Reattach a downspout that has come loose, replace one that is crushed or missing, and extend one that ends too close to the wall: the right job depends on what the damage is and where the water lands. A downspout that does not carry water away is a repair. Water that still pools after the downspout is sound is usually a grading or drainage job.
Why does a detached or short downspout matter?
The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Solution Center shows a detached downspout as the wrong way and states that it "cannot carry bulk water away from building." University of Minnesota Extension says "Missing gutters and downspouts cause rainwater to be directed toward the foundation perimeter," and that "A downspout without an extender or splash block is worse than no downspout at all."
Reattach, replace or extend?
| What you see | Likely job | Whose rule or note |
|---|---|---|
| Downspout hangs away from the gutter outlet | Reattach | DOE: a detached downspout carries no bulk water |
| Sections loose or not seated into each other | Refasten and re-seat | City of Portland: "All parts need to be securely fastened together." |
| Downspout crushed, or a section is gone | Replace the damaged part | The sources do not set a test; the written scope names the part |
| Water drops at the wall | Add an extension | University of Minnesota: extensions at least 4 feet beyond the wall |
| Water leaves the extension and still pools | Grading or drainage work | University of Minnesota: slope 1 inch per foot for at least 6 feet |
| Water backs up at a buried pipe | Drain specialist | Underground drains are not serviced here |
Where should the water land?
The sources give different distances, so treat each as that body's rule. University of Minnesota Extension: "Extensions should discharge water at least 4 feet beyond the wall." The DOE guide says downspouts should "terminate at least 5 feet from the foundation," or at an underground catchment system at least 10 feet away. NC State Extension says "Splash blocks are not recommended as they release water too close to the home." Its release point for piped water is "at least 10 feet downhill and away from the house." Local code or your provider may set a different figure.
What counts as repair, and what does not?
A request here can cover a downspout that is loose, crushed or missing above ground. It does not cover underground drains, and it does not include regrading soil. University of Minnesota Extension lists "Correct grading, gutter and downspout system" as a step, so a sound downspout can still leave a wet wall if the ground slopes toward the house. For clogs, read what a visit clears in a downspout. If the downspout empties into a buried pipe, read gutter cleaning with buried downspouts. For the wider split between cleaning and repair, see gutter cleaning versus gutter repair, and signs your gutters need cleaning.
A worked example
Hypothetical: a back downspout has pulled off the gutter outlet, and after rain the soil beside the wall is soaked. You photograph the gap, note which downspout it is, and request a repair with the box for a loose, crushed or missing downspout ticked. The written scope should say whether the provider reattaches the old section or fits a new one, and whether an extension is included. If the soil still pools after the water leaves the extension, that is a grading question for a landscaper, not part of the downspout job.
Scope and limits
Photos cannot show a failed buried pipe, a roof defect or soil that holds water. A person confirms the scope before any work. See the repair service and all services.
Get my price
Start the downspout repair request tick "A downspout loose, crushed or missing", and say which downspout it is. A person confirms the provider, scope and price in writing before payment.
Any US ZIP. No contact details until you have seen the estimate.
Sources
- University of Minnesota Extension, "Moisture in basements: causes and solutions" (no date shown), https://extension.umn.edu/moisture-and-mold-indoors/moisture-basements-causes-and-solutions, verified 2026-11-10.
- U.S. Department of Energy, Building America Solution Center, "Gutters and Downspouts" (last updated 2021-09-26), https://basc.pnnl.gov/resource-guides/gutters-and-downspouts, verified 2026-11-10.
- City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, stormwater maintenance guidance (no date shown), https://www.portland.gov/bes/stormwater/maintenance, verified 2026-11-10.
- NC State Extension, "Moisture Control and Prevention: Gutter Management" (April 20, 2022), https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/moisture-control-and-prevention-gutter-management, verified 2026-11-10.