest against the wall of the house, with the crimped end pointed toward the ground. Make a mark with the pencil where the outside edge of the elbow hits the house.
- Attach the top pipe band directly below the location of the bottom elbow of the downspout arm, just a few inches below where that elbow will overlap the main downspout pipe.
- Take a measurement from 1" inside the bottom elbow of the downspout arm to the ground. Take 9 inches off that measurement and note the result.
- Whatever number was figured in step 5, cut the downspout pipe to that length BEFORE attaching bottom elbow. This will leave the downspout at the proper height above final grade. For rough grade installation, adjust measurements accordingly. Be sure to cut from the uncrimped side of the downspout to leave a crimp for attaching a bottom elbow.
- Attach the bottom elbow to the crimped end of the downspout, securing it to the downspout with zip screws in the front and on the sides.
- Attach the downspout to the bottom elbow of the downspout arm and wrap the pipe band around it. Secure the pipe band to the downspout with zip screws. Secure the downspout and downspout arm together in the same way, using zip screws. This will prevent them from coming apart later. Screw in the front and in the sides. Being consistent with zip screw locations will make the job look better when it is finished.
- Plumb the downspout using the level, marking where it should rest on the wall at the bottom, just above the bottom elbow. Install a pipe band in that location and wrap it around the downspout pipe. Pipe bands should be secured to the wall with 3" screws to ensure they reach wood behind the siding. On brick walls, use 1 1/2" or longer mortar nails, or (preferably) wall anchors. Secure the pipe band to the downspout with zip screws.
- Add an extension to the end of the bottom downspout elbow to encourage water to run away from the house's foundation. 3 feet or more is recommended.
The copyright of the article How to Install a Downspout in Home Exteriors is owned by Jim Whitton. Permission to republish How to Install a Downspout in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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