How to Make a PVC Rain Chain

Replace your downspots with decorative rain chains.

Rain chains are decorative alternatives to downspouts that originated from Japan. Traditionally, rain chains were used to guide rain water to large pots and containers to be used when cooking and doing laundry. The PVC rain chain is an inexpensive version of the more traditional copper or metal chains. A rain chain does require an existing gutter to hang from.

Things You'll Need

• PVC Pipe, 2-inch diameter
• Measuring Tape
• Band saw or PVC cutters
• Sandpaper
• Heat Gun or PVC cement
• Gloves
• Gutter strap
• Screws
• Hammer
• Tent stake

Instructions

1. Measure the side of the house from the gutter to the ground. Calculate the distance in inches. Determine how much PVC you need. You will need ½-inch of PVC pipe for every 2-inches of chain. For example if the measurement is 8-feet (96-inches) you need 24-inches of PVC.

2. Cut the PVC pipe into ½-inch rings or links for the chain. Measure 1/2-inch from the end of the pipe and cut the pipe with a band saw or PVC cutters. Continue until the pipe is cut into rings.

3. Sand each link or ring to remove all burrs and rough edges.

4. Slice each ring with a ½-inch slice, so that it can slide over another ring to create a chain. Use the band saw or the PVC cutters to make these slices.

5. Create the chain by connecting the links together. Heat the PVC around each slice with a heat gun or add a drop of glue on the slices and press the slice back together. This ensures the links stay hooked together.

6. Loop the end of the chain over the gutter strap. Remove the existing downspout and slide the chain through the downspout hole in the gutter. The gutter strap end of the chain is above the downspout hole.

7. Screw the gutter strap into the gutter with the screws provided. The gutter strap dips slightly through the downspout hole, when attached.

8. Loop the bottom of the chain around the tent stake and hammer the stake into the ground or drop the stake into a large pot or barrel. The stake will weigh the chain down so it doesn't blow in the wind.

Tips & Warnings

• Primer and spray paint the PVC links in different colors to add a bit of style to the chain. The links can be doubled and linked together for a stronger or different style rain chain.

• Heating up PVC can release toxins into the air. Always heat PVC in a well ventilated area.

References

• Cultivating Life: Rain Chains
• Top Appliences: Making Rain Chains: How to Make a Rain Chain

Resources

• You Tube: Rain Chain Green-It-Yourself Project