Downpipes are an important part of your home exterior’s gutter system, directing runoff away from the foundation and protecting landscaping from soil erosion. Downspout accessories have a variety of uses, including increased drainage efficiency, reduced occurrence of overflowing gutters, and minimized splashing. Does the sound of water rushing through the downpipes keep you awake during heavy rainstorms – there are downspout accessories that can help with that.
Downspout Extensions
Downspout extensions, also known as downspout extenders, are typically installed to divert water away from the foundation when runoff is deposited too close to the house. There are several different types of extensions designed for a specific purpose – choose the one that provides the best solution. Common downspout extensions include:
- Fixed in place – made of metal or vinyl; resembles a length of downpipe attached to the end of the mouth of the downspout
- Flexible – typically made of some type of plastic; can bend and move around landscaping and obstacles
- Accordion – made from malleable materials like rubber and plastic; can be stretched and compressed like its namesake
- Hinged – constructed of metal or vinyl; hinged mechanism allows extension to be folded up when not in use
Downspout Strainers
A downspout strainer fits snugly into the gutter outlet, the place that connect the gutters to the downspout. It is designed to prevent debris from entering the downpipes where it can accumulate and create blockages. Depending on the number of trees surrounding the house, some homeowners use downspout strainers as an alternative to gutter guards.
Downspout Silencers
Typically a type of insert, a downspout silencer absorbs sound by slowing down the sped of water as it exits the system. Downspout silencers are also known as rain noise dampeners, gutter noise dampeners, downspout drip silencers, and rain quiet downspout inserts.
Make your own downspout dampener insert from a noise-reduction material. Insert a sponge into the mouth of the downspout – ensure that it is large enough to hug the sides of the elbow and will remain in place during a heavy rainfall. Or use a piece of carpet or asphalt shingle and glue it just above the downpipe elbow.
Splash Blocks
A splash block is used to prevent water from hitting the ground then splashing up on to the siding, causing soil erosion and wood rot. Made from metal, concrete, or plastic, splash blocks resemble a shallow trough with a slight built-in slope to facilitate the downward flow of runoff. They are typically installed just below the bottom or mouth of the downspout with the open end facing away from the downpipe.
Downspout Elbows
Downspout elbows are used to connect the downspouts to the gutter channel (top), join two sections of downpipe together (middle), and allow water to exit the gutter system (bottom). A downspout elbow can also be used to direct the flow of water in a different direction to avoid high traffic areas, stop pooling water, and oversaturate landscaping. A decorative downspout elbow (bottom) such as a trout, frog, or dragon can add a touch of style and personality to your gutter system.
Rain Barrels
A rain barrel is designed to capture and store rainwater as it exits the downpipes. The runoff collected can be used for pretty much anything except for consumption by humans and pets – watering the garden, washing the deck, cleaning the front steps.
Made from plastic, wood, or clay, rain barrels can be decorative or strictly functional. Capacity for residential rain barrels range from 50 gallons to 80 gallons. The benefits of a rain barrel are reducing the amount of water being absorbed in the landscaping; saving on tap water use; and improving soil and plant health.
