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Yes, there are several downsides to installing rain chains. For one, rain chains have a lower flow capacity than a typical gutter and downspout system. This means that if there is a rainstorm, the rain chain can stop working completely. Rain chains also cannot redirect rainwater away from your house. In homes with a sloped yard, this could cause water damage in your foundation or basement. 

Hiring a local gutter cleaner costs an average of $119 to $228. For many homeowners, it’s worth bringing in a pro to make sure there’s a regular cleaning schedule and that the job is done thoroughly. A pro can also inspect your gutters and roofline and flag any issues before you start experiencing costly mold, rot, or water damage.

Water should not be dripping behind your gutters. Rain dripping between your gutters and the fascia might indicate that the gutters are misaligned with the fascia board or there are loose screws in the gutters, allowing water to pass through. Start by checking for these issues and make repairs ASAP.

If you want to avoid burying your downspouts, several alternatives can help direct water away from your home's foundation. One option is to connect a rain barrel to your downspout. During a storm, the barrel collects water that you can later use for irrigating your lawn or garden. Another common solution is to install an above-ground downspout extension. This can be done in a couple of ways:

• Splash Guards: Placing a splash guard, available at most hardware stores, under your downspout can act as a simple funnel to direct water away from the house.

• Downspout Extensions: You can add an extension to the end of the downspout's elbow to carry water further into your yard. Some extensions are flexible, allowing you to maneuver them around landscaping.

These above-ground solutions are particularly useful if your home has a slab foundation that you cannot dig up. However, they have limitations. An extension may not move water as far from your home as an underground system. More importantly, if your yard slopes back toward your house, these methods will be ineffective, and burying your downspouts remains the best option to prevent potential flooding and water damage.