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
Kelly Weimert  •  May 5, 2026
7 Reasons Why Your Gutter Downspout Isn’t Working
Your gutter downspouts play a critical role in preventing costly water and foundation damage. If yours aren’t working properly, use this guide to troubleshoot the problem.
Jacqueline DeMarco  •  May 3, 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  •  May 3, 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.
Deane Biermeier  •  May 3, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install Downspouts? [2026 Data]
Learn the cost to install downspouts on your home's rain gutter system based on materials, quantity, and other factors.
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  May 3, 2026
Types of Rain Barrels [2026 Guide]
Learn about the different types of rain barrels and how to choose the best gutter rain barrel to collect rainwater at your home.
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  May 3, 2026
How to Unclog a Downspout
Learn how to unclog a downspout to keep your gutters working properly.
Kate Fann  •  May 2, 2026
How to Clean a Gutter Downspout Safely in 5 Steps
It's time to say goodbye to clogs in your gutter system. Learn how to clean a gutter downspout safely on your own in a few simple steps.
Mariel Loveland  •  May 2, 2026
Your Guide to Attaching Gutter Downspouts to Brick
Is your gutter’s downspout blowing around in bad weather? You might need to secure it. This guide will tell you how to attach a gutter downspout to brick.
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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.