How to Replace Gutter Downspouts

Gutters are installed on your home to catch rain water and melting snow, then divert the water away from your home. Properly functioning gutters and downspouts prevent your home's siding and foundation from becoming damaged. If part of your downspout becomes damaged you do not need to replace the whole gutter system. You can just replace the damaged section.

Downspouts are usually installed one of two ways, and what you will need to replace them depends on how they are attached to your home, whether it is with pop rivets or sheet metal screws.

You will need:

• Replacement downspout


• Drill


• 1/8-inch bit


• Pop rivet gun


• Pop rivets


• Sheet metal screws

Pop Rivet Attachment -

1. Place the 1/8-inch bit into the drill and drill a hole through the middle of the pop rivet that is holding the part of the downspout that needs to be replaced.


2. Bend back the metal brackets or straps holding the downspout to the house.


3. To disconnect the piece of downspout, you will need to slide it up or down, depending on its location. If it is located in the middle of a long section of downspout, you will need to remove the other sections first.


4. Slide the replacement section of downspout into the location where the damaged piece was.


5. Use the 1/8-inch drill bit to drill holes into the replacement section. Use the existing holes, brackets and straps as a guide.


6. Place a rivet into the rivet gun and position it so that the rivet is sticking out of the set of holes you made in the downspout. Release the rivet by pulling the trigger.

Sheet Metal Screw Attachment

1. Use a drill to remove the screws that are holding the piece of downspout that you need to replace. You will also need to remove the brackets and straps holding the downspout against the house.


2. Bend the metal straps or brackets away from the downspout so that it can be removed.


3. Pull the section of downspout either up or down, depending on where it is at. You may need to remove additional pieces of downspout if the one that needs replacing is located between them.


4. You can use the same sheet metal screws or new ones to reattach the downspout. Use the drill to cut right through the metal of the downspout with the screws. Reattach the straps and brackets.