How to Install a Rain Chain
If you want to replace your traditional gutter downspouts with rain chains, today’s post is for you! I’m showing you how to install a rain chain – it’s a quick and easy project that adds so much charm to your house!
For the last few months, I’ve been infatuated with rain chains. I started noticing them around our neighborhood on my morning walks, and I couldn’t stop thinking about them. I find them to be so incredibly charming, and I love a beautiful alternative to a functional home item. I’ve been working on a few things around the front of our house (see my new DIY trellises here!) and I knew a rain chain would be the perfect addition to this spot.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with the installation process but it was incredibly simple. I also had a couple of unexpected surprises (the chain doesn’t come with what you need to install it!), so I’m here to show you the process and take all the mystery out for you.
Rain Chain Installation Video
Here’s a quick video that walks you through the process visually. My camera messed up as I was working so I don’t have the full downspout removal process on video (which is a bummer) but the rest is there!
How to Install a Rain Chain
Here’s a full description of how I removed my old downspout and replaced it with a rain chain. This is, obviously, tailored to my specific house and gutters, but these things are relatively standard so it should look similar across the board!
Materials Needed
Removing the Downspout
Your first step is to remove the old gutter downspout, if you have one. This was the part I was most nervous about simply because I’ve never done it! I had no idea how hard it would be. Thankfully, the answer is: not hard at all.
Start by taking a close look at your downspouts to see how they’re attached. I assume mine is pretty standard – it’s a metal strip wrapped around the downspout, attached with one bolt to the house and one bolt to the downspout. I just used a drill with a nut driver bit to remove those, and then the downspout popped right off! If you don’t have the proper tools, though, you can also just grip the bolt with some pliers like these and rotate it by hand! I had to do that with two of the bolts that were too worn for the drill, and it worked fine.
There will also be bolts or screws attaching the downspout to the gutter. Remove those as well. With the metal strips and the bolts removed, the downspout should, in theory, come right off! You’ll be left with something that looks like this:
Installing the Downspout Converter
I assumed my rain chain would come with everything I needed to attach it. I was wrong! It was just the chain with a hook on the end, and I was highly annoyed when I had to wait for my attachment kit to ship. Don’t be like me – double-check to see what all your rain chain comes with before you dive in.
Installing the attachment kit is really easy. It comes with a metal plate that has a hole in it, and then the gutter adapter itself. Simply slip the metal plate into the gutter and caulk it into place so that the hole in the plate lines up with the hole in your gutter. Once the caulk has dried, you can slip the adapter into the hole!
Now, you’ve got a perfect spot to hook your rain chain into place. And just like that, you’ve converted your ugly downspout into a beautiful rain chain!
What If I Don’t Have a Downspout?
If you don’t already have a downspout in the spot you want to put a rain chain, the process will be slightly different. But, I assure you, still very simple! All you need to do is:
- Determine where you want your rain chain
- Use a hole saw to drill a 2″ hole in the bottom of the gutter
- Attach the gutter adapter and rain chain as described above!
Gorgeous + Affordable Rain Chains
Want a few other options for your rain chain? Here are some of the ones I considered:
- Teacup Rain Chain perfect if you need a little whimsy!
- Black Square Rain Chain ideal for a more modern house
- Brass Bell Rain Chain does double duty as a wind chime!
- Diamond Bell Rain Chain I love the patina on this one
- Round Modern Rain Chain this one feel timeless but modern
- Blue Copper Rain Chain feels like it belongs on a farmhouse
- Copper Cup Rain Chain a classic style for a reason!
- Brass Lotus Rain Chain this will patina beautifully over time
- Black Cup Rain Chain a perfect modern-traditional option!
Happy rain chain shopping!