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Unless your downspouts direct water to a place that slopes away from your home’s foundation, your gutters aren’t really doing their job. When water is pooling around your rain gutter downspout or draining back toward your home, you’ll need a downspout extension to fix the problem. These tube-shaped structures extend your downspout opening 2 feet or more from the foundation of your home. Many of these extenders are flexible, allowing you to snake them around landscaping. Plus, they come in a variety of colors to blend with their surroundings, be it mulch or grass.
I tested five different extenders on my house and my favorite was the Spectra Ground Spout Universal Downspout Extension with its 4-foot length, durable construction, and ability to maneuver around bushes and other landscaping. Read on to find out more about this gutter extender as well as the other models I tested.
- BEST OVERALL: Spectra Ground Spout Universal Downspout Extension
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Amerimax Flex-A-Spout Downspout Extension
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LOW-PROFILE: Amerimax StealthFlow Downspout Extension Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LENGTH: Gutterlix Flexible Gutter Downspout Extensions
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Amerimax Dripper Flipper Downspout Extension
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 5 |
| Time spent testing | 2 weeks |
| Tests performed | 3 |
| Price range | $6 to $13 |
Our Top Picks
I tested all the downspout extenders below. Each performed well and most fit various types of gutters.
Best Overall
Spectra Ground Spout Universal Downspout Extension
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Stability 4/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Length: 24 to 46 inches
- Type: Flexible
- Colors: 4
What We Like
- Durable, heavy-duty polyvinyl chloride (PVC) design
- Easy to install on both downspout sizes
- Comes in multiple colors
What We Don’t Like
- Max length is less than 4 feet
Spectra ranked the toughest out of all the gutter extenders I tested. It’s made from a thicker grade of PVC plastic that refused to buckle even when applying most of my body weight to the top of it. This sturdy design makes it a great choice for downspouts that empty onto the lawn or other spots that see mower and foot traffic.
As with the other flexible downspout extenders I tested, it works with both downspout sizes. And since it uses a simple adapter that fits over one end to switch between sizes, there’s no need to make cuts. It is one of the shorter downspouts, measuring just under 4 feet, so you’ll want an extension for this extender for longer runs.
Get the Spectra downspout extension at Lowe’s or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Amerimax Flex-A-Spout Downspout Extension
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Stability 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Durability 2/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Length: 21 to 55 inches
- Type: Flexible
- Colors: 5
What We Like
- Affordably priced
- Easy installation for larger downspout sizes
- Many color options
What We Don’t Like
- Shorter maximum length than others
- Crushes easily
Amerimax is a great budget option as long as you keep it away from feet and machines. The Flex-A-Spout, like most extenders, is compatible with both 3-inch-long by 2-inch-wide and 4-inch-long by 3-inch-wide downspouts. It’s bendable and extends nearly 5 feet long. And unlike some, it doesn’t require you to make cuts to attach it to the larger spout size. It also comes in five color options, more than any other extender I tested.
But while the size and color options give it versatility, I was a little disappointed with its build quality. The Flex-A-Spout has noticeably thinner PVC than the other downspouts. It crushed easily when I applied weight to the top of it, causing some of its seams to split. While this may not matter if the downspout is in landscaping where it’s protected from feet and mowers, it’s not a good choice for high-traffic areas.
Get the Amerimax Flex-A-Spout downspout extension at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Low-Profile
Amerimax StealthFlow Downspout Extension Kit
Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Stability 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Length: 24 to 43 inches
- Type: Flexible
- Colors: 1
What We Like
- Low-profile design
- Extendable with affordable attachments
- Very hard to crush
What We Don’t Like
- Flat section isn’t flexible
- Only comes in 1 color
The round tube shape of most gutter downspout extensions can make these utilitarian devices difficult to hide. The StealthFlow is an exception. It uses a wide flat tube that measures just a couple of inches thick, making it easier to conceal. I had an easier time hiding it under plantings and shrubs than other large tube-shaped extenders I tested.
The flat tube isn’t just low profile; it’s also tough. I was able to stand on it with both feet without crushing it and even roll over it with a lawn mower. And while it isn’t particularly long, you can purchase various size extension pieces to make it as long as you need. The Amerimax was also easy to install on my 3-inch-long by 2-inch-wide gutters. It does require cutting if you have the larger 4-inch-long by 3-inch-wide downspout size.
There are a few compromises with the StealthFlow. It’s more expensive than most downspout extenders. The flat section isn’t flexible and is narrower than other extenders, making it more susceptible to clogging, though I didn’t experience any during testing. Still, if you don’t have gutter guards and your downspouts are susceptible to clogs, you may have problems with the StealthFlow.
Get the Amerimax StealthFlow downspout extension at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Length
Gutterlix Flexible Gutter Downspout Extensions
Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Stability 4/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Length: 21 to 67 inches
- Type: Flexible
- Colors: 4
What We Like
- Longer than most downspout extenders
- Easy to install on either downspout size
- Comes in 4 color options
What We Don’t Like
- Not the most durable material
Gutterlix makes the longest rain gutter downspout extension I tested with a max length of some 67 inches, several feet longer than other similarly priced downspout extenders. I loved the length coupled with its flexible design, which made it easy to weave around plantings. It’s a great choice if you need to extend your downspout a long way or work around obstacles.
The Gutterlix is easy to install with two adapters that thread onto the tube to fit both downspout sizes. And while the Gutterlix isn’t the toughest downspout extender I tested—it only holds up to about 10 pounds of weight before caving in—it wasn’t the weakest either.
Get the Gutterlix downspout extension at Amazon.
Also Consider
Amerimax Dripper Flipper Downspout Extension
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Stability 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Length: 30 inches
- Type: Straight tray
- Colors: 1
What We Like
- More attractive than tube extenders
- Open-tray design won’t clog
- Easy to install
What We Don’t Like
- Only about 2 feet long
- Doesn’t bend in different directions
The Amerimax Dripper Flipper is a departure from accordion tube–shaped extensions with its open vinyl tray design. During testing, it was easy to install and effective at directing water away from the house. It’s also more attractive than the tube-shaped extenders I tested, which makes it ideal for spots where the extender is going to be more visible.
And with its open tray style, it’s easier to clear any debris that collects on it. That said, it’s limited in function. It doesn’t bend into different directions, only fits 3-inch-long by 2-inch-wide downspouts, and extends just 2 feet. That said, it’s a great option if all you need is to extend your downspout straight out for a couple of feet and don’t like the utilitarian look of tube-shaped extenders.
Get the Amerimax Dripper Flipper downspout extension at The Home Depot, Amazon, or Walmart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Downspout Extensions
I tested five of the top downspout extensions by installing them on downspouts around my home. After installing each extension, I left it in place for a week. During this time, I received several heavy rainfalls, during which I evaluated how well each extender worked, checking for any leaks at the connection point while observing how well each one improved downspout drainage. I also considered durability, testing how easily I could crush or crack each downspout by applying force to it.
Finally, I also considered aesthetics, evaluating how well each downspout blended into the surrounding landscaping. After assessing the performance of each extension, I considered value by factoring in price.
What to Consider When Choosing a Downspout Extension
While many downspout extensions may look similar, they can vary significantly in build quality, length, and color options.
Durability
All downspout extensions are made from polyethylene, which is a common plastic used to make plastic bottles and containers. When choosing a downspout extension, it’s important to pay attention to the material thickness. Gutter extenders made from thicker heavy-duty polyethylene will resist cracking; hold up to damage from mowers, string trimmers, and feet; and endure the elements better than those made from thinner plastic.
Length
Gutter downspout extenders usually come in accordionlike shapes that allow you to alter their length by extending and retracting them. They can range in length from 2 feet up to 5 feet, and most can also be linked together to create even longer extensions. When determining which length to purchase, measure the distance from the downspout to the closest point that slopes away from your foundation. Be sure to account for any landscaping you’ll need to work around when measuring.
Shape and Color
Most downspout extensions consist of long round tubes with a square end designed to fit around both common downspout sizes. This tube is usually flexible, giving you more freedom to direct rainwater flowing through the downspout where you want it to go, whether it’s around landscaping or to a nearby rain barrel. Some downspout extenders have a flat shape, which makes them easier to hide in landscaping or less susceptible to damage from lawn mowers. Most downspout extenders also come in various colors, including black, brown, white, or green, to match the color of the downspout or blend with the surrounding landscaping.
Tips for Installing a Downspout Extension
When installing a downspout extension, start by measuring the size of your downspout. It will be either 3 inches long by 2 inches wide or 4 inches long by 3 inches wide. Use the connector that comes with the extension. Some extenders require cutting to fit them to the downspout. Slide the extender over the end of the downspout. Depending on the type of extension, you may need to remove the downspout elbow to attach the extension. To make a secure connection, use two screws to connect the extender to the downspout. The point of a downspout extension is to keep water from building up around the foundation, so make sure the downspout empties in an area sloped away from your home.
- Measure the downspout size
- Secure the connection with screws
- Direct the downspout away from the foundation
FAQs
You might still have questions about downspout extensions. Check out the most commonly asked questions, and their answers, below to help you choose the right model for your needs.
Flexible downspout extensions work well for directing water away from your home’s foundation. They’re a great choice if you need to work the extension around landscaping or direct water in a different direction that the downspout is facing. Just make sure to keep your gutters clean to prevent the extensions from clogging.
Type A and type B refers to the elbow used on the downspout. Type A downspouts have elbows that angle the downspout out frontwards. A type B downspout uses an elbow that angles the downspout to either the left or right.
The standard distance downspouts should extend away from the house is 4 feet, though you may need to extend it further depending on the type of soil you have and the slope of the grading around your home’s foundation.
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. His articles have been featured on such sites as Popular Mechanics, Pro Tools Review, CNN Underscored, Popular Science, and more. Carrick has conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to backyard grills. Having dealt with drainage issues around his house, he’s familiar with how important gutters are to protecting a home’s foundation.