DIY Rain Chains: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own

Making your own DIY rain chains is a fun and rewarding project that can add a personal touch to your home's exterior. You can choose from a variety of materials, including copper, aluminum, and steel.

To get started, you'll need to decide on the design and pattern of your rain chain. This can be as simple as a single loop or as complex as a intricate design featuring multiple levels and shapes.

The length of your rain chain will depend on the size of your downspout and the desired flow rate. As a general rule, a longer chain will produce a more gentle flow of water.

Take a look at this: Motorcycle Chain

To create a beautiful and functional DIY rain chain, you'll want to start by choosing a durable material that can withstand the elements. Metal is a popular choice, and aluminum is a great option due to its light weight and corrosion resistance.

Consider the length and design of your rain chain - a longer chain with a more complex design will create a more dramatic effect, but may also be more prone to clogging.

Suggestion: Chain Link Fence

Measure your gutter system to determine the ideal length for your rain chain, and make sure to leave some extra slack for easy installation.

Think about the style and theme of your home and garden when selecting a design for your rain chain - a simple, minimalist chain can complement a modern aesthetic, while a more ornate chain can add a touch of elegance to a traditional garden.

Keep in mind that the size and material of your rain chain will affect its weight and installation requirements - be sure to plan accordingly to avoid any potential issues.

See what others are reading: Self Watering Rain Gutter Garden

To make a DIY rain chain, you'll need to start with the right materials. Cut the 2-inch-wide PVC pipe into 2 ½-inch lengths for your chain sections.

Cutting the pipe into these lengths will give you the necessary components to create a chain with multiple sections. I found it helpful to cut mine into 10 lengths, which worked perfectly for a chain with 10 sections.

To begin assembling your rain chain, insert one end of a bent pin into one of the drilled holes on one of the pipe pieces.

Check this out: How to Cut a Rain Gutter

Drill two holes in the top of each cup for the mounting chain.

To start, find and mark two spots near the top of the cup that make a line going through the center of the cup.

Drill holes at these locations that are just big enough to hook in part of the smaller chain.

It may help to first drill a small hole, and then gradually widen it by re-drilling with larger bits.

To prep the PVC sections, cut the 2-inch-wide PVC pipe into 2 ½-inch lengths. I found that cutting 10 lengths allowed me to create a chain with 10 sections.

You'll need to drill holes in each of the PVC pipe pieces, but this step isn't mentioned in this section.

Cutting the PVC pipe into the right length is crucial to ensure your rain chain comes together smoothly.

A different take: How to Install Rain Gutter Drain Pipe

Start by reading the manufacturer's instructions for your rain chain, as the attachment method and tools required may vary.

To assemble the rain chain, slip a split ring onto the pin, then insert the other end of the pin into the opposite hole in the pipe piece.

Using pliers, carefully bend each pin end so that it meets the top of the pipe piece and the side of the pin. This will secure the connection.

Next, attach another piece of pipe by slipping the pin through a split ring that's already attached to a length of pipe, then inserting the ends of the pin into the hole of this new piece of pipe.

Finish by bending back the pin ends as described above, and continue until you have the length of chain you desire.

If you're replacing downspouts with rain chains, consider setting up an additional water collection or drainage system, as rain chains won't direct water away from your home's foundation.

Dig a hole for the anchoring dish, about 6 inches deep and a few inches wider than the dish itself. Fill the hole with 3/4-inch drainage rock and place a few river stones on top for aesthetics.

Attach the top of the rain chain to your gutter and the bottom to the anchoring dish, or place a rain barrel beneath the rain chain to collect water.

To hang the rain chain from the gutter, use a half link of the chain on the top side of the gutter, or create a custom hanger with tabs sticking out on each side.

Test the rain chain by spraying water onto your roof with a hose to simulate rain, making sure everything is securely attached and functioning properly.

Downspouts will almost always perform better than rain chains as long as they remain unclogged, thanks to their higher capacity and ability to channel water away from your home.

Rain chains can be a great alternative, though, especially if your area doesn't experience heavy rainfall. They slow down the water flow, which can be a lifesaver for your landscaping.

If you do live in an area prone to high precipitation, you can still use rain chains, but you may need to pair them with a French drain or a rain barrel to manage the water flow effectively.

Here's an interesting read: Replacing a Water Heater

A rain chain is a simple yet effective way to manage rainwater, and it works based on a basic principle of science: water follows the path of least resistance. Water will flow and drain wherever it can find the fastest path, and a rain chain provides that path.

By installing a rain chain under a gutter spout, water falls out of the spout and clings to the chain due to surface tension, following it straight down. This is exactly what a rain chain does – it gives water a fast path down.

Rain chains can be connected to your eaves or gutters instead of downspouts, making them a great alternative to traditional gutter downspouts. They can help slow the flow of water, reducing soil erosion and protecting your home's foundation.

You can hang your rain chain from a shepherd's hook anywhere in your yard or garden, or from a gutter downspout with a rain chain hanging kit. Wherever you choose to hang it, your rain chain will add beauty and charm to your outdoor space.

For another approach, see: Rain Gutter Spout

Here are some common types of rain chain designs:

By choosing the right type of rain chain and installing it correctly, you can enjoy the benefits of a rain chain while also adding a decorative touch to your yard.

Downspouts are a reliable choice for water management, capable of handling a higher capacity than rain chains and directing water away from your home. They're a great option for preventing soil erosion and foundation problems.

In areas with heavy rainfall, rain chains can be overwhelmed, so it's essential to consider pairing them with additional features like French drains or a rain barrel.

Rain chains can cost about as much as gutter downspouts, but the price depends on the material, length, and design.

You can expect to pay $50–$100 for a rain chain. Vinyl or aluminum downspouts cost $5–$8 per linear foot installed, or $60–$96 for a 12-foot length.

Consider reading: Rain Gutter Cleaning Cost

High-end materials like copper can increase the price of both rain chains and downspouts. Copper rain chains might cost more than a basic aluminum downspout, but they'll likely be less expensive than the $17–$20 per linear foot you'd pay for copper downspouts.

Rain chains often need some type of anchor and collection or drainage system, which might add to their overall cost.

Worth a look: Well Installation Cost

To create a visually appealing diy rain chain, consider using a variety of materials such as copper, aluminum, or steel for the chain's links.

Using a consistent material for the entire chain is essential to ensure it weathers evenly and doesn't show signs of rust or corrosion.

You can also add decorative elements like glass or stone to the links for a unique touch.

Keep in mind that adding heavy materials can increase the chain's weight and affect its overall appearance.

A good rule of thumb is to limit the chain's length to 6 feet to prevent it from getting tangled or damaged by strong winds.

Using a sturdy base or anchor is crucial to secure the rain chain in place and prevent it from toppling over during heavy rainfall.

A fresh viewpoint: Roof Materials List