Downspout Diverters: How Do They Work?

A downspout diverter is a gutter accessory installed on your downspout that allows you to route rainwater runoff into a barrel. Replacement gutters contractor Gutter Helmet® of Eastern NY shares a close look at how downspout diverters work and how they can be of benefit.

How Do Downspout Diverters Work?

Also known as rain barrel diverters, downspout diverters are inserted into your downspouts. They work very similarly to how trains are diverted onto different tracks. Rainwater can travel straight to the drainpipes as normal, or, with a diverter, can be directed to a drain hose that leads into rain barrels.

Downspout diverters come in various designs, but all operate using the same principles. Having a diverting mechanism installed on the downspouts helps avoid spillage if the rainwater barrels are full; you simply switch the diverter back to the downspout. When paired with a gutter protection system like Gutter Helmet, collecting rainwater has never been easier.

Differences from Rain Diverters

Many people confuse rain diverters with downspout diverters. Despite the similar names, they are entirely different devices. Rain diverters are similar to flashing, and are installed over sections of the roof, typically in valleys, where rainwater cascading from the roof would overshoot the gutters. Once installed, rain diverters help keep rainwater in the gutter troughs. It is possible to have both rain diverters and downspout diverters in the same gutter system, as they serve different purposes.

How to Install Downspout Diverters

Installing a downspout diverter involves cutting out a section of a downspout. The upper end of the downspout may have to be crimped in order to fit it into the downspout diverter. The remaining bottom part of the downspout then connects to the corresponding part of the diverter. Once mounted, a drain hose can then be hooked up to it, then the rest can be routed into rain barrels.

A specially designed mechanism allows the user to easily switch between downspout and drain hose as needed. If you’re not confident cutting steel, or if you simply don’t have the tools, a gutter professional like us can help you with the installation.

Gutter Helmet of Eastern NY is your leading provider of heated gutters and gutter protection systems such as Gutter Helmet. Give us a call at (866) 252-9400 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.