Fix a Noisy Downspout

How to fix a noisy downspout.

Have you ever laid in bed not being able to sleep because the downspout attached to the outside wall is near your bedroom and sounds like a snare drum echoing through your brain when it showers? Ting… ~ Ting… ~ Ting…

I have had many calls about this problem over the years. This happens during the first winter after new gutters are installed. It is normally when a rectangular downspout material is used and the elbows are custom made. I have found the dripping sound is from a slight clog in the gutter and it is allowing only a small amount of water into the downspout, to free-fall down the spout one drip at a time. It free falls the length of the gutter, gathering speed, only to be stopped abruptly at the bottom elbow, making that disturbing sound.

One way to fix this problem is very simple. You need to move the downspout just slightly to remove the chance of a free-falling drip. Typically there are two straps that hold the downspout in place. By removing the bottom strap and swinging the downspout to the right, or left, just a 1/2 of an inch, then re-attaching the strap. This will askew the downspout slightly and stop the free-falling drip form hitting the bottom elbow, making the water flow down the inside wall of the downspout.

Have a question? AskARoofer. 

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory. 

Disclaimer: The information provided on AskARoofer.com or information sent by emails is the opinion of the writers. It is the responsibility of the reader to check for accuracy in one's own jurisdiction, as there are different codes and restrictions for different parts of the country. AskARoofer.com does not accept any liability for the use of information on this website or email. AskARoofer.com has no controls over product failures, installation, or climate conditions that may change the roofing process in your area. Our information is in general to our area and cannot be the same as your local town or state. It is advised to seek the local Building Department, Licensed Contractor and local Product Representative for proper installation requirements and code enforcement when installing a new roof.