Downspouts may seem like a simple part of your home’s exterior, but they play a critical role in protecting your property from water damage. These vertical pipes guide rainwater from your gutters safely away from your foundation, helping to prevent erosion, basement flooding, and even structural damage.
However, when downspouts develop issues, the effects can be immediate—and messy. The good news? Many common downspout problems can be identified and fixed on your own with a little time and effort. Below are six of the most frequent downspout issues homeowners face, along with DIY solutions to help you stay ahead of the storm.
1. Clogs and Blockages
The problem:
Leaves, twigs, dirt, and even bird nests can clog downspouts and prevent water from draining properly. This often leads to overflow during rainstorms and water backing up into your gutters.
The fix:
Start by detaching the bottom elbow of the downspout if possible. Use a plumber’s snake, pressure washer, or long stick to push out the debris. Once it’s clear, flush the downspout with a garden hose from the top to ensure water flows freely. To prevent future clogs, consider installing a leaf guard or screen at the top of the downspout.
2. Detached or Loose Downspouts
The problem:
Over time, brackets and fasteners that hold your downspout in place can come loose due to wind, shifting soil, or general wear and tear. Detached downspouts can’t guide water away effectively, causing it to pool near your foundation.
The fix:
Use galvanized screws or brackets to reattach the downspout to your exterior wall. Make sure it’s fastened securely at both the top and bottom, with enough spacing to prevent movement. Adding elbow joints or extensions can also help better direct water flow away from the home.
3. Leaking Joints and Cracks
The problem:
Downspout sections often connect using joints or seams, which can deteriorate over time and begin to leak. Cracks in the pipe material can also develop, especially in older metal or plastic downspouts.
The fix:
For minor leaks at the joints, apply silicone or polyurethane gutter sealant around the seams. If the crack is larger, you may need to cut out the damaged section and replace it with a new piece using connector fittings. Make sure all parts are dry and clean before applying sealant to ensure it adheres properly.
4. Poor Drainage or Water Pooling
The problem:
If water is pooling around the base of your home, your downspouts may not be long enough—or they could be discharging too close to the foundation. This can eventually lead to basement leaks and foundation problems.
The fix:
Install a downspout extension or a splash block to redirect water further away. Extensions can be flexible or rigid, and they’re usually easy to attach with a few screws or a clamp. For an invisible solution, consider running a buried drainage pipe away from the house to a designated runoff area.
5. Improper Slope or Alignment
The problem:
Downspouts should direct water downward and away from the house. If your downspouts are angled too steeply or not steeply enough, water may flow back toward the house or splash out before reaching the ground.
The fix:
Adjust the angle of your downspout by loosening the brackets and repositioning the pipe. Make sure the water flows directly downward and away from the home without hitting walls or landscaping. Once properly aligned, retighten the brackets to hold everything in place.
6. Corrosion or Material Breakdown
The problem:
Metal downspouts can rust over time, while plastic ones may become brittle and crack due to UV exposure. These weakened areas often develop holes or lose structural integrity, making them less effective at channeling water.
The fix:
If rust is minor, sand the affected area and apply a rust-inhibiting primer and paint. For more severe corrosion or broken plastic sections, replacement is the best option. You can cut out the damaged piece and attach a new section using appropriate connectors and sealant. When in doubt, a downspout repair technician can provide expert guidance on whether to repair or replace.
When to Call in the Pros
While many downspout issues can be tackled as a DIY project, some situations—like persistent flooding, extensive corrosion, or hard-to-access installations—are better handled by a downspout repair service. They’ll have the tools and expertise to quickly diagnose the issue and make sure the repair is done safely and correctly.
Downspouts might not get a lot of attention, but when they fail, the consequences are hard to ignore. By identifying these common issues early and taking the right steps to fix them, you can protect your home from water damage and keep your gutter system running smoothly.
Regular inspection, seasonal maintenance, and prompt repairs go a long way toward preventing long-term damage—and keeping your home safe, dry, and storm-ready.
