Proper Procedure To Add Or Attach Elbow To A Gutter Downspout
In order to run an extension away from the structure's base, elbows are utilized to connect a gutter connector to a downspout at both its top and bottom. An elbow is required whenever a downspout has to alter course. A connector connects a conventional gutter to the downspouts. The connector protrudes from a gutter hole. An elbow joined to this connector is angled back towards the siding. The downspout is connected to another elbow by a straight extension piece that extends to the siding. When the downspout must manoeuvre around an obstruction or divert water away from a residence at ground level, elbows are then used. Follow this instruction to add an additional elbow at the downspout's base to divert water away from the storm drain.
Thing's You Will Need
- Flexible Downspout Elbow
- Downspout Runoff Ramp
- 2 Hose Clamps
- Sheet Metal Screws
- Extension Downspout
- Hacksaw
- Power Drill
Step 1: Redirect Downspout
- For homeowners that divert their downspouts from the storm sewer and pour rainwater into a barrel or downspout ramp, some governments provide incentives. The strain on the drainage system is lessened as a result.
- If you decide to do this, the downspout must first be severed a few feet before it enters the storm drain. Measure up between 2 to 3 feet from the ground and use the hacksaw to cut the lower piece off the downspout. Once finished, take it out of the storm drain where it is now located.
Step 2: Attach Elbow
- Connect the reduced downspout to the new downspout elbow fixture. The elbow should be held with the lower, open end facing away from the building. Put the downspout's bottom into the elbow's upper entry.
- As the downspout gets closer to the ground, it should taper in slightly. Draining water will flow effectively via the elbow with the end inserted. The elbow at the downspout should be tightened using a hose clamp. For this usage, flexible elbows with some give are preferable.
Step 3: Attach Extension & Position It Over The Runoff Ramp
- Most likely, the portion of the downspout that you removed from the bottom will work as your extension. The larger end of the extension should be inserted into the bottom of the elbow that is facing away from the house. The second hose clamp should be wrapped tightly around the two parts.
- Position the runoff ramp precisely beneath the angled-out extension piece once the extension is in place. Despite having a predetermined pitch when it was built, the ramp's backside needs to be supported so it slants.
Step 4: Test And Modify If Necessary
- Check the hose clamps' tensile strength. To ensure that the clamps are firmly in place, tug on the extension piece and the elbow. This far down the gutter, not much weight is exerting pressure on the clamps. If it won't stay for any reason, sheet metal screws might be needed. To secure the connection, drill two tiny pilot holes in the elbow's top and bottom connection points and insert two tiny sheet metal screws.
- To prevent water leakage in the event of a severe downpour, think about caulking around the sheet metal screws. The elbow joint at the base of the downspout can be secured using one of these two techniques. With the additional length, draining water will avoid the storm drain by flowing via the downspout, onto the runoff ramp, and away from the house.