Repairing Guides

how to repair downspout

by Vivien Jacobs I Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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DIY Repair: Downspout

  1. Out with the old, in with the new. The first step is to remove the existing rivets. ...
  2. Now you can easily remove the section of damaged downspout and dispose of as needed.
  3. Slide the new section over the old, and adjust to make sure the length is correct. Next, drill new holes on both sides through both sections.
  4. Insert a new rivet on one side through the hole you just drilled through the downspout sections. ...
  5. Slide the elbow onto the bottom of the replaced section. ...

Part of a video titled How to Repair a Downspout - YouTube
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And all you need to do is use a regular pop rivet tool with color-coded pop rivets that match yourMoreAnd all you need to do is use a regular pop rivet tool with color-coded pop rivets that match your work install. The pop rivet into the tool pull the handle of the pop Riveter and bingo the job's.

Full Answer

How to fix downspout problems?

This page provides information on:

  • Proper slope of the soil around your home
  • Ideas for correcting the slope underground
  • Correcting downspout drainage problems

How to reattach a downspout?

Things You Will Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Ladder
  • U-shaped brackets
  • Stainless steel screws
  • Power screwdriver

How to remove a downspout?

Tools Needed

  • Ladder
  • Pry bar or hammer
  • Power screwdriver or drill
  • Caulk or wood putty
  • Caulking gun or putty knife
  • Work gloves

How much do new gutters and downspouts cost?

Cost of Gutters Gutters and downspouts, both necessary components of most homes, cost around $3,000 for the average-sized U.S. home of just under 2,400 square feet when the gutters are ...

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How do you replace a section of a downspout?

0:041:02Gutter Maintenance : How to Replace Gutter Downspouts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply remove all screws. Take the piece down. You will need a few accessories to replace it a typeMoreSimply remove all screws. Take the piece down. You will need a few accessories to replace it a type of elbow either an A or a B and that's depending on if it's a fat or skinny elbow.

How do I fix a fallen downspout?

1:497:23How to Repair a Downspout properly, To get properly flowing Gutters!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI drill a hole into my downspout strap right there in the center drill. Through the strap drill intoMoreI drill a hole into my downspout strap right there in the center drill. Through the strap drill into the wall. And then I drop this anchor in through the hole into the wall and just bang.

How do you fix a downspout extension?

3:4212:103 Options for Extending Your Downspouts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSection back on the home. And then i'll just install one screw here and then use the existing strapMoreSection back on the home. And then i'll just install one screw here and then use the existing strap to secure to the home. And then once that's in just putting the splash guard in. Place.

How do you join downspouts?

Screw a downspout elbow to the outlet tube protruding down from the gutter. Hold another elbow against the house and cut a piece of downspout to fit between the two elbows. Use needlenosed pliers to slightly crimp the elbow to fit into the downspout (as shown). Fasten the parts together with pop rivets or screws.

How do I attach a PVC pipe to a downspout?

0:130:48How to connect your downspout to your drain pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat you're going to want to do is slide this on to your downspout. Then apply your PVC glue to theMoreWhat you're going to want to do is slide this on to your downspout. Then apply your PVC glue to the inside of this fitting. And also to your drain pipe stick.

How do downspouts attach to the elbow?

1:052:18How To Install Downspout Elbow On A Gutter System ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSection drill and insert two pop rivets on each side. Make sure the rivets penetrate both theMoreSection drill and insert two pop rivets on each side. Make sure the rivets penetrate both the straight downspout and the elbow.

How do you secure a gutter downspout?

0:000:59French Drain, How To Secure Downspout with Strap - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat might spin a little bit hold it tight there you go push it right in keep pushing. There it goesMoreThat might spin a little bit hold it tight there you go push it right in keep pushing. There it goes perfect good pull it up okay.

What screws to use for downspouts?

1:384:03What Screws To Use When Installing A Downspout - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese are half inch zips they have the hex. End uh it's the same exact. As these longer inch and aMoreThese are half inch zips they have the hex. End uh it's the same exact. As these longer inch and a half screws. They come in i mean a plethora of colors.

How do I attach a gutter downspout?

Screw a downspout elbow to the outlet tube protruding down from the gutter. Hold another elbow against the house and cut a piece of downspout to fit between the two elbows. Use needlenosed pliers to slightly crimp the elbow to fit into the downspout (as shown). Fasten the parts together with pop rivets or screws.

How do you install a downspout adapter?

0:161:33Flex-Drain Downspout Adapters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou just take your female. End of your next piece of pipe snap it on and run it out to your ditch.MoreYou just take your female. End of your next piece of pipe snap it on and run it out to your ditch.

Getting Started

Repairing your home’s downspout can seem challenging at first. Using a rivet tool, however, can simplify this daunting home improvement project into a workable task. Here’s how you can use Arrow’s RH200S Heavy Duty Rivet Tool to attach replacement sections to damaged downspouting on your house.

Step 1

Out with the old, in with the new. The first step is to remove the existing rivets. Using a drill bit the same size as the old rivets – in this case 1/8” – drill straight through the center of the old rivet until it pops out of place. You’ll be left with the original 1/8” hole the rivets went into.

Step 2

Now you can easily remove the section of damaged downspout and dispose of as needed.

Step 3

Slide the new section over the old, and adjust to make sure the length is correct. Next, drill new holes on both sides through both sections. Make sure these holes stay aligned – they will accommodate the new rivets.

Step 4

Insert a new rivet on one side through the hole you just drilled through the downspout sections. Use the rivet tool according to instructions to pull the rivet through. Pump handle as many times as needed to set the rivet. The mandrel – the thin part of the rivet – will pop off once the rivet is fully installed.

Step 5

Slide the elbow onto the bottom of the replaced section. You may need to use pliers to crimp the end of the replacement section so it fits into the new elbow. Once the elbow is in place, you’re done.

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What is a masonry drill?

Masonry drill. Your gutters and downspouts are the core of the drainage system. This system directs water from your roof and away from the house. Without this system, water will flow directly from your roof to the foundation of your house, causing severe problems ranging from mold to foundation cracks. Read these tips and instructions ...

What is the most common material for gutters and downspouts?

Metal is the most common material for gutters and downspouts. The components described in Step 1 are needed to complete the job. Begin by measuring the area where the gutter is to be installed and determine exactly how much guttering and how many component parts you need.

Why do you need a strap hanger?

You may also need a strap hanger to give the system better support and prevent failure. The conductor pipe band, or clincher, is a strap which holds the downspout in place. It is fastened to the outside wall in order to hold the downspout securely. Conductor pipe bands are available in many styles and types.

How to turn a downspout?

To form a turn in the downspout, either to the left or right, use the square elbows . You can divert the direction of the downspout to the left or right by several inches by mounting several of these pieces together. A square shoe is applied at the bottom of the downspout.

Where are downspouts located?

Downspouts are usually located at the end of a building or in a corner; however, in extremely long runs, downspouts may be located in the center of a gutter run. If you are using spikes and ferrules, you must space them every 2.5-feet in the run.

Can you remove the lower molding before installing gutters?

If the project is to replace an existing gutter and downspouts, then it might be necessary for you to remove the lower molding before you can put the gutter in place. The original molding can be remounted, and new molding can be installed once the gutter in place.

Do you have to seal gutters before hanging?

If you must seal the gutter, do so before hanging any of the materials. Attach a miter to the first length of gutter before proceeding. This illustration shows how to attach a gutter to the fascia. For new home construction, mount the molding as illustrated.

How to prevent downspout from leaking?

Step 1 - Take Basic Safety Precautions. Prepare yourself by wearing plastic gloves and some form of protective clothing. Downspouts often develop chemical residues that lead to vapors that can induce allergic reactions. Identify the leaking part of the downspout.

What causes a gutter to leak?

Roofing cement. Household gutter systems are prone to leakage, caused by separated or leaking gutter downspouts. A gutter downspout is in the form of a hollow, pipe-like tube that collects the drainage water from the gutter and drains it away into the drainage or water-renewal system.

Why does my water heater leak?

Most of the leaks are due to broken silicone or caulk joints. These joints are prone to breaking due to the downspout surface issues, internal water pressure, and action of chemical solvents found in water. Using a knife, cut off the existing silicone or caulk layer.

How to use silicone caulk?

Insert the silicone caulk tube into the cau lk gun. Using a knife, slice off the tip of the silicone caulk tube. Ensure to maintain an angle of about 45 degrees while slicing the tube. This ensures a smooth stream of caulk.

Can you remove downspout straps with a screwdriver?

There might be screws securing the downspout. Most of them have a very simple layout and can be easily removed with a screwdriver. The screwdriver is also helpful for dabbing on the old straps securing the spout to knock-off the grime and loosen them as well.

Can a jarring downspout be repaired?

Downspouts are susceptible to jarring and other forms of surface injuries induced by vibrations in the surrounding ground. Leaking or separated gutter downspouts can be easily repaired using some basic tools and the following guidelines. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day.

Can you repair a leaking gutter downspout?

Repairing the leaking or separated gutter downspout only makes sense if the crack can be properly re-sealed without compromising the structural integrity of the gutter system. Otherwise, seeking a replacement is recommended.

What are Downspouts?

Downspouts are the downward pieces that carry water down and away from your home to a location in your that directs the water in the correct direction.

Landscaping and Gutters

These two kind of go hand in hand with each other. If your gutters work great, but your landscaping draining the wrong direction, or holds water against the house in wet garden areas, may render the gutter system useless. In most cases, the builder will grade the landscaping as to where it will drain away from your house.

Splash Blocks or Gutter Extensions

Why do my gutters need to be extended, and does it come with the gutter install? It is as a general rule, a good idea to extend your gutters from 6 to 10 feet away from your homes foundation to be safe. Is the cost of extending the gutters included in the install? In the case of me, no it is not part of the gutter install.

Most Common Problems with Downspouts

There are a couple issues with downspouts that may make them not work, or work less well. First, and biggest issues, is leaves. If you do not clean your gutters often, the top and the corners of the downspouts will catch leaves and over time clog. I also see rust holes on older galvanized gutters that have just formed over time.

Why Does My Downspout Drip?

Dripping most commonly occurs in newly-installed downspout and gutter systems during their first rainy season. What usually happens is a slight clog in the actual rain gutter itself causes water to backup and flow into the downspout at a very limited rate. When that rate is slow, such as a drop every few seconds, you get a dripping tendency.

How to Fix a Dripping Downspout

If you’re even slightly handy and have just a couple of tools available to you, you can fix a dripping downpipe in just a few minutes. The pipe is likely held to the side of your house using a couple of thin metal straps held down by screws to keep it in place.

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