How to Take Apart a Rain Gutter Downspout

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Things You'll Need

  • Nut driver or screwdriver

  • Ladder

Taking apart a downspout is a simple task.

Downspouts are an essential part of a home's gutter system. They redirect the rainwater that rolls off the roof away from the home's outer walls and foundation. They are often made of aluminum, which is lightweight, for ease of installation and removal. When downspouts become clogged with debris or damaged, you can take them apart or fully remove them for cleaning and repairs.

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Step 1

Remove the screw that connects the downspout's bottom elbow to the downspout; there is usually one screw but there could be two. Use screwdriver or a nut driver if the screw is a hex head to remove the screws. Disconnect the bottom elbow from the downspout.

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Step 2

Remove the screws from the downspout strap using the nut driver. Lean a ladder securely against the building or home. Climb the ladder and remove the screws from upper downspout straps using the nut driver. There is usually a downspout strap every 6 feet.

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Step 3

Unscrew and remove the screws that hold the top downspout elbow to the rain gutter's drop outlet using the nut driver. Disconnect and remove the downspout from the rain gutter.

Step 4

Disconnect the downspout from the remaining elbows. Remove the screws with the nut driver. Downspouts come in solid 10-foot lengths and do not come apart.

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