Sick of staring at that ugly metal downspout on the corner of your house? There’s a better, prettier way to handle rainwater: a rain chain. This simple swap turns a functional piece of your gutter system into something that looks good—and sounds peaceful, too. Rain chains guide water from your gutter down to the ground or a basin in a decorative way, like a small water feature when it rains. Here’s how to install one yourself, no fancy tools or technical know-how needed.
What You’ll Need:
- A rain chain (buy one or DIY your own)
- A gutter adapter or hanging hook (usually comes with the rain chain)
- Bucket, basin, or gravel bed to catch water at the bottom
- Ladder
- Screwdriver or pliers (depending on your gutter type)
Step 1: Remove the Old Downspout
Start by taking off the current downspout. Grab a ladder and use a screwdriver or pliers to loosen the screws or clips holding it in place. Be gentle—you don’t want to damage the gutter.
Step 2: Check the Hole in the Gutter
Most rain chains hang from the same hole where the downspout was. If it’s too small, you might need to widen it a bit. If it’s too wide, you can use a gutter adapter to help secure the chain. Don’t stress—these adapters usually come with the rain chain or can be bought for cheap online.
Step 3: Attach the Rain Chain
Hook the top of the rain chain into the hole or the adapter. Make sure it’s hanging straight and secure. Give it a gentle tug to test it—no one wants a rain chain flying off in the first storm.
Step 4: Anchor the Bottom (Optional but Smart)
If you live somewhere windy or want to keep water from splashing all over, anchor the bottom of the chain. You can tie it to a rock, hook it into a basin, or guide it into a rain barrel or gravel bed. This also helps direct water where you want it to go.
Step 5: Test It
Pour some water into the gutter to see how it flows. If water sprays out or skips the chain, make small adjustments to make sure everything’s lined up. When it rains, you’ll get a natural water show right outside your window.
Rain chains do the same job as downspouts, but with a lot more style. Once you install one, you’ll wonder why you waited so long. Whether it’s a set of copper cups or a simple chain design, it adds character to your home and turns rainy days into something you actually look forward to. And the best part? You installed it yourself.