How much do downspouts cost to install?
How much do downspouts cost to install?
$30 – $75 average cost to replace or add one downspout
$220 – $625 average cost to replace all downspouts (4 to 5)
$2 – $4 average cost to install per foot
Cost to install downspouts
The average cost to install downspouts is $30 to $75 per downspout. Total downspout replacement costs $220 to $625 for 4 to 5 downspouts. Adding new downspouts costs $2 to $4 per linear foot installed. Burying downspouts with a drainage system costs $150 to $350 each.
| National Average Cost | $21 |
| Minimum Cost | $5 |
| Maximum Cost | $52 |
| Average Range | $7 to $35 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Downspouts cost by material, type, and size
New downspouts cost $2 to $4 per linear foot installed for vinyl and aluminum or $10 to $34 per linear foot for copper or zinc. Some contractors do not list downspout prices separately in their total gutter installation estimate.
| Material type | Material price per foot | Installed cost per foot |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $1 – $2 | $3 – $4 |
| Vinyl / PVC | $1 – $2 | $2 – $3 |
| Galvanized steel / metal | $2 – $8 | $5 – $11 |
| Copper | $11 – $30 | $14 – $34 |
| Seamless | $3 – $12 | $5 – $16 |
| Galvalume | $3 – $7 | $6 – $10 |
| Zinc | $7 – $16 | $10 – $19 |
*Replacements add $1 per linear foot.
Downspout replacement cost by house size
Downspout replacement costs $120 to $375 for a one-story home with 4 to 5 vinyl or aluminum downspouts. Replacing downspouts costs $220 to $875 for two- and three-story homes.
| Height | Total cost to replace 4 to 5 downspouts |
|---|---|
| One-story (10’ – 15’ tall) | $120 – $375 |
| Two-story (18’ – 25’ tall) | $220 – $625 |
| Three-story (26’ – 35’ tall) | $315 – $875 |
Downspout prices by type
Downspout prices are $1 to $2 per linear foot on average or up to $8 per linear foot for larger and decorative styles. Total costs depend on the material, size, design, and finish. Aluminum and vinyl materials with smooth or corrugated profiles are the most common types.
| Type | Material prices per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Rectangular | $1 – $3 |
| Round | $2 – $8 |
| Rain chains (downspout alternative) | $6 – $10 |
Other common parts include:
Flexible elbows cost $3 to $4 each for adjustable downspout ends.
Rigid elbows cost $4 to $8 each for both forward-facing A-style parts and side-facing B-style parts.
Y-shaped or bi-feed downspout diverters cost $50 to $80 each.
Downspout extension cost
A basic downspout extension costs $5 to $20 on average for most above-ground types. Prices vary according to the type, material quality, and length. Many downspout extensions come in 2.0’ to 4.5’ long sections that can attach together to make them longer.
| Type | Price range |
|---|---|
| Splash block | $5 – $15 |
| Vinyl drain-sleeve extension | $5 – $20 |
*Material prices only.
Cost to bury downspouts and install drainage system
Installing an underground downspout drainage system costs $150 to $350 per downspout on average. This system includes a downspout extension up to 10’ long, trenching, a catch basin, drainpipe, and a bubbler system.
| System & add-ons | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Bury downspout underground | $150 – $350 |
| Rain barrel kit materials | $50 – $200 |
| Catch basin extension kit materials | $20 – $65 |
| Dry well installation | $300 – $1,500 |
Downspout replacement cost factors
Downspout replacement costs $30 to $75 per section made from aluminum or vinyl. Seamless downspouts cost $60 to $255 to replace on average.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Downspout materials (10’ – 15’ section) | $10 – $30 |
| Labor (including removal + installation) | $20 – $45 |
| Total cost to replace | $30 – $75 |
*Prices include elbows, outlet tubes, and straps.
Factors affecting downspout replacement cost include:
Type, length, and material – Thin materials like aluminum and vinyl are the cheapest, while copper costs the most.
Labor – Higher labor rates apply for steep or hard-to-access roofs due to obstacles like trees and uneven ground support for ladders.
Sectional vs. seamless – Sectional downspouts come in many pieces and are cheaper to install. Machines produce custom seamless downspouts on-site.
Number of stories – Replacing downspouts on two- and three-story homes require longer downspouts and additional safety equipment.
Extension – Prices depend on the extender length and whether it’s above or under the ground.
Home design – Downspout installation costs more when the system must drain around a large patio, porch, or other landscaping features next to the home.
Rainwater collection – Extra costs apply for adding rain barrels to downspout ends or channeling downspouts into a backyard pond or yard drains.
Screens – Rodent guards and screens cost $5 to $15 each. These mesh covers are easy to install at the beginning and end of the downspout.
Painting – Downspout and gutter painting costs $1 to $4 per linear foot.
Gutter covers – Gutter guards cost $15 to $45 per linear foot installed and prevent the gutters and downspouts from clogging.
Time of year – Installation is typically cheaper in the off-season and winter months.
Cost to replace downspouts and gutters
Downspout and gutter replacement costs $900 to $2,550 on average or $6 to $17 per linear foot, depending on the size, material type, and the home’s height.
Downspout repair costs
Aluminum or vinyl downspout repair costs $3 to $5 per linear foot for replacing a section. Seamless downspouts cost $6 to $17 per linear foot to replace.
Handyman prices are $50 to $80 per hour for fixing loose downspouts with anchor straps and other minor repairs.
Gutter repair costs $100 to $450 on average, depending on the repair type. Sometimes part of the gutters needs replacing also.
Gutter cleaning costs $100 to $250 on average or $0.50 to $2.50 per linear foot. Pros recommend cleaning gutters twice annually to prevent clogs.
Gutter downspout FAQs
What is a downspout, extension, and strainer?
Downspouts are the vertical pipes on the exterior home wall that drain water from the gutters away from the home. Most downspouts are between 2” and 4” wide, depending on the shape.
A downspout extender is a downspout attachment at the bottom that directs the water far away from the foundation. Extensions run above ground or underground.
A downspout strainer is a round, cage-like filter attachment that sits inside the gutters' downspout entrance. The device blocks out large debris that clogs downspouts.
How many downspouts do I need?
Most homes need 4 to 5 downspouts or one every 30 to 40 feet, depending on the climate, roof size, and gutter design. Smaller gutters need more downspouts, while larger gutters use fewer downspouts. Contractors will calculate the number of downspouts needed.
How far should downspouts extend from house?
Downspouts should extend 4’ to 6’ from the house when the land slopes away from the foundation. Homes on flat and sandy soil should have downspouts up to 10’ long. Check local building codes or ask a home inspector to confirm the right length.
Does Home Depot cut downspouts?
Home Depot does not cut downspouts for customers at every store, so contact the local outlet to confirm what they offer. Most gutter contractors cut downspouts on-site to guarantee a perfect fit during installation.
Do rain chains work as well as downspouts?
Rain chains don’t work as well as downspouts to keep water away from the home. Downspouts are best in cold climates and areas with heavy rain and wind. Rain chains need roof overhangs extending 3 feet away from the wall to prevent splashing the siding.
Getting estimates from gutter and downspout installers
Before hiring gutter repair services near you, be sure to:
Compare three or more in-person estimates.
Verify that they have a valid contractor’s license.
Read their HomeGuide and Google reviews.
Select a licensed, insured, and bonded company with years of experience.
Be wary of the lowest quotes that may signal low-quality work standards.
Ask for detailed gutter price estimates to see what the quote includes.
Avoid large upfront payments.
Questions to ask
How long have you been installing gutter systems?
Which type of gutters and downspouts do you have the most experience with?
How many downspouts do I need?
Do I need downspout extensions, and how long should they be?
Can I get a splash guard with my downspouts?
Do you consider my roof’s size and pitch when calculating my downspout size?
Will you give me a free on-site estimate?
Do any other gutter parts look like they need replacements soon?
Will you do minor roof repairs if you find damages?
Can I see references from your past jobs?
Are you offering fixed rates for package deals?
Does your bid include all materials, labor, equipment, and site clean-up fees?
How should I prepare for the installers?
Will you use subcontractors, and do you charge extra to supervise them?
What are my color choices for the gutter finish, and do they need sealants?
How much more does second-story work cost?
What does your warranty include?
How long will this installation take?