10 Best Downspout Extension Reviews 2019 – Updated Buying Guide

Poor drainage system can destroy everything you ever worked for.

One of the worst and most helpless feelings in the world is when you see your dream home disintegrate and slowly turn into ruins before your own eyes, and there’s nothing you could do about it.

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, spells disaster only. And sometimes, just drainage pipes and a downspout isn’t enough.

You need that extra detail that makes all the difference: downspout extensions. And for your home, only the Best Downspout extensions will do!

If you are a smart homeowner, a proper downspout extension should be at the top of your priority list.

Stay with us and find out how this small yet significant could help maintain your property and home from irreversible damages.

Let’s start with our Top 3 pick!

Image	Name	Price
	Flex-Drain 85010 Extension	Price on Amazon
	Frost King DE300 Extender	Price on Amazon
	Flex-Drain 85011 Extension	Price on Amazon

Best Downspout Extension Reviews in 2019

 

1. Flex-Drain 85010 Downspout Extension Review

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

This downspout extension is hands down one of the most affordable yet gets-the-job-done kind of extensions on our list.

It is made from a plastic construction and furthermore uses a corrugated structure to its design.

This, of course, makes the 85010 Downspout Extension super durable and rigid. It comes in white, weighs less than 13 ounces and measures 4 x 4 x 25.5 inches in dimensions.

Speaking of dimensions, its corrugated structure means that you can stretch it out up to quite a bit; 22 to 55 inches, depending on the size you get.

You can bend it, connect it to other flex-a-spout accessories, and of course, bury it in the ground if you like. Or, if you prefer otherwise, you could keep it on the surface.

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

One of the nicer selling point of the 85010 Downspout Extension however is its convenience.

It is super easy to install. No fuss, no drama, and will furthermore fit all standard downspouts. Doesn’t get any easier and more affordable than this, does it?

 

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

 
I know you are looking for a gutter downspout extension that is less manual maintenance and discreet.

Then the DE300 Standard Plastic Drain Away Downspout Extender from Frost King just may be what you are looking for.

The DE300 Downspout Extender is first of all one of those roll-up kinds.

Basically, what it means is that it will roll out and roll in as the rain water increases and depletes, respectively.

It is automatic!

This green extension is a standard 8-feet long. It can stretch out up to a whopping 12 feet.

It weighs less than 6 ounces and super flexible. Keep it and above or underground, no problem!

One of the best perks of the DE300 Downspout Extender is that it is comparatively very less demanding to your other, regular downspout pipes in the market.

We say this because, unlike most extensions, this extension installs readily without the need for screwed, drivers or any other tools. Just connect to any standard downspout and it’s on the road!

One other very nifty feature about the DE300 Downspout Extender is that you can trim it with some scissors to your preferred length.

We think this feature alone is going to be a wonderful thing for people who have a fancy lawn and want everything to look perfect.

 

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.

They both, more or less, share the same materials used in its making, similar designs and common objectives.

The 85011 Downspout Extension is flexible, connects to other flex-a-spout accessories, is stretchy and furthermore super easy to install.

For anyone who’s wondering, this extension will stretch from 24 to 55 inches long, depending on the size you get.

A couple of differences between the 85010 and the 85011 would be in terms of color. The 85011 down extension come in green so it blends in lush, grassy lawns more easily without being an eyesore.

This extension will connect to downspouts that abide by the following sizes only: 2″ x 3″ and 3″ x 4″, which is the standard downspout size.

Flex-Drain 85011 Gutter Downspout Extension is essentially super affordable and manages to get the job done just fine.

 

4. 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.

 

5. Genova AB575 Genoflex Universal Downspout Extension

 
And then we have another super quality downspout extension, the AB575 Genoflex Universal Downspout Extension from Genova, which takes all the work out of the fitting process!

The AB575 Downspout Extension is first and foremost, a universal downspout extension.

This obviously means there’s not much for you to do here in terms of taking measurements, fitting and improvising.

It fits anywhere as long as you have standard downspouts! And not just that, the AB575 Genoflex Universal Downspout Extension is also tool-less.

You will not have to take out the drill, the saw, and the rest of your tool arsenal to install this extension. Just connect it into your downspout and it is ready for work.

It is furthermore bendable and stretchy up to 19 to 55 inches, depending on the size you get. Flexible enough for you to snake it under ground or even above the surface.

Probably not too impressive, but it comes in a brown, muddy color which we think is a smart move by the producers since it will blend into gardens and yards very easily.

 

6. WholesalePlumbing Downspout Adapter Kit LOW PROFILE Extension

 
There are people whose days start and ends in 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 the Downspout Adapter Kit LOW PROFILE Extension from WholesalePlumbing.

This extension is probably one of the most 007 extensions on our list so far. It is very discreet and very low profile.

Gotta love that!

And part of what makes this extension so preferable to people over other extensions is in the shape. Unlike other downspout extension, this extension features a flat pipe over the round ones.

As a result, it has a flatter placement and it is easier to hide! And with a height of just 2.53 inches, you can pretty much walk over it and not even realize.

You can of course hide in underground or into drains, but it is remarkably good at hiding so you can keep it above the surface of the ground as well.

Every gardener’s dream come true!

This extension is furthermore very lightweight and compact, but can easily stretch up to 43 inches. A very cool and smart feature is that you could connect interlocking sections (bought separately) to furthermore extend the length!

 

7. InvisaFlow Amerimax Home Products 4400 Downspout

 
And the 7th name to grace our list of the Best Gutter Downspout Extension is the 4400 Downspout Filter from InvisaFlow.

The 4400 Downspout is definitely a plain Jane in disguise. This extension pipe is made out of quality plastic materials which allow it to flex and bend.

It uses a corrugated structure so it stretches quite a bit. This extension comes in black and is pretty lightweight and compact. Perfect for rain barrels in particular.

One of the things that make the 4400 Downspout unique from most others on list is that its connectors flexes and shifts to movements. This adaptive trait if of course great since this means it won’t crack or tear as easily.

As for connecting with downspouts, this extension will connect fine with most standards downspouts and even 2 x 2 inchers.

However, the one feature that truly stands out about the 4400 Downspout extension is that is has a filter sieve inside the pipe which sieves the water of all the unwanted gunk and debris.

You and your lawn deserve the cleanest water only!

 

8. Fiskars Rain Barrel DiverterPro Kit

Our 8th pick is for the Best Gutter Downspout Extension is a special treat and specifically put on our list for folks who live in very rainy, wet and damp condition.

The Fiskars Rain Barrel DiverterPro Kit is hands down one of the smartest and most efficient way to both preserve and offlead water away from your house’s foundation.

So! What does it do?

The DiverterPro is an entire and complete kit as you can guess from the name already.

It main job is to divert away the excess or surplus water wawt from your rainwater barrel when it is filled to the brim.

All you have to do is cut into your existing downspout and install the diverter system. Rain water goes through this system and into the barrel.

When the barrel become full, the diverter system off leads the surplus water down the downspout and away from the foundation of your home.

It comes with all the necessary accessories you need to put it to work immediately: the 2 x 3 inch and 3 x 4 inch downspouts couplers, connector hose, rain barrel connector and filter.

Fits standard downspouts too as you can see. One very neat detail about the diverter system is that it has filter or sieve fit into it with a clear lid above it.

Your rain water therefore enters the barrel after being filtered and cleared from leaves and other debris.

The detachable sieve and clear lid also means you can monitor it and clean it whenever necessary. A great buy for gardeners in particular.

 

9. Flex-Drain 81035 Extend-A-Spout V2, Black

 
And our 9th pick for the best gutter downspout extension is the very popular and very trusted 81035 Extend-A-Spout V2 from Flex-Drain.

The 81035 Extend-A-Spout V2, much like the InvisaFlow 4600 extension, is a very low-profile and discreet little buy.

It comes in bag and weighs next to nothing: 1.5 pounds. But don’t underestimate it just yet. This extension can reach up to a good 50 inches in length!

Apart from that, it is no-fuss too. Easy to set up so connect it to a downspout and forget about it.

Despite the timid build, the 81035 Extend-A-Spout V2 is nonetheless made out of durable high density polyethylene which is ready to take on all the elements outside.

It has snap fit connections and will furthermore fit into most standard 2″ x 3″ and 3″ x 4” downspouts.

Discreet, high quality and affordable. A deadly combination.

 

10. InvisaFlow Amerimax Home Products 4600 Downspout Extension

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

The 4600 Downspout Extension is a stealthy one. Despite coming in the color black, it manages to blend into the setting brilliantly.

This is nonetheless of course due to its very low profile design and structure which lets you do this: weighs 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!

Despite such flat appearance, you will be surprised that the 4600 Downspout Extension is made durable and resin which makes it less susceptible to damages.

 

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. Keeps the house cool, feeds the grass and plants, cleans away the dust and dirt. Maybe a small leak here and there is normal maintenance too.

But it is when the water flow reaches an staggering amount that it may start to mess with your house.

Without a proper downspout extension, the excess water will almost always end up beneath the ground level. This overflow can slowly begin to weaken and soften the foundation of your house, which is a massive problem.

It can also cause mini floods on your lawn and yards, resulting in a muddy, murky mess! The damage is always irreversible since they water has gotten to the very root of the house and it gradually only gets worse from there.

The damage is in fact so tremendous sometimes that people have had to lose their homes due to it. So, the smart thing to do here is not let that opportunity take place at all.

The whole purpose of the extension to direct the water from the downspout at a direction away from the base of your house. Install an extension to your downspout and off lead the water down in a drain, sewerage system or even a rain barrel.

Prevents molds

Where there is moisture, there is mold. If you do not properly drain out the excess water out of your property, there is a very good chance that you will have to be dealing with molds very soon.

Molds are, for one, very difficult to get rid of. They spread and strive everywhere from the walls, ceilings, etc. To get rid of this, you need special chemicals, you may have to strip down the painting, slap on sealants, and the list goes on.

But apart from these, molds are also very dangerous things to be living with. Especially of you have kids and pets around. People have even had to live in hotels and other temporary residents while they had a professional clean their house of this god awful molds.

This, of course, imposes extra and expensive costs which can easily derail your budget. Get yourself a dollar store downspout extension and do yourself and your family a favor. This will carry away all the unwanted water, hence moisture, from your house to keep it fresher and drier.

Preserves surplus water

Now getting rid of the excess water isn’t the only thing downspout extensions are good for. For many people, like gardeners and farmers and agro hobbyists, rainwater is like nectar for the heavens.

You can store the surplus rainwater inside rain barrels and containers by simply positioning the end of the extension inside of over them. This fertile water can later be used to water and feed plants, flowers, fruits and veggies and of course, your lawn grass.

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

Types of Downspout Extensions

1. Flexible

Flexible downspout extensions are probably the most common and widely used kind there is.

This type of extension usually has a corrugated and ribbed design and structure to it. It is therefore very flexible and bendy. Pretty affordable too! However, flexible extensions are almost always made out of thin, plastic materials in order to maintain that stretch feel. This has often result in tears and puncture every now and then.

2. Roller

Roller type downspout extensions more or less portray an automatic feel to it. This is because these types of extensions will roll out and roll in by themselves.

The extensions will roll out when there’s a water flow through it. And roll in when the flow in gone. As a result, these types of extensions are 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 them. Having said that, most roller extensions have a tendency to malfunction. You may therefore have to roll the extension back in manually after it has done its job.

3. Flipper

Flipper extension, also called hinge extensions, use 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 extensions are usually more durable and expensive since they are almost always made out of metals. However, little to no flexible and are prone to breaking under pressure.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Downspout Extension

1. The right type of extension

Before all and everything, you must assess and decide on the type of downspout extension that is right for you.

Are you looking for 1 extension only? Is it for your home? Or do you need commercial grade ones? Ask yourself a few questions before diving into the purchase.

We have already introduced to you the 3 main and general types of downspout extensions so you should be able catch the perfect one right away. Also consider the atmosphere around your home.

Do you have raging kids? Should you need an extension that doesn’t come in their way of playing? Ask away, folks.

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.

On the other hand, not many people care about it. If you are one of the former, then we recommend that you get something that blends in with your setting in terms of color, texture and size.

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 so no worries.

3. Installation and setting up

Downspout extensions, thank god, are more or less very easy and simple to install.

You may need a few screws or cinchers, but most extensions these days come with all the necessary accessories included inside the package.

On the other hand, if you are a total mess of a person, you have the option to choose from tool-less extensions which do not need any accessories whatsoever.

4. Connecting to the downspout

Almost all downspout extension will connect to standard sized downspout pipes, which are 2″ x 3″ and 3″ x 4″. However, people cane easily mess up this part by not checking with their home’s or office’s downspout beforehand.

You may not be using the standard sized pipes so always check the size of your downspout before buying an extension for it.

Top 5 Best Gutter Downspout Extensions Brands

1. Flex Drain

Flex Drain produces some of the most widely used downspout extensions in the market. This company specializes in flexible, bendy and super stretchy extensions. They also have some great rain gutter guard.

The company pride themselves over their extensions which can stretch from 3 to 50 feet, maintain its shape and integrity, lightweight and easy to install and of course, super affordable.

2. Frost King

Frost King is your one-stop solution for home maintenance and solution. However, it is majorly known for manufacturing high quality roll-in roll-out downspout extensions.

They are often less maintenance and durable enough to last you the coming years. They also built a great rep for creating amazing weatherproof stuff that last through snow and sun!

3. Fiskars

Fiskars are absolutely rookie. This 50-year old company is a household and staple name in the industry and for some great reasons too!

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 innovation and loyalty from your extensions, Fiskars is the way to go!

4. Amerimax

Amerimax one of those rare brands that strictly focus on a handful of products. And evidently, what’s this brand does best is put an end to all your property drainage problems.

And one of its most notable lines are its downspout extensions, and 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; produce of some of the most adaptable and versatile downspout extensions!

One of the most unique feature to extensions from Genova is that you can paint it to whatever color you like. They are resistant to rust, corrosion and are super premium quality stuff.

Downspout Extension Operation

Knowing how a downspout extension works always helps better understand the type of extension that’s right for you.

Despite playing such a critical role in home maintenance, extensions run and operate fairly simply. You connect it to your downspout by sliding it over an opening on it like a sock.

You could furthermore secure the connection by drilling in screws, using waterproof tapes, or cinchers.

Next, you position the extension to any direction of your choice: inside the gutter, a rain barrel, etc.

That’s it! You work here is done. Now it is time for the extension to do its part. Whenever it rains and there is a excess or surplus of water on the roof of your house, the water will stream down the gutters and into the downspout.

From there, the water will drop down into the extension and then finally into its designated spot. Easy!

Maintenance and Tips

1. Rain water isn’t the only thing that accumulates into the downspout extensions. You have dead leaves, moss, slime, and sometimes even worse: dead bugs and animals. Cleaning out the extension is therefore very important. Blast a garden hose at high speed and pressure through the extension to get rid of all the gunk.
2. You could a layer of mesh net above the gutters to make greatly reduce the chances of your extension clogging up.
3. Replace the extension (along with downspout and gutter and all) every 20 to 30 years.
4. Water exiting from the extension, sometimes, has a tendency to splash and splatter. This causes a mess around the places and invites unwanted plant and moss growth. Use a splash blocker to put an end to the annoyance.
5. Always consult with your local plumber or utility company before digging out soil or concrete for ungrounded installation. You could be messing with gas or electric lines without even knowing!

FAQs about Rain Downspout Extensions

What would be the right downspout extension for a home with kids and a dog?

Answer: Great question. We get this a lot. Since you have kids and a pet, a dog nonetheless, we take it that there is a lot of running around like a bunch of crazies.

For such homes, we recommend getting an extension that you can bury and hide under ground, leaves, mulch, etc. You can select from flexible or the roll-in kinds. Try and avoid the hinge style extensions.

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

Answer: Believe it not, but this is a massive problem and design flaw with many extension systems that come with filters. The only solution is for you to manually discard the debris and unclog the filter. However, if you are feeling a little confident, we have a DIY for this so that there’s little need to manual clean the system.

Drill in a mesh net, made out of plastic, right above the filter. The trick here however, is that you drill 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 at them. Works like a charm!

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 on some waterproof or silicone sealant onto the puncture. But mind you, one puncture leads to 10 more so you may have to do something about it sooner or later anyway.

Why can’t I install hinge extensions underground?

Answer: First of all, hinge extensions can flip up and down. So there’s no brainer to installing hinge extension underground when you can simply lift if up.

Secondly, we have found that most hinge style extensions are made out of metal. Installing it underground could mean rusting from the moisture of the soil.

Doesn’t seem like the smartest thing to do, really.

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

Answer: It is very normal and usually happens when the flow is strong. Anyway, to answer your question, you can go about using downspout cinchers 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 furthermore seal and tape the mouth of the extension to the end of the downspout pipe with waterproof and stronghold tapes or sealants.

Final words

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

However, as you understand from our article today, they play a huge role into safeguarding your home. We therefore think it is only smart that you spend a few extra buck, if not go all fancy, to get the good stuff.

Which is why, we put together this entire spread of downspout extension which will cover everything you need to know about it. Our detailed reviews of the Best Downspout Extensions are here to help you select from the bets of the bests.

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

Your home is everything to you so choose wisely. Good luck!