#RAIN SPOUT DIVERTER HOME DEPOT SERIES#

Cons of Downspout Divertersīecause downspout diverters allow much of the rain to flow down the middle, they are very inefficient.

This helps keep debris out of your rain barrels, so they stay clean. Debris continues to flow through downspout:ĭownspout diverters do not entirely block off the downspouts, so debris from your gutters can still pass through. This system doesn’t have a downspout diverter, and the overflow could cause water damage. During heavy storms, the water might not be able to exit the port fast enough and can cause the barrel to overflow and damage your property. Unfortunately, sizing overflow ports can be tricky. Without a downspout diverter, you need an overflow port on your rain barrels. This ensures that the barrels don’t overflow and damage your home’s foundation. Most downspout diverters have overflow protection: when the rain barrel is full, the rainwater will fall through the main gutter. *Note that not all types of downspout diverters create a closed system. This means there are fewer places for mosquitoes and other pests to enter your barrels and fewer places for leaks. Hose-type downspout diverters create a closed system: the hose is connected directly to the barrel, and there’s no need for an overflow port. Benefits of Using a Downspout Diverter Closed system: However, there are many benefits to using a downspout diverter. You do not need to use a downspout diverter for rainwater harvesting if you set up your system, so the gutter empties directly into the rain barrel. The exit (such as a hose) is connected to your rainwater barrels.

They have switches or funnels which allow some or all of the water flowing through the downspout to go through a separate exit instead.

It often helps to have multiple chains that allow for better water direction.Īll downspouts and alternatives lead to a collection point, whether a gravel-filled pit, barrel, or diversion device that channels water away from the foundation.ĭone right, downspout alternatives rise beyond mere functionality and become an artistic touch that graces your home.Downspout diverters attach to your downspouts. Rain chains must be anchored at ground level to prevent swaying.

#RAIN SPOUT DIVERTER HOME DEPOT SERIES#

Others are a series of linked vertical cups, performing the same function as the chain-style ones.Īll alternatives replace downspouts entirely, though they don't move as much water as downspouts do. Some are literally chains, the type that you buy at a hardware store or home center. Aesthetically, the best thing you can do with metal downspouts is paint them to match the house color.Īre there alternatives that look better and maybe even work better?ĭownspout alternatives such as rain chains, inverted bells, and cups direct water in a more or less straight line to the ground or collection container. Basic function is the only thing in mind. Little thought is given to aesthetics when manufacturing these powder-coated, squared-off steel tubes. One issue is that most downspouts tend to be fairly unattractive. This saves your foundation and siding from ruin. Rainwater cascades down the roof, hits the gutters, gets whisked to the nearest downspout, then courses to the ground. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Boardĭownspouts and gutters, when clean and maintained, perform an amazing service for you at a relatively low cost.

Rain spout diverter home depot