DIY: Extending Your Gutter Downspouts

oday, we’ll show you how to extend your downspouts at home. While we’ve already discussed their importance before, here’s a quick recap:

Your gutters collect water from the roof — but it’s the downspouts that carry that water safely down and away from your foundation.

Without properly working downspouts, rainwater can pool around your foundation, leading to cracks, leaks, or even flooding. It can also erode soil, wash away landscaping, and cause wood rot or mold growth, not to mention damage sidewalks or driveways from repeated runoff.

Always remember: downspouts are part of your home’s drainage defense system.

That brings us to extensions — and why they’re such a great idea. Even with a well-functioning downspout, water often exits too close to the house — usually only one or two feet away. A downspout extension channels that water farther out (ideally 6 feet away), allowing it to safely soak into the soil or drain toward the street — keeping it away from your foundation.

This simple upgrade keeps your foundation dry, prevents basement leaks, and reduces erosion and mud near your walls. It’s also inexpensive, easy to install, and takes very little time.

Now, there are two types of extensions you can choose from. Above-ground, which is the most common and easiest, and underground.

Starting with above-ground extensions: these are very easy to install with no digging required, they are inexpensive and are easy to adjust or remove if you need to mow or clean.On the flip-side, however, being visible means they are not very aesthetic and can easily be knocked loose by lawn mowers or walking. Also, in cold climates they can freeze or crack if left full of water.

Let’s say you’ve decided on an aboveground extension

1). Gather your materials.- Downspout extensions (they can be rigid o flexible)

• Measuring tape

• Hacksaw (in case you need to cut the downspout)

• Screwdriver or drill

• Sheet-metal screws (in case of a rigid extension)

• Optional splash block, gravel or decorative covers.

2) Check your downspout outlet. At the bottom of your downspout you should see an elbow that turns the water outward. Make sure it is secure, facing the right direction and free of debris.

3) Measure how far you want water to discharge — at least 4 feet, ideally 6. Attach the extension to the elbow outlet.

For flexible extensions: slide one end over the elbow and tighten the clamp or screw if necessary.

For rigid extensions: fit the crimped end inside the elbow, drill two small pilot holes, and fasten with sheet-metal screws.

4) Secure it. Make sure the extension slopes downward, so gravity can help the flow. If it is flexible, bend it into the desired curve. You can add a splash block at the end to disperse the flow and prevent erosion.

5) Time to put it to the test! Pour a bucket of water into the gutter and watch where it exits. If it flows smoothly and away from the house then… mission accomplished!You can also try retractable extensions that roll out during rain and retract when dry for a cleaner look.

So what do you need for an underground downspout extension? These involve a PVC or corrugated drain pipe as well as a discharge point like a drain emitter, gravel pit or curb.

To its advantage, this method is completely hidden, so it gives you a cleaner look. It is more of a permanent solution as there are no tripping hazards or mowing issues afterwards and it will certainly keep water well away from the house.

The downside is that it requires digging a trench (I mean, it goes without saying), so it will require a little more time and effort, as well as making sure the pipe has a proper slope; about 1 inch drop every 6 to 10 feet of length.

So, if you want to keep the extension hidden, you’d run pretty much the same connection from the downspout but routing it into a buried drain line.

1) Plan the route: Choose a path that slopes gently away from your house — at least 6 to 12 inches deep.

2) Dig the trench: Maintain a consistent slope to allow gravity drainage.

3) Connect the pipe: Attach an elbow to the downspout pointing straight down, then connect a length of PVC or corrugated pipe.

4) End the line: The pipe should discharge into a drain emitter or gravel pit several feet away from your foundation.

5) Cover and test: Backfill the trench and test the system by running water through it.

Your gutters and downspouts protect your home — but it’s the extensions that ensure that protection actually reaches the finish line. Directing rainwater away from your foundation helps prevent expensive structural damage, erosion, and moisture issues.

Installing an extension is simple, affordable, and one of the most effective DIY projects for long-term home maintenance.