How to Install a Downspout Hanger

Hidden Hanger

• 1

  Hold the downspout level against the wall. Place a mark on the wall at the left side of the downspout six inches from the top. Make another mark on the wall at the left side of the downspout six inches from the bottom. Add a third mark evenly between the first two.

• 2

  Set a stepladder next to the downspout. Remove the screws securing the downspout to the elbow that's attached to the gutter using a nut driver or socket wrench. Carefully lower the downspout to the ground.

• 3

  Place one of the hidden downspout hangers on the wall at the upper mark. Hidden hangers are similar to strap hangers, except they mount behind the downspout. Align the left side of the hanger with the mark near the top of the wall. Mark the mounting hole that is in the center of the bracket on the wall using a pencil. Make sure the left side of the hanger is lined up with the mark you made in Step One so that the downspout will fit inside the hanger.

• 4

  Repeat the process of marking the hanger mounting holes for the remaining two marks you made along the downspout. Drill pilot holes at the mounting marks using a drill bit that is smaller in diameter than the mounting screws. If the wall is brick, drill holes with a masonry bit the same size as the concrete mounting screws.

• 5

  Place the hidden hanger against the wall, lining up the mounting hole with the pilot hole. Secure with the appropriate screws and a socket wrench. If mounting into brick, use a socket bit on your drill to drive the concrete screws into the brick. Apply a small amount of silicone caulk over the screw heads using a caulking gun to help prevent water from seeping behind the screw.

• 6

  Position the downspout between all three hidden hangers and into the gutter elbow. Reattach the downspout to the gutter elbow using the retaining screws. Drive self-drilling screws through the ends of the hangers and into the side of the downspout using a socket bit on your drill.

Downspout Hanger Strap

• 7

  Place a downspout strap hanger across the front of the downspout six inches from the top. Mark the mounting holes with a pencil. Move the strap hanger six inches from the bottom of the downspout and mark the mounting holes. Place the strap hanger halfway between the first two marks and mark the holes for the center strap hanger.

• 8

  Drill pilot holes at your marks using a drill bit smaller than the mounting screws, if connecting to vinyl siding or wood. Use a masonry bit the same diameter as the concrete screw if connecting to a brick wall.

• 9

  Place the top strap hanger over the downspout, line up the mounting holes and secure the hanger to the wall using the appropriate screws. Repeat the procedure for the other two hangers. Seal the heads of the mounting screws with silicone caulk.