Downspout

A downspout is the vertical pipe that channels rainwater from your gutters down and away from your home's foundation. When working properly, it's your first line of defense against water damage, basement flooding, and erosion. From extensions and splash blocks to repairs and replacements, there's a lot to consider. Angi helps you find the right pro and the guidance you need to keep water flowing where it should.

Related to Downspout Service

Downspout Service Articles and Advice
Jacqueline DeMarco  •  Apr 10, 2026
How to Divert Downspout Water Away From Your Home
Want to learn how to divert downspout water so you can protect your home from rainy days? Learn why this project is important and how to do it in a few different ways.
Amy Freeman  •  Apr 10, 2026
How to Locate Underground Downspouts In Your Yard
Underground downspouts drain water away from your home, but can become clogged. Learn how to locate underground downspouts in this guide.
Amy Freeman  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Is a Downspout? And What Is Its Purpose?
Understand what a downspout does, why they’re an essential piece in your gutter system, and how to clean and upkeep your downspouts.
Laura Hennigan  •  Apr 10, 2026
6 Must-Have Downspout Cleaning Tools to Keep the Water Flowing
Learn about the downspout cleaning tools to buy to prevent gutter clogs that can cause water to pool near your basement or foundation.
Allie Ogletree  •  Apr 9, 2026
What Is a Rain Chain? Pros and Cons of the Gutter Downspout Alternative
Rain chains replace downspouts or gutter systems while adding beauty to a home. Keep reading to learn what a rain chain is and whether one is right for you.
Ben Kissam  •  Apr 5, 2026
7 Straightforward Steps to Bury Gutter Downspouts in Your Yard
Burying gutter downspouts will protect your home from water damage while hiding unsightly pipes. Here's a handy guide to do it yourself.
Allie Ogletree  •  Apr 4, 2026
How to Extend Gutter Downspouts and Improve Drainage
Extend gutter downspouts to protect your foundation and divert water away. It’s a simple DIY project with the option to go more thorough if necessary.
C.E. Larusso  •  Mar 19, 2026
Top 12 Gutter Drainage Solutions and Tips
These tips for preventing and fixing gutter issues can save your home from water damage caused by poor drainage.
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Common Downspout Service Questions

Yes, professionals can spot and rectify downspout issues such as clogs, leaks, or disconnections during cleaning. They ensure proper water flow, protecting the building's foundation and preventing water damage or erosion.

Downspouts should be buried at least 5 to 10 feet away from your foundation. This can vary depending on your local building codes, soil type, and property slope. The main goal is to ensure water is directed away from your foundation.

Unless you've chosen to install underground downspouts, your gutter downspouts shouldn't touch the ground. If they come into contact with the soil or pavement next to your home, rainwater can back up into them during a storm, preventing them from doing their job effectively. Instead, aim to have your downspouts end about 12 inches from the ground.

Buried downspouts can freeze during cold weather as cold water runs through them. If you’ve discovered your downspouts are frozen, you can carefully pour hot water down the top of the downspout to defrost them. If that doesn’t work, you may need to dig your downspout back up. Avoid trying to break the ice from the exterior using a hammer as this can cause cracks and damage to your downspout.

To avoid freezing the future, consider adding a heating cable to the exterior, which can adjust heat based on the surrounding temperature.

For your gutters to function properly, you need downspouts (or a comparable alternative, like a rain chain) to carry water away from the roof and the foundation below. Without them, water would just pool in the gutters, leading to overflow and corrosion.