How to Repair Leaking or Separated Gutter Downspouts

A gutter downspout.
  • 2-4 hours
  • Beginner
  • 25-200
What You'll Need
Plastic gloves
Water
Brush
Household soap
Putty knife
Screwdriver
Galvanized metal screws
Silicone caulk tube
Caulking gun
Roofing cement
What You'll Need
Plastic gloves
Water
Brush
Household soap
Putty knife
Screwdriver
Galvanized metal screws
Silicone caulk tube
Caulking gun
Roofing cement

Household gutter systems are prone to leakage, caused by separated or leaking gutter downspouts. A gutter downspout is in the form of a hollow, pipe-like tube that collects the drainage water from the gutter and drains it away into the drainage or water-renewal system. Downspouts are susceptible to jarring and other forms of surface injuries induced by vibrations in the surrounding ground. Leaking or separated gutter downspouts can be easily repaired using some basic tools and the following guidelines.

Step 1 - Take Basic Safety Precautions

Prepare yourself by wearing plastic gloves and some form of protective clothing. Downspouts often develop chemical residues that lead to vapors that can induce allergic reactions. Identify the leaking part of the downspout. It is easy to separate the leaking downspout since it is wedged and surrounded by small pieces that can be easily dissembled.

You may need a putty knife to remove the grime or debris that sometimes cements the gutter installations. There might be screws securing the downspout. Most of them have a very simple layout and can be easily removed with a screwdriver. The screwdriver is also helpful for dabbing on the old straps securing the spout to knock-off the grime and loosen them as well.

Step 2 - Inspect and Clean Leaking, Cracked Downspout

Inspect the leaking downspout. Most of the leaks are due to broken silicone or caulk joints. These joints are prone to breaking due to the downspout surface issues, internal water pressure, and action of chemical solvents found in water. Using a knife, cut off the existing silicone or caulk layer. You need to free the joint from the old sealing material to re-seal it. It also enables you to inspect the extent of the damage. Repairing the leaking or separated gutter downspout only makes sense if the crack can be properly re-sealed without compromising the structural integrity of the gutter system. Otherwise, seeking a replacement is recommended.

Step 3 - Clean and Re-seal Leaking Gutter Downspout Using Silicone Caulk Tube

Using a brush and a solution made of water and dish soap, clean the joints of the leaking downspout. This is vital for the bonding that will establish the sealing compound. Use silicone-strength caulk for re-sealing. Silicone caulk is more impervious to water-induced damage. Insert the silicone caulk tube into the caulk gun. Using a knife, slice off the tip of the silicone caulk tube. Ensure to maintain an angle of about 45 degrees while slicing the tube. This ensures a smooth stream of caulk. Ensure that you squeeze-out a thick bead of silicone for re-sealing only onto dry surfaces.

Step 4 - Conduct Other Repairs in Separated Downspout

Re-inspect the downspout, using the putty knife. It is often seen that rusted clips lead to joint separations within the downspout. Similarly, broken anchors or straps are responsible for the separation of downspouts. Please replace the broken or rusted clips and straps rather than trying to repair them. Use new screws for re-anchoring the straps. It is advised that you use corrosion-resistant, galvanized metal screws.

Step 5 - Secure Leaking, Separated Downspouts

Complete the project by securing the repaired downspout within the gutter system. To provide greater resistance against possible leaks in the future, you can use some of the silicone caulk around the downspout, i.e. around its original installation site in the gutter system. This form of additional silicone can be coated with a bit of approximation, in and around any areas or joints that seem susceptible to damage. You can further secure the silicone-strengthened surface with some roofing cement.