Homeowner guide
How Many Downspouts Do I Need?
Plan on one downspout for every 30 to 40 feet of gutter, and at least one at each end of a long run. Placement matters as much as the count.
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Spacing
The 30 to 40 foot rule
Each downspout drains a section of gutter. With standard 2×3 downspouts, one every 30 to 35 feet keeps up with most monsoon storms. Oversized 3×4 downspouts can drain about 40 feet or more.
Runs longer than about 40 feet should drain toward both ends, with the gutter pitched from the middle each way.
Placement
Where to put them
- Where the ground slopes away from the house
- Not onto walkways, steps or driveways that ice in winter
- Away from patios and slab corners
- Where an extension or rock swale can carry water four feet or more
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I have too many downspouts?
Rarely. Extra downspouts reduce overflow, at the cost of a little more hardware and looks.
Do I need a downspout under every valley?
Not always, but valleys concentrate water. A downspout near a valley's landing point prevents overflow.