How to Replace a Vinyl Gutter Downspout
Removing and installing a vinyl gutter downspout is an easy task for a do-it-yourselfer. But this project will require you to work at pretty dangerous heights, so always secure the ladder with a clamp and wear safety harness if this is your first time to work on the high areas of the house.
Tools and Materials
- Ladder
- Drill with Screwdriver Bit
- Tape Measure
- 2 Vinyl Downspout Elbows
- Square Shoe
- Hacksaw
- Gutter Screws and Concrete Screws
- 2 Clinchers
- Vinyl Gutter Downspout
Step 1 – Remove the Square Shoe and Clinchers
The shoe is located at the bottom part of the downspout. It directs water flow away from the house. Remove the screws securing it and pull it off. Notice that there are also two clinchers holding the downspout to the exterior wall of the house. One of them is located at the bottom and the other at the top. Use the drill to remove the screws from the clinchers. Use a ladder to access the top clincher.
Step 2 – Remove the Downspout Straight Section and the Elbows
After removing the clinchers, pull out the top portion of the downspout‘s straight section off the lower elbow. If the elbow is screwed to the straight section, loosen the screws before pulling it off. Loosen the screws securing the top elbow to the gutter. Remove both elbows.
Step 3 – Install the Elbows and Straight Section
Position the new top elbow to the side of the gutter where the old top elbow has been removed from. Be sure that the elbow is facing the same direction as the one removed. Tighten the screws. Before installing the lower elbow, measure the required length for the new straight section. Use the old one to ensure correct measurements. Now cut the new piece to the required length using a hacksaw.
Slide the lower elbow to the top of the new straight section of the downspout. Install the screws if there are any provided by the manufacturer. In some cases, the pieces just slide together for a good fit. The lower elbow curves inward to allow the straight section to rest exactly at the exterior wall of the house. Climb up the ladder to connect the lower elbow to the top elbow. Make sure that both elbows are secured.
Step 4 – Secure the Clinchers and Square Shoe
Position the clinchers in the spots where the old ones were removed. Start with the clincher on the top portion of the downspout. Drive a screw into the center part of the clincher and use the drill to make them tight. Double check the connections on the gutter, the elbow and the straight section before getting down from the ladder. Recheck the clincher as well for tightness.
Get down the ladder and install the lower clincher. Install the screws and proceed with the square shoe. The shoe should be placed just at the bottom end of the straight section. Secure the connection with a screw. Ensure that the shoe faces away from the exterior wall and into a suitable draining area. It will be better if the end of the shoe has a drain installed.
