Rain Chain at Roof Gutter

by tony33770

38K13421

Intro: Rain Chain at Roof Gutter

This is a simple chain used for downspout rather than conventional 5" downspout. Did not want to see heavy spout.
Revision: See next step to raise chain into gutter.

STEP 1: Cut in Drop Into Existing Gutter

Drop will permit wire hanger for chain.
Revision: Raise chain into gutter for better water action on chain - don't hang as photo.

STEP 2: Rain Water Dumps Into Plant Bucket.

Plant Bucket has strainer and drains to under lawn piping.

STEP 3: No Standard Oriental Rain Chain Sounds, But Rain Drops Are Nice.

The rusting chain helps to blend into the foliage.

22 Comments

Roof Vents 8 years ago

Simple idea, but a great idea.

piks 15 years ago

What is it, what's it's purpose? I've never seen or heard of anything like it? Is it something American 'cos I've never seen the like in Britain!

tony33770 15 years ago

piks. This project was to relieve rain water overflowing the gutter system. This is a low spot in my gutter system, I did not want to see a standard 5" downspout (leader) so I used a chain which will help direct the water flow. Thanks for your posting.

wobblestar 15 years ago

You can buy them in the UK. They come from Japan originally. The water running from the gutter trickles and tumbles down the chain. More beautiful than an ugly downpipe.

Dr.Bill 12 years ago

Japanese been using this for years...

NathanaelScheffler 12 years ago

This would look really cool with one of those extremely heavy gage chains that you sometimes see on piers!

tony33770 12 years ago

Yes, but the load (weight of chain) is something to consider.

NathanaelScheffler 12 years ago

i guess it wouldn't be too great to rip the gutters off of your house...

leander37 13 years ago

Have you figured out how to eliminate (or minimize) splashing and spray?

tony33770 13 years ago

I Have no problem with splashing since rain is splashing all over the place.
I guess you question results in an area where splashing is not something you want. Try a "coated" chain or plastic material to cause a slick surface for rain travel.
Let me know your situation.
Tony

leander37 13 years ago

I'm using a standard galvanized steel chain... I think most splashing comes from all water not getting stuck to chain. I'm looking for a funnel solution or some other way to direct water to chain. maybe 1/4 or 1/3 of water drips off corner of downspout hole, rather than travelling along chain.

tony33770 13 years ago

Chain link size should be analyzed for good water contact. Gutter cleaning, short downspouts drop, ability to slightly adjust hanging chain alignment to gutter opening are things I would look at.

archerj 13 years ago

I'm gonna do this when I finish moving into my old house. Thanks.

Fathom77 14 years ago

Saw something similar at a military college in the UK where they used anchor chains off a minesweeper. The chains are made of a non magnetic metal so they never rusted. Looked nice when it rained seeing it course down the chain and the there wasn't that much spray off the chain either. However obtaining these chains night be a bit cost prohibitive!!

ThatHurt 15 years ago

very nice. i think you should anchor it at the bottom (or at least mention the option). i know the wind where i live could blow the chain around and do some cosmetic damage, if not worse.

altomic 15 years ago

i saw a hell of a lot of these when I was living in Japan. really zen to watch. the water flows down the chain so it is a waterfall of sorts when it rains. you can see the rain water. have the chain go in to a pond so that you: a) collect the water, b) do something useful wityh it rather than letting it go down the sewer.

erosser 15 years ago

This is a great idea! Very nice work--functional, economical, and highly aesthetic.

mrbob1000 15 years ago

i saw one of these at a vacation house in vermont once, wondered what it was.
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