Downspouts are one of the most overlooked parts of your home’s drainage system. While gutters collect rainwater from your roof, downspouts are responsible for carrying that water safely away from your home. If they’re blocked, misaligned, undersized, or poorly placed, your property may be at risk for water damage without you even realizing it. Here are the simple checks most homeowners miss and how to make sure your downspouts are doing their job.
1. Make Sure Water Is Flowing Freely
The most common issue with downspouts is clogging. Leaves, twigs, shingle granules, acorns, and even small nests can block the passage of water. When this happens, water backs up into your gutters, causing them to overflow during rain.
How to check: During or after a rainfall, walk around your home and see if water is pouring out of the top of the downspout or spilling over the gutter edge. If so, the downspout is likely clogged. Run a hose down the opening to test flow. If the water backs up, a blockage is present.
2. Confirm Downspouts Extend Far Enough From Your Home
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is allowing downspouts to empty right at the base of the home. This can cause soil erosion, basement leaks, foundation cracks, or settling.
Best practice: Downspouts should discharge water at least 4–6 feet away from the foundation. If yours stop short, add extensions or a splash block to redirect water safely.
3. Check for Leaks at the Joints
Downspouts are made of multiple sections, and over time, joints can loosen or separate. Even a small leak can send water running down the exterior wall, leading to staining, peeling paint, or siding deterioration.
What to look for: Water dripping or spraying from seams during rain. Rust spots or water stains on the siding near the downspout. Loose screws or disconnected joints
Tighten the connections or reseal them with gutter sealant to prevent leaks.
4. Inspect for Proper Alignment
A downspout should sit snugly against the home and connect securely to the gutter outlet. If it’s bent, dented, or pulling away from the house, water may not flow correctly.
Signs of misalignment: Gaps between the downspout and wall brackets. Noticeable bowing or separation. Water trickling behind the downspout instead of through it. Proper alignment ensures all water enters the downspout and is carried away efficiently.
5. Check the Size of Your Downspouts
Many older homes were built with smaller 2×3-inch downspouts, which can quickly get overwhelmed by heavy rainfall or large roof areas. A better option includes upgrading to 3×4-inch downspouts, significantly increases water-carrying capacity and reduces clogging. In areas with frequent storms, larger downspouts offer stronger protection.
6. Make Sure Downspouts Are Secure
Loose fasteners or worn brackets can cause the downspout to shake during storms, eventually leading to detachment. Replace damaged brackets and tighten screws to keep the system stable and functioning.