8 Best Downspout Extension Reviews in 2020 – Updated Buying Guide

A poor drainage system can destroy your home. One of the worst feelings is when you see your dream home disintegrate and slowly turn into ruins before your eyes.

We cannot even begin to stress on how important it is to establish a good drainage system for your house. Water, for a house with bad drainage system, can only spell disaster. And sometimes, just using drainage pipes and a downspout isn’t enough. In these cases, you need an extra detail that makes all the difference: a downspout extension. And for your home, only the best downspout extension will do!

If you have water sitting around your foundation, a good downspout extension should be at the top of your priority list.

Read below and find out how this small yet significant item could help to maintain your property and save your home from major damage.

Our Top Picks

Best Downspout Extension Reviews in 2020

 

1. Flex-Drain 85010 Downspout Extension Review

 
Our first pick for the Best Downspout Extension is one of Amazon’s best-selling and highly-rated extensions: the 85010 Downspout Extension from Flex-Drain.

This may be the best downspout extender if you don’t want to invest much money, and it gets the job done. It is made from vinyl. This makes the 85010 Downspout Extension super durable. If it’s really hot, freezing cold, or anywhere in between, this downspout can take it. It weighs less than 13 ounces and measures 4 x 4 x 25.5 inches. But that’s not all. The accordion-fold design stretches out to 55 inches long, getting the water well away from your house.

You can bend it, connect it to other Flex-Drain accessories such as a Dripper Flipper, and of course you can bury it in the ground or, if you prefer, you could keep it on the surface.

This extension bends around trees and other objects easily without compromising its shape, so it is just as good above the ground as it is under it!

One of the nicer selling points of the 85010 Downspout Extension is its convenience. It is super easy to install. No fuss, no drama, and will furthermore it fit all standard downspouts. The white color will look good against homes made of stone, brick, stucco, siding and concrete.

 

2. Frost King DE300 Standard Plastic Drain Away Downspout Extender Review

 
Some of you may need an extended that will sit on the grass, and you’d like it to blend in as much as possible. In this case, the DE300 Standard Plastic Drain Away Downspout Extender from Frost King just may be what you are looking for.

When this green extension arrives it is 8-feet long—but it can stretch out to a whopping 12 feet! And its 7-inch diameter lets it move a lot of water, fast. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, a standard downspout extender may not be able to move enough water, fast enough, to protect your home. This larger model can move more water than a standard diameter extender and it can take the water a lot further away than most extenders.

Also, the DE300 Downspout Extender is a roll-out downspout extension model. So if you want to move it out of the way during the winter, you can leave it connected to your downspout and just roll it from the end of the extender back towards the house. This is a nice advantage over a rigid extender, if you want to get it out of the way for part of the year.

It weighs less than 6 ounces and is super flexible. So if you need to route your extension around garden planters, steps or flowerbeds, it’s easy to do.

This extension installs easily without the need for screwdrivers or any other tools. Just push it into place to connect it to any standard downspout. One other very nifty feature about the DE300 Downspout Extender is that you can trim it with scissors to your preferred length.

 

3. Flex-Drain 85011 Downspout Extension, Green

 
Next up on our list, we have the very popular and widely used 85011 Downspout Extension from Flex-Drain. The Flex-Drain 85011 Downspout Extension isn’t all that different from the 85010 Downspout Extension which we earlier reviewed except that it has a dull green color, helping it blend in with lawns and gardens, and the 85101 is made from a flex-poly material instead of white vinyl.

The 85011 Downspout Extension is flexible, connects to other Flex-Drain accessories, is stretchy and offers super easy, no tools needed installation. This extension will connect to downspouts that are 2″ x 3″ and 3″ x 4″, which are the standard downspout sizes.

For anyone who’s wondering, this extension will stretch from 24 to 55 inches long. This highly rated Flex-Drain 85011 Gutter Downspout Extension is super affordable and gets the job done just fine.

4. WholesalePlumbing Downspout Adapter Kit LOW PROFILE Extension

 
There are people whose days start and end on their beautiful lawns. We totally get it and absolutely admire this.

For gardeners, farmers, and other agro enthusiasts who love greenery, an extension pipe can become an eyesore. For them, we have this LOW PROFILE Downspout Extension Adapter Kit from WholesalePlumbing. The kit includes a 24″ extension and an elbow, to help you get around corners. The elbow can easily be adjusted to any angle between 45 and 90 degrees. And, you can connect multiple kits together. It fits standard 2 inch x 3 inch, and 3 inch x 4 inch downspouts. This substantial downspout extender kit, including the elbow, weighs 3 pounds.

What makes this extension so unusual is its shape. Unlike most other downspout extension, this extension features a flat rectangular pipe, not a round one.

As a result, it doesn’t stick out from the wall as much making it easier to hide! And with a height of just 2.53 inches, it doesn’t attract attention on your wall. You can of course bury it underground or run it right into a drain, too.

 

5. Genova AB575 Genoflex Universal Downspout Extension

 
Next we have another super quality downspout extension, the AB575 Genoflex Universal Downspout Extension from Genova,.

The AB575 Downspout Extension connects to standard 3″ and 4″ drainpipes. One end is rectangular, to connect to the drainpipe, and the round end dumps the water away from your house. Like the other extensions we have reviewed, it does not fit round drainpipes.

It also features a tool-free design, and it can be bent around corners. It stretches up to 55 inches. At less than 7 ounces it is lightweight and easy to work with.

What’s different about this downspout extension is that it comes in a dull brown, muddy color. If you have a brown house, this will blend right in so you hardly notice it, and it will blend into gardens and yards very easily. This downspout extender system automatically drains away the excess water than could damage your house, protecting your property and preserving your home’s value.

6. InvisaFlow Amerimax Home Products 4400 Downspout

 
And the 6th name to grace our list of the best downspout extensions is the 4400 Downspout Filter from Amerimax.

The 4400 includes an Invisa Flow Flex Grate that filters out debris and leaves and debris so they don’t go down the downspout and clog up the drain pipe. If you have ever had to dig up a drain pipe because it was stuffed full of leaves, you’ll appreciate this feature.

In terms of its appearance, the 4400 downspout is definitely a plain Jane. It’s black, making it perfect to use with dark buildings and modern construction styles. This extension pipe is made out of quality plastic materials which allow it to flex and bend.

It uses an accordion-fold structure so it stretches quite a bit. This extension also has a big, solid connector that houses the filter; you can just pull it off the drainpipe to clean out the filter, no tools required. At 12 ounces it’s pretty lightweight and compact. It’s also perfect for keeping leaves, twigs and debris out of rain barrels.

As for connecting with downspouts, this extension will connect fine with most standard downspouts. Just remember to clean out the grate that catches the leaves!

7. Zip Hinge – 2, 3, & 4 Multi Pack Sets – Rain Gutter Downspout Extension

 
If fitting is an issue, then you may want to look into the Zip Hinge Rain Gutter Downspout Extension. One of the most versatile and convenient extensions on our list!

The Zip Hinge downspout extension is first and foremost a flip-up or flip style extension.

This means that it uses hinges its operation and design which allows you to flip up the end of the extension when it is full of rain water. You can very conveniently work on your lawn or garden while mulching, mowing, etc, by simply lifting up the end!

One other perk to hinge extensions is that there is little to worry about the extension falling off. Since it uses hinges, it has a much stronger grip with the downspout.

The zip Hinge comes in white, but it is made in a way that you can color it to any tint you like to best match your setting. It is lightweight and durable and easy to install. You will get 2 screws included in the purchase and assembling it is absolutely no rocket science.

Other than all these, the one feature that we really, really like is that not only connect to standards downspouts, which are 2″ x 3″ and 3″ x 4” inches, but they’ll just as well connect to 5 and 6 inchers! Perfect for both home and commercial gutter installation.

 

8. InvisaFlow Amerimax Home Products 4600 Downspout Extension

 
Our last pick for these downspout extension reviews bring us to the Amerimax Home Products 4600 Downspout Extension from InvisaFlow.

The 4600 Downspout Extension is a stealthy one. The black color helps it to blend into dark buildings. This is due to its very low profile design. It measures 52 x 8.8 x 4.6 inches and weighs less than 2 ounces! Just connect to any of your standard sized downspouts: 2″ x 3″ and 3″ x 4” downspouts and hide the body with some leaves or grass.

Boom! It’s not even there anymore! The 4600 Downspout Extension is made out of resin which makes it less susceptible to damage.

 

Best Gutter Downspout Extensions Buying Guide

Benefits of Using Gutter Downspout Extensions

Protects the foundation of your house

A little rainwater drenching your house and lawn is a fine thing. It helps to keep a the house cool, feeds the grass and plants, and it cleans away the dust and dirt.

But when there’s too much water around your foundation it may start to harm your house.

Without a proper downspout extension, the excess water will almost always end up beneath ground level. This overflow can slowly begin to weaken and soften the foundation of your house, which is a massive problem. The water has gotten to the very root of the house and it is expensive and time-consuming to fix the damage.

So, the smart thing to do is not to let that water damage happen.

The whole purpose of a downspout extension is to direct the water from the base of your house. Install an extension to your downspout and direct the water down a drain, sewer system or even a rain barrel.

Prevents molds

Where there is moisture, mold can grow. If you do not drain the excess water out of your property, there is a very good chance that you will have to deal with mold.

Mold is very difficult to get rid of. They spread everywhere from the walls, ceilings, etc. right through your soil. To get rid of this, you need special chemicals, you may have to strip off the painting, apply sealants, and the list goes on. And damp, wet or humid conditions encourage mold to grow.

Mold is also very dangerous to live with. They can really hurt your health.

The extra expense of getting rid of mold can easily derail your budget. Get yourself an inexpensive downspout extension and do yourself and your family a favor. This will carry away all the unwanted rain water from your house, keeping your home fresher and drier.

Preserves surplus water

Getting rid of the excess water isn’t the only thing downspout extensions are good for. You can store the surplus rainwater in rain barrels and containers by simply positioning the end of the extension inside them. This fertile water can later be used to water and feed plants, flowers, fruits and veggies and your lawn grass.

You can also use it more washing your car or for emergencies. The extension therefore helps you store and preserve water and helps you save a few bucks along the way.

Types of Best Downspout Extender

1. Flexible

Flexible downspout extensions are probably the most common and widely used kind there is. You can find some best downspout extender in our downspout extenders reviews above.

This type of extension usually has a corrugated an accordion fold design. It is therefore very flexible and bendy. They’re very affordable too! However, flexible extensions are almost always made out of thin plastic materials to help them bend around corners and stretch to longer lengths. This often results in tears and punctures.

2. Roll out downspout extension

A roll out downspout extensions will roll out when there’s water flowing through it and roll up when the flow in gone. As a result, these types of extensions can be more discreet and low profile since they can roll back in. It is also great for homes with active kids and pets so that they don’t trip over them. Having said that, most roller extensions have a tendency to malfunction. You may therefore have to roll the extension back up manually after it has done its job. Also, if soil or stones build up on the extension, you will have to clean the extension to roll it up.

3. Flipper or Hinge Extensions

A flipper extension, also called a hinge extension, uses screws and hinges in its construction. And as the name suggests, the dispensing end of the extension can be flipped up or down whenever you prefer.

This type of extension is usually more durable and more expensive since they are often made out of metal. However, they are not flexible and are prone to breaking under pressure.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Downspout Extension

1. The right type of extension

First, you must decide which type of downspout extension is right for you. Are you looking for one extension only, or do you need to attach multiple extensions together? Is it for your home, or do you need a commercial grade? Do you prefer a friction fit that you push onto your drainpipe, or do you get very heavy rains and prefer a screw-on extender? Do you need a flexible extender that can bend around plants, planters or the corner of the house?

2. Is visibility an issue?

Now, here’s the thing about downspout extensions: they can be an eyesore. Unless you install and hide them properly, they can stick out. And for perfectionists, this can be an issue. So we recommend that you get something that blends in with your setting in terms of color and texture, and make sure it will fit the end of your downspout.

It is good to know that most extensions can be installed both above the surface and underground. However, there are a few specific extensions that are made to be either on or under the ground. It should be printed on the packaging.

3. Installation and setting up

Downspout extensions are very easy to install. You may need a few screws, but most extensions these days come with all the necessary accessories included in the package. You can also choose a tool-free extension.

4. Connecting to the downspout

Almost all downspout extensions will connect to standard sized downspout pipes, which are 2″ x 3″ and 3″ x 4″. However your downspout may not be a standard sized pipe, so always check the size of your downspout before buying an extension for it.

Top 5 Brands of Downspout Extensions

1. Flex Drain

Flex Drain produces some of the most widely used downspout extensions in the market. This company specializes in flexible, super stretchy extensions. They also have some great rain gutter guards. The company prides itself on their extensions, which can stretch from 3 to 50 feet, maintain their shape and integrity, lightweight and easy to install. And of course, they’re super affordable.

2. Frost King

Frost King is another one-stop solution for roll-in roll-out downspout extensions. They are often less maintenance and durable enough to last you the coming years.

3. Fiskars

Fiskars is a 50-year old company that became well-known for the high quality of their scissors. Fiskars is dedicated to providing a wide range of home maintenance products. And its downspout extensions are definitely one of its main attractions. If you want excellent quality, Fiskars is the way to go!

4. Amerimax

Amerimax one of those rare brands that strictly focuses on a handful of products. And evidently, what this brand does best is put an end to all your property drainage problems as one of its most notable lines is its downspout extensions, namely the Flex-a-spout™. They are said to be super flexible, high quality and easy to install.

5. Genova

And finally, you have Genova; it produces of some of the most adaptable and versatile downspout extensions! One of the most unique features of its extensions is that you can paint it whatever color you like. These downspout extenders are resistant to rust and corrosion and are good quality.

Downspout Extension Maintenance and Tips

1. Rain water isn’t the only thing that accumulates in downspout extensions. There will be dead leaves, moss, slime, and sometimes even dead bugs. Cleaning out the extension is therefore very important. Blast a garden hose at high speed and high pressure through the extension to get rid of all the gunk.
2. You could also put mesh or above the gutters to catch debris and greatly reduce the chances of your extension clogging up.
3. Replace the extension (along with downspout and gutter) every 20 to 30 years.
4. Water exiting from the extension has a tendency to splash and splatter. This causes a mess and can wash way soil and encourage the growth of moss and mold. Use a splash blocker to stop this from happening.
5. Always consult with your local plumber or utility company before digging out soil or concrete for underground installation. You could hit gas or electric lines an require expensive repairs.

FAQs about Rain Downspout Extensions

The filter on my extensions tends to get clogged every time it rains. What now?

Answer: This is a common problem and usually happens in extension systems that come with filters. The only solution is for you to manually discard the debris and unclog the filter.

You may also need to look for the source of the debris. Is there a tree with branches overhanging your roof? Cut the branches back so there aren’t as many leaves falling on he roof and getting washed into the gutters.

You could also install a mesh net, made out of plastic, right above the filter. The trick here however, is that you install the net at a very steep angle, Something a little under 90 degrees. This way, most gunk will slide right off the net from the pressure of the water coming down the pipe, However, it may also divert too much of the water and cause a mess.

There’s a very tiny puncture on my extension, and I really don’t want to replace it right now. What can I use to prevent the dripping?

Answer: As a makeshift solution, you could slather some waterproof or silicone sealant onto the puncture. But mind you, one puncture leads to 10 more so you will have to do something about it sooner or later anyway.

Why can’t I install hinge extensions underground?

Answer: Many hinge style extensions are made out of metal. Installing it underground could mean rusting from the moisture of the soil. And since you need to be able to flip the hinge up and down, you need to be able to access it, which means keeping it above ground in most cases.

My extension is perfectly fine, but it tends to fall off when the water flow is strong. How can I fix this?

Answer: This is very common. You can use a downspout cincher for your extension. The cincher will pinch and press the extension against the wall so there’s little probability of it falling out again.

Other than this, you could glue the mouth of the extension to the end of the downspout pipe, or drill a hole in the extension and the downspout and screw the extension in place..

Final words

Downspout extensions aren’t the most expensive or eye-catching things.

However, as you understand from our downspout extenders reviews today, they play a huge role in safeguarding your home from water damage and mold. We think it is smart to spend a few extra bucks for a good quality downspout extender that will fit well and last a long time.

Use our buying guide as a checklist the next time you are shopping for a quality extension, and we promise you that you won’t be disappointed.

Your home is a huge investment, so choose wisely. Good luck!