Downspout diverters are used to divert water away from the foundation of your home or to divert water to landscaped areas of your yard. All diverters attach to your existing downspout, and the most simple diverters take very little time to install. A few simple tools are all that is needed to connect a diverter to your downspout. Does this Spark an idea?
Flexible Diverters
Flexible diverters are made from 4-inch expandable plastic tubing. A single expandable diverter can expand up to 25 feet, or it can be cut to suit your needs. You can choose to leave the diverter above ground or bury it. If you decide to bury the diverter, it is best to leave the end of the diverter uncovered to keep it from filling with dirt and debris and potentially blocking the flow of water.
Preparation
Remove the elbow from the bottom of your downspout. Most downspouts will have a curved section of guttering connected to the straight portion of downspout. This curved section is connected by gutter screws. Use a drill and Phillips head drill bit to remove the gutter screws and slide off the elbow.
Adapter
Flexible diverters must have an adapter that attaches to your downspout in the same location that you removed the elbow. Slide the square end of the adapter onto your downspout and secure it in place with gutter screws.
Diverter Hose
Connect your diverter hose to the end of the adapter and extend the hose to your desired location. If you choose to bury the hose you will need to dig a trench at least 6 inches deep and approximately 5 inches wide. Lay the hose in the trench and cover it with dirt. You can reuse the dirt from digging the trench.
Tags: your downspout, gutter screws, curved section, divert water, leave diverter, with dirt