Ideas for a Downspout

Rain Barrel

• Rain barrels sit beneath and are attached to the downspout to collect rain water. You can use the collected water to maintain your landscaping. Barrels have a screen on top to allow the water to breathe and not stagnate, while keeping mosquitoes or other insects out, which allows you to store the water for emergencies. Barrels come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and may easily be painted or decorated to fit your yard's style.

Extension Pipe

• When downspout discharge does not drain away from the home, it may collect and flow back into a home's basement, or flood flowers. One method to correct this is to install an underground pipe. The extension is hidden and the water is removed to prevent damage. A vented opening catches the water, which is then transported away from the home in a PVC pipe. Water then may simply flow out of the pipe or may empty into a container, which releases the water evenly to prevent erosion. Another idea is an automatic downspout extension. These are typically made of rubber or plastic; they extend outward as they fill with water until they are full and release the water well away from the home. When it is dry, these automatic extensions roll back up and sit discretely at the foot of the downspout.

Decorative Enhancements

• For homeowners who do not have a problem with drainage, but who would like to spruce up their downspout, decorative covers are available. These come in a variety of shapes, and often resemble small animals that release the water through their mouths; this hides the drab end of the downspout and provides a little whimsy as well. Also available are pads that sit beneath the downspout, which can be made from cement, ceramic or metal. As they catch the water, it cascades down almost like a waterfall.