How to Redirect Rainwater From a Downspout

Last Updated: June 1, 2021

As rainwater falls from the roof of your house into the gutters, downspouts empty the gutters by collecting the rainwater and directing it away from the house. Sometimes water pools under your downspout and can cause flooding and other damage to your home. Use this information on how to redirect rainwater from a downspout to protect your home from water damage.

Steps

1
Measure 9 inches (22.86 cm) up from where the downspout enters the connection with the sewer standpipe. Make a mark on the downspout at the 9 inch (22.86 cm) mark.^{[1]
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2
Cut the downspout at the mark. Use a fine-tooth hacksaw to make the cut.^{[2]
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3
Place a cap on the sewer standpipe. The cap prevents water, debris, and/or rodents from entering the standpipe.^{[3]
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- If you can't find a standard sewer standpipe cap to fit, use a generic rubber cap and secure it with a hose clamp.
4
Insert the downspout into a downspout elbow. Be sure to place the downspout inside the elbow and not around the outside of the elbow or the downspout will leak. Use pliers to bend the end of the downspout as needed to get a tight fit.^{[4]
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5
Attach a metal downspout extension of at least 5 feet (1.524 meters) to the other end of the elbow.^{[5]
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- You can also use a plastic downspout extension of the same size.
6
Use sheet metal screws to secure the extension to the elbow. Pre-drilling holes in the elbow may make screwing it to the downspout easier.
7
Direct the extension so that the redirected rainwater drains at least 5 feet (1.524 meters) away from your home's foundation. Cut the extension to the desired length using a hacksaw.