Down Spout Diverter for Rain Barrels and Gutters

A down spout diverter is a simple yet effective way to direct rainwater from your gutters into a rain barrel. This can be a great way to collect and reuse rainwater for watering plants, washing cars, or even flushing toilets.

The key to installing a down spout diverter is to choose the right location. According to the article, the diverter should be placed near the down spout, ideally 3-6 inches away from the spout's end.

Having the diverter in this location allows for easy installation and maintenance, which is essential for a system that will be used frequently.

A downspout diverter is a simple device that redirects water from a downspout to a different location, such as a rain barrel or a French drain.

It's usually installed near the downspout elbow, which is the curved section where the downspout meets the roof gutter.

Downspout diverters can be made of various materials, including plastic, metal, and vinyl.

They come in different types, including splash blocks, splash plates, and diverters with built-in splash blocks.

A well-installed downspout diverter can help reduce erosion and water damage around the foundation of a house.

It can also direct water away from sidewalks, driveways, and other areas where it's not wanted.

By redirecting water, downspout diverters can help prevent water from accumulating in low-lying areas.

This can be especially helpful in areas with heavy rainfall or poor drainage.

A downspout diverter is a game-changer for any rain barrel system. It allows you to easily shut down the system in winter to prevent freezing and breakage.

In areas where temperatures drop below freezing, a downspout diverter is a must-have. It automatically diverts water back to the gutter system, preventing the rain barrel from overflowing.

In areas like New England, automatic downspout diverters are a must-have to prevent water from spilling next to your foundation. This is because the excess water will drain into your basement.

You don't want this to happen because it can cause damage and other issues. After all, you've invested in a rain barrel to collect and reuse water, not to create new problems.

Automatic downspout diverters allow you to remove and store your rain barrel before winter sets in, preventing it from freezing and cracking. This is especially important because it will function exactly as it did before installing the rain barrel.

By choosing an automatic diverter, you can enjoy the benefits of rainwater harvesting without the hassle of dealing with frozen barrels.

If your roof sits below large trees, or is otherwise exposed to a lot of debris, you're going to need a little more protection.

Gutter guards span the length of your roof, covering your entire gutter system, not just the downspout and gutter connection.

Companies like Flexxpoint offer gutter guards that can cover anywhere from 22 feet to 5100 feet of gutter.

Gutter guards will prevent excess leaves and debris from clogging your gutters, saving you time and hassle.

At peak efficiency, these additional fixtures will help you dramatically cut down on the number of times you need to get up on the roof and clean out your gutters.

Most downspout gutters are rectangular in shape and come in either 2” x 3” or 3” x 4” sizes. Selecting the correctly sized diverter for your downspout will be critical in ensuring proper function.

To install a rain barrel diverter, start by locating the proper section of the downspout where the diverter will be inserted, which is typically several feet off the ground and higher than the top of the rain barrel.

The diverter kit will have its own unique instructions specific to that design, but the overall process is mostly universal. Mark off a segment of the downspout to be extracted, which is typically less than a foot in length, depending on the size of the diverter.

Here are some popular rain barrel diverter kits:

The hose should be connected to the inlet on the side of the downspout, and the opposite end should be connected to the overflow valve on the rain barrel, ensuring there are no kinks in the hose.

Installing a rain barrel diverter is a relatively simple process that requires some basic tools and knowledge. You'll need to select the correct sized diverter for your downspout, which is usually rectangular in shape and comes in 2” x 3” or 3” x 4” sizes.

To ensure proper function, it's essential to consider the placement of the rain barrel in relation to the downspout diverter. The rain barrel should be elevated enough off the ground so that water can flow freely from the bottom spigot.

Locate the proper section of the downspout where the diverter will be inserted, typically several feet off the ground and higher than the top of the rain barrel. Mark off a segment of the downspout to be extracted, usually less than a foot in length, depending on the size of the diverter.

Cut out the designated segment of the downspout with a hacksaw, and then place the diverter kit in the gap of the downspout connecting both the top and bottom portions of the downspout to the diverter. Make sure the entire unit is secure.

To connect the hose to the inlet on the side of the downspout, ensure there are no kinks in the hose. You can also purchase a diverter kit that comes with a 4-foot hose, like the Oatey Mystic rain barrel diverter kit, which fits onto standard 2" x 3" rectangle downspouts.

Here are some popular rain barrel diverter kits:

Each of these kits has its own unique features and benefits, so be sure to research and compare them before making a decision.

If you have more rainwater than can fit in 1 barrel, you'll need to get more barrels and connect them in sequence to continue harvesting water.

It's not a good idea to let excess rainwater pool around the foundation of your house, as it can cause costly structural damage over time.

You can reroute excess water with a downspout extension or splash block, which are designed to get the water away from your home.

Downspout extenders and splash blocks come in various shapes and sizes, and can be installed above or below the surface.

They're easy to spot and require little to no maintenance, making them a convenient solution.

Here are three popular options to consider: