How Much Does It Cost to Install Downspouts? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to install downspouts is $670, with most homeowners spending $6.50 to $22.25 per linear foot, depending on material and roof size. Costs can range from $100 to $3,265 and are also impacted by any additional prep work or equipment needed.

Downspout Installation Cost Factors: What Determines the Price?

Downspout installation costs are closely tied to the cost of replacing your home's gutters, though there are times when replacing only the downspouts makes sense. Your gutter system downspouts play an essential role in diverting water away from your foundation once it's collected from the roof. Material, size, style, and home height determine what you'll pay to replace these components.

Material Type

Vinyl is the most budget-friendly option at $6 to $12 per linear foot, while aluminum and galvanized steel offer a mid-range balance of durability and cost between $7 and $30 per linear foot. Copper sits at the top of the price range and is worth considering if longevity and curb appeal are priorities. The following table breaks down average costs per linear foot by material:

Size

Downspout size refers to the square inches of interior space available for water to flow through, and it directly affects how much water your system can handle at once. Smaller sizes work well for modest roofs with average rainfall, while larger sizes are necessary for big roofs or areas that see heavy precipitation. Choosing the right size up front prevents overflow issues and potential foundation damage down the line. Here is how installed costs compare across common downspout sizes:

Length

Gutter downspouts come in varying lengths, usually between four and 12 feet, if you choose not to have a seamless system professionally installed. The most common ones come in 10-foot lengths.

While the length of downspouts necessary to span the distance from your gutter system to the ground doesn't change, the length of the extensions to divert away downspout water is a variable to consider for both cost and home protection.

The cost of extensions is equal to or slightly less than the standard cost of the type and material of downspouts you choose because of their ease of installation, provided they're not underground.

Style

Standard downspouts are rectangular and available in seamed ($6 to $18 per linear foot) or seamless ($8 to $25 per linear foot) configurations, but round styles and rain chains are also options worth knowing about. The table below shows average installed costs per linear foot by style:

Seamed and seamless rectangular downspouts are the most common choices, with seamless systems offering a cleaner look and slightly higher cost. Rain chains are a decorative alternative that provide less foundation protection and work best in areas where heavy water diversion is not a concern. 

Labor

When working with a local gutter pro, expect labor to account for between 20% and 50% of your total project cost. Companies that perform gutter installations handle downspout installation, as well, so you won't need to hire a separate contractor. The complexity of your roofline, the height of your home, and the number of downspouts being installed all influence where your labor costs fall within that range.

Prep

Prep costs are included in your project estimate and typically run between 2% and 20% of the total cost. Prep work is a standard part of any downspout installation, and what it involves depends on the scope of your project. For downspout-only replacements, the originals must be removed and any existing gutter damage repaired before new downspouts go in. 

Home Height

For two-story and taller houses, the height of your home can be a cost factor if special equipment is necessary to complete the installation. Expect up to 50% higher prices if your installer needs to use a crane or other machinery to perform the job.

Underground Downspout Installation Costs: What to Budget For

Underground downspouts are a popular upgrade, particularly for modern homes, and they cost an additional $3 to $8 per linear foot beyond standard installation. Unlike aboveground extensions, underground systems divert water away from the house without the visual clutter and are less vulnerable to physical damage. 

While the cost of installing underground drainage is higher than traditional downspouts, the long-term convenience and reduced maintenance needs make it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.

Downspout Installation Ongoing Costs: What to Expect

Routine cleaning, periodic inspections, and prompt repairs are the core maintenance tasks to plan for. Budgeting for these costs up front helps you avoid more expensive damage down the road.

Maintenance

The average cost of gutter and downspout cleaning runs between $120 and $235. Most homeowners schedule this service once or twice a year, which is enough to prevent clogs and catch early signs of damage. In drier climates where rainfall is infrequent, hiring a pro on an as-needed basis is a reasonable alternative.

Repairs

Repair costs start at $4 per linear foot, making prompt action far less expensive than the foundation damage that can result from a neglected system. Addressing repairs quickly also extends the overall life of your gutter system.

DIY Downspout Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

While you can save up to 50% of the job cost by installing your own downspouts, taking on the job can be risky in terms of your safety. Because the work takes place on the roof or from a ladder usually placed precariously close to the roof's corner, your personal safety is a real concern.

However, knowing how to install downspout extensions at ground level if your existing ones aren't adequate is appropriate, provided you understand where the best place to divert the water happens to be.

Most homeowners choose to hire a local gutter installation company for their downspout installation and repair needs. Doing so ensures that the system performs at its best to protect the investment that is your home.

How Much Do Downspout Installation Add-Ons Cost?

Several add-on features can enhance a new or existing downspout system, and most cost between $5 and $50—including filtering screens, flexible elbows, splash pads, and diverters for rain barrels. Many homeowners also use a downspout replacement as an opportunity to tackle related roof and gutter work at the same time, which can reduce overall labor costs. Common projects to bundle with downspout installation include:

• Roof repair cost: $390–$1,930

• Shingle repair cost: $360–$1,830

• Gutter installation cost: $625–$1,715

• Landscaping cost: $1,250–$6,280

• Tree trimming cost: $270–$1,800

How to Save Money When Installing Downspouts

While we don't recommend DIY as a money-saving option for downspout installation, there are some things you can do to manage costs.

• Regardless of your gutter material, you can choose different, less costly materials for your downspouts to better fit your budget.

• You can choose to have your installer include only standard-length downspouts or add extensions yourself after the fact.

• Don't delay repairs if your downspouts experience damage. While it costs immediate money to do the work, not doing so as soon as possible can cause even more expensive damage to your home or its foundation.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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