Downspout installation costs $5 to $15 per foot, with certain materials like copper and steel more expensive than vinyl and aluminum. The total project cost depends on how many downspouts you need and the height of your home. Your contractor will make sure the downspouts fit in with the overall gutter system and provide reliable drainage with a much lower chance of water damage to your home. Here are some of the most common sizes for downspouts and the average installation costs.
| Size | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| 8 Feet | $40 - $120 |
| 10 Feet | $50 - $150 |
| 12 Feet | $60 - $180 |
| 14 Feet | $70 - $210 |
| 16 Feet | $80 - $240 |
Downspout Cost by Material
Downspouts are available in many materials, which must be durable and low-maintenance due to the constant exposure to the outside elements. Experts recommend matching your downspout material to your gutter for the best appearance. Like gutters, downspouts have a range of costs based on the material, averaging $1.20 to $20 per linear foot. The average costs for downspouts installed range from $2.20 to $25 per linear foot, as outlined below.
| Material | Average Costs per Linear Foot (Materials Only) | Average Costs per Linear Foot (Installed) |
|---|
| Vinyl / PVC | $1.20 - $5 | $2.20 - $10 |
| Aluminum | $1.50 - $12 | $2.50 - $17 |
| Galvalume | $2 - $3 | $7 - $8 |
| Galvanized Steel | $2.50 - $15 | $3.50 - $20 |
| Zinc | $8 - $12 | $9 - $17 |
| Copper | $12 - $20 | $13 - $25 |
| Wood | $17 - $20 | $18 - $25 |
PVC Downspout Cost
PVC or vinyl downspouts are a common material to match with vinyl gutters and cost between $1.20 and $5 a linear foot for materials only or $2.20 to $10 per linear foot installed. The shape of PVC downspouts determines the cost. They are most commonly rectangular but are also available in a flexible style. Most PVC downspouts are an attractive white color which helps with curb appeal. Vinyl works best in moderate climates because it can crack in cold climates and soften and warp in heat. However, it does not require much maintenance and is easy to clean.
Aluminum Downspout
Aluminum is the most common material for downspouts and gutters, ranging from $1.50 to $12 a linear foot for materials and $2.50 to $17 per linear foot with installation, depending on the style. Aluminum downspouts most commonly come in rectangular and round styles and are available in many colors. This helps blend your downspout in with your home’s siding, making it less noticeable. Aluminum is easy to maintain, but it dents easily, so it may not be the best choice if you live in an area prone to hail storms.
Galvalume Downspouts
Galvalume downspouts are priced around $2 to $3 per linear foot for materials and $7 to $8 per linear foot for materials and installation. Many modern homes feature galvalume downspouts to match gutters of the same material, which is steel with a half zinc and half aluminum coating. The steel base is stronger than normal aluminum downspouts, and the aluminum-zinc coating maximizes protection against rust.
Galvanized Steel Downspout
Galvanized steel downspouts cost between $2.50 and $15 a linear foot just for materials, and with installation included, it is $3.50 to $20 per linear foot. These special steel downspouts are less common than aluminum but better for durability. Galvanized steel is tougher and more durable than aluminum, so it is less likely to dent. It is also less likely to rust than traditional steel, making it a good option for stormy areas. These gutters are rectangular or round and typically white.
Zinc downspouts
Zinc downspouts cost $8 to $12 per linear foot for materials and $9 to $17 per linear foot for materials and installation. Zinc offers similar benefits to copper, such as a long-lasting finish and even coloring over time. However, zinc has a less noticeable change in color. There are more styles available if you want your downspouts to best suit the rest of your home. Another advantage of zinc is that it is fully recyclable, making it a sustainable choice for downspouts.
Copper Downspout Cost
If you have copper gutters on your home, consider matching copper downspouts, which cost $12 to $20 a linear foot just for materials or $13 to $25 per linear foot installed. Copper is a unique metal with a living finish, so it does not corrode like other metals and can last for centuries. The finish slowly darkens over time from a bright copper to a dull brown before finally becoming a light blue/green. This patina 1 develops evenly across all surfaces if your gutters and downspouts match.
Wood Downspouts
Wood downspouts are priced around $17 to $20 per linear foot for materials and $18 to $25 per linear foot installed. Although wood downspouts are much more expensive than other materials, they are popular thanks to their architectural and aesthetic appeal. Wood downspouts and gutters provide a high-end finish, but they will not last as long and require treatment to prevent rot. Wood downspouts are not as effective in the long run as aluminum or steel.
Downspout Price by Type
Like gutters, downspouts come in several shapes and styles and cost $10 to $200 for materials only and between $20 to $260 installed. The type or style of your downspout should match your gutters, but you can also mix and match some styles. Costs fluctuate depending on the style and material. The prices shown below are based on the average price of a 12 ft. downspout in each type.
| Type | Average Costs (Material Only) | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Rectangular | $10 - $30 | $20 - $90 |
| K-Style | $10 - $35 | $20 - $95 |
| Bi-Feed | $15 - $25 | $30 - $85 |
| Flexible | $20 - $40 | $30 - $100 |
| Rain Chain | $40 - $150 | $50 - $210 |
| Round | $65 - $200 | $80 - $260 |
Rectangular Downspouts
Rectangular downspouts are the most common, costing $10 to $30 each on average for materials only. Expect to pay between $20 to $90 to have it installed. This downspout works with popular k-style gutters and come in every material with a full range of colors. Most rectangular downspouts have a slightly crimped exterior, but a few have a smooth finish. They can be readymade and sold in 10-foot lengths or be made seamless on-site.
K-Style Downspouts
K-style downspouts cost $10 to $35 each for materials only. If you want it installed, the cost range between $20 and $95. They are another popular and affordable option for today’s homes. K-style downspouts match gutters of the same style, which get their name from the vague resemblance to the letter K with short outer edges and two opposite curves. This shape differs from perfectly round gutters and resembles crown molding 2 that is highly sought-after in interior design. If you want a stylish and functional downspout, this is a good option.
Bi-Feed Downspouts
Expect to pay $15 to $25 for a bi-feed downspout, and between $30 to $85 for the downspout installed. This type is not very common but helps when you have a gutter intersection 3. If two gutters are close, you can have two downspouts next to each other or a more attractive bi-feed. This is a single downspout with a top that goes off at two angles and connects to two gutters. The bi-feed is not long, and you need the connecting section, which directs the water.
Flexible Downspout
Most downspouts are rigid and fixed, flexible downspouts cost between $20 and $40 for materials only and between $30 to $100 installed. They run vertically, from the gutter to the ground and extend away, offering more versatility in directing the water. You can move it farther up so that the water runs to both sides rather than straight down. The flexibility lets you position it differently to extend it further. Sometimes, these downspouts are added onto existing downspouts for extra reach.
Rain Chain
Rain chain prices range from $40 to $150 for materials only. Expect to pay between $50 to $210 for the downspout installed. Rain chains are sculptural elements rather than a standard downspout. The downspout does not have to be an enclosure or pipe for the water, as it can be a more decorative feature on your home’s exterior but still function well. They may be a literal chain, or they may be a series of cups or shapes for the water to spill through. They are usually made of metal and are designed to be attractive.
Round Downspouts
You need to pair a round or half-round-style gutter with a round downspout, which costs between $65 and $200 for materials only and between $80 to $260 installed. Round downspouts are smooth, crimped, or corrugated. Typically, the smooth versions are more expensive than the crimped versions, even in the same material. Round styles are more likely to be found in higher-end materials like copper than rectangular downspouts.
Labor Costs to Install Downspouts
In most cases, your downspouts are installed with a full gutter system. A professional gutter company or contractor will complete the installation, which takes one to four hours, depending on the size and design.
The average cost to install downspout drain pipes varies by downspout material and style, but they can usually be installed for $1 to $5 a linear foot. While most gutter and downspout installers charge based on the linear foot, you may find some offering hourly rates around $60 and $90. Within this range, seamless downspouts cost slightly more to install because of the extra connections and on-site customization. It costs less for a simple installation of seamed 3 or sectional gutters with the same materials. Also, expect to pay a bit more if your downspouts need special hangers or extensions to direct the water, which requires extra time and effort that is reflected in the total price.
Downspout Replacement Cost
The cost of replacing downspouts is not usually much higher than purchasing new ones. It is worth looking into downspout replacement if there is noticeable water damage, eroded landscaping, or overflowing gutters. Aluminum, copper, zinc, and galvanized steel downspouts can be recycled, so your installer likely only charges a labor fee to remove them, about $0.50 to $1 a linear foot. There is generally no disposal fee. Wood, PVC or vinyl gutters do not have as many recycling options, so you may have to pay an additional charge for disposal of $1 a linear foot. After the old downspouts are removed, the costs to install new downspouts are identical - about $480 for 4 new steel downspouts.
Downspout Repair Cost
Downspouts are generally low maintenance and last for years. However, they may have small issues to address. One of the most common is with seamed downspouts coming loose from one another. This can result in a lower section pulling away from the upper section. Repairing this is usually simple and requires a new sleeve and a few minutes of work. It costs around $30 on average to repair.
Another common issue for both seamed and seamless downspouts is gaps that pull the downspout drain pipe away from the home. This requires a new anchor strap and can usually be handled for $20 or less by most handymen. Other issues usually necessitate removing and replacing the downspouts with new materials.
Cost to Bury Downspouts
Your downspouts could be directing large amounts of water, depending on how much rain you get. The water’s force could erode or wash grass, landscaping, or mulch away. One method of dealing with this is to bury your downspout. This enhances yard drainage and curb appeal and protects against leaks and water damage to the foundation. Buried downspouts also minimize water pooling and icy spots during cooler weather.
Keep in mind the entire downspout is not buried, just an extension. The downspout must be buried below the frost line, which varies, so speak to your landscaper. In most cases, your downspout can be buried for around $25 a linear foot, including materials and labor. This cost can be lower in warm areas where the downspout only has to go down a few inches or higher in cold climates if it needs to go down a few feet.
How Many Downspouts Do I Need?
Most professionals say you need one downspout for every 20 to 30 feet of gutters. However, it depends on your home and gutter design and the climate. For example, if you live in an area with heavy downpours all year, you may want one or two additional downspouts than if you live in the desert. Always consult a professional gutter and downspout installer to determine the best drainage setup for your roof. Remember that most downspouts are 3 to 4 inches in diameter and 8 to 12 feet tall.
Downspout Building Code
It’s important to check your local building code, as you may need to install a downspout every 20 feet, or perhaps every 30 to 35 feet depending on where you live. Spacing requirements are based on local weather conditions, the gutter system design, and the drainage area. A downspout is positioned vertically and extends to ground level. Most downspouts have a 70-degree bend at the bottom, although 30 degree, 45 degree, and 90 degree angles may be acceptable.
The downspout’s shape and position ensure that water is directed away to prevent damage. The water is piped to a sewage system or flows onto the ground. If the gutter system or downspouts are not installed correctly, rainwater can pool at the home’s base and cause flooding or foundation damage. Therefore, professional installation that meets code is so important.
Downspout Cleaning Cost
Regularly inspect and clean your downspouts and gutter system to make sure it has not become clogged with debris. If you have metal downspouts and notice rust, sand off the rust and use metal paint to prevent the problem from worsening. With metal, wood, vinyl, or PVC downspouts, watch for small holes or cracks and promptly repair the damaged areas. You might have to replace the downspout if it is too damaged. Clean the downspouts and gutter system at the same time to prevent the downspout from becoming re-clogged by the debris in the gutters. A basic gutter cleaning for 100 linear feet of gutters averages $190.
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Downspout Screens
A downspout screen is usually fashioned from aluminum and fits into the downspout. The device prevents downspout clogging by blocking sticks and leaves. They are recommended for homes with ample tree coverage and seasonal storms. A downspout screen averages $2 to $3 per piece.
Gutter Guard
A gutter guard goes across the gutter system to prevent debris from filling the gutters and downspouts. The gutter guard varies in material and design, with aluminum and mesh most popular because they last longer. However, plastic and foam guards are available. Gutter guard prices are $2.60 to $18.50 per linear foot.
Downspout Extension Cost
A downspout extension diverts the runoff and directs it to where you want it to go. The device is typically constructed from flexible plastic and slides onto the downspout’s end. You can also use the downspout extension to connect it to underground drain pipes to prevent a basement from flooding or avoid soggy grass. Downspout extension prices average $10 to $30 per unit.
Paint Downspouts
If you want to paint downspouts to match the rest of the gutter system or the exterior of your home, then you can hire a professional with an airless sprayer. Spray painting is the easiest method for painting downspouts. The process should take an hour or two. Expect to pay $40 to $60 an hour for downspout painting service.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Downspout colors. Many people choose downspouts to match their gutter system. Aluminum gutters and downspouts are available in many colors. Some metal downspouts and gutter systems are painted, but most are not. Copper downspouts are always left natural so that the beauty of the copper shows.
- Seamed vs seamless downspouts. Seamed or sectional downspouts have small sections attached at the seams, making them simple to install with a lower cost. Seamless downspouts are designed from larger pieces of material and extruded on-site. There are minimal joints 3, typically only at the corners. Seamless downspouts cost slightly more than seamed and take longer to install.
- DIY. Downspout installation can be a DIY project. You need to purchase downspouts that match your gutter system, but they are relatively easy to put together. Once assembled, the downspout is affixed to the home’s side with fasteners 4 and to the gutters with a flange. However, it is recommended to hire a skilled handyman.
- Rainwater collection system. People collect rainwater in many areas of the country. You can easily install a rainwater collection system that depends on the downspout to funnel water into a reservoir.
- Home value. Installing downspouts adds value to your home by protecting against water damage and maximizing gutter efficiency. While this project does not dramatically increase home value compared to larger projects, it appeals to many homebuyers. If you plan to sell in the future, you will definitely want your gutters and downspouts to be installed and maintained properly.
FAQs
- Do round downspouts cost more?
Round downspouts cost $65 to $200 for materials only, which is more expensive than other types of downspouts that may start as low as $10.
- Are downspouts necessary?
Yes, downspouts are necessary for preventing moisture buildup and water damage to your home. Downspouts carry water out and away from the exterior walls, working with the gutters to effectively drain rainwater.
- How much does it cost to install a downspout?
The average cost to install a downspout varies by material, but most cost between $5 and $15 a linear foot. The average downspout is around 12-feet long, making the average cost to install one downspout between $60 and $180. Costs vary due to material, shape, size, and installation type.
- How do I install a new downspout?
Assemble the downspout’s length, hook it to the home’s side with fasteners, and fix it to the gutter with a flange.
- Is it okay to bury downspouts?
Yes, you can bury the end of a downspout. This is often necessary for certain areas of the snow belt to prevent freezing. The downspout is buried below the frost line by 32” to 48” in some areas where the weather is especially fierce during the winter months. You can also extend the downspout into a dry well or drain line.
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