How Many Downspouts Do I Need? (It’s More Than You Think!)

ByDino Pelle

Most people believe that a downspout is the same as a gutter.

The gutter and downspout are two different parts of a residential drainage system that allow your house to take on millions of gallons of water. Ten inches of rain over the course of 5-6 months on a 1,360-square-foot roof can yield 8,160 gallons of water.

When it comes to installing a gutter system, “How many downspouts do I need?” is a key question that you need to answer.

Let’s dive into this problem and find out how many are required to fit your house’s needs.

What is the Purpose of a Downspout?

A downspout is a pipe that connects to the gutters of your roof. More so, its purpose is to carry rainwater to an underground drainage system that dumps the water away from your house.

In addition, the downspout helps protect your home from water damage on the outside and inside of your house. This is why they are an essential component of any residential drainage system.

how many downspouts do I need - two connection types

How Many Downspouts Do I Need?

How many you need depends on the local weather, the size of the drainage area, the size of the gutters and downspouts, and what’s needed for your particular house design. Overall, it’s up to the individual to see how much they can afford to spend on their installation.

Consequently, calculating all of that information is tricky if you’re not good with math. But if not, contact a general contractor or gutter installation company to help you. Just make sure you get more than one opinion.

To keep it easy, we recommend that you install one downspout every 20-40 feet of gutter. This will ensure that you are taking the proper precautions to defend against potential water damage to your house. The average home has 2-3 downspouts. But every home is different. Realistically, you can’t install too many.

How many downspouts do I need - installation underground
In addition to knowing how many downspouts are needed, you’ll also need to determine if you want underground downspout drains installed. Or will you simply extend the downspout away from the house using a downspout extension? This is a big decision that can make a world of difference in the prevention of flooding and foundation problems.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, before installation, check your state’s plumbing code to make sure your home is up to code. If you’re ready to install your own, click here to learn about which downspout material is best suited for your needs.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help with any outdoor plumbing issues or questions. 

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

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