4 Easy Fixes for a Crushed Downspout

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Downspouts are important implements for houses and buildings. They safely divert rainwater to the ground and away from your property, helping maintain your home’s foundation and integrity.

With that in mind, it’ll be a problem if they’re damaged and can no longer function as intended. Luckily, there are ways to fix a broken downspout using a few tools and materials you have in your home.

So, stick with us and we’ll teach you how to fix a crushed downspout in four easy ways.

4 Methods to Fix a Crushed Downspout

Any damage to your rainwater control system can lead to serious problems with your house’s structural stability. Thus, you need to address any drainage issues as quickly as you can.

Keep in mind, though, that some minimal dents aren’t an issue as long as they don’t hinder the water flow. Anyway, if you think you’ll be facing a severe blockage, we’ve listed the best ways to deal with it below.

Method 1: Using Screws

The problem with a crushed downspout is you need to force it back open from the inside. This is the part that’s most challenging in repairing it.

Thankfully, if you have a few screws lying around, you can use them to do just that. It’s best to use self-tapping screws as they cut in easily, but any type of screws can work.

Tools Required

• Self-tapping screws
• Power drill
• Pliers
• Work gloves

Steps to Follow

Before anything else, make sure that you have your hand gloves on. Dealing with metals and screws is a tricky business, so you need to protect your hands properly.

1. Begin by observing the broken area of the downspout and taking note of the spot where the damage is worse—that’s the best place to drill your screw in.
2. Turn your power drill on and make a small pilot hole where you’ll insert your self-tapping screw.
3. Once you’ve made your pilot hole, get your screw and slowly drive it into the downspout plate.
4. Don’t push it all the way in; you need to leave enough to pull it right back.
5. Once you’ve secured the screw, start pulling its head using your pliers, careful that it doesn’t dislodge from the plate.
6. Do this several times until the bent surface is straight.

Finally, if you think the space is wide enough for the water to flow normally, unscrew the nail and cover the hole with gutter tape.

Method 2: Using A Crowbar

If the downspout isn’t seriously crushed and there’s still enough space left on its entrance, you can try using a crowbar to ease the water path open.

Tools Required

• A crowbar
• Rubber mallet
• A long rectangular wood
• Working gloves

Steps to Follow

For safety and a better grip on the crowbar, wear your working gloves at all times. Here are the steps to repair your downspout with a crowbar:

1. First, gently pry the downspout entrance using the crowbar’s flat tip.
2. Once it’s lodged, gently tilt the crowbar left and right to widen the gap.
3. Insert the crowbar incrementally until you’ve covered all the flattened areas.
4. Repeat this process until you create a space big enough to accommodate the volume of water.

If you want to polish the outcome, insert a rectangular piece of wood with the appropriate size inside the downspout. This will serve as a flat and hard surface to even out the dented plate.

Then, using the rubber mallet, strike the bends and dents until they straighten out. Once you’re satisfied with the result, pull out the wood, and it’s ready to go!

Method 3: Using a Pipe Clamp

If what you have is a downspout that’s extremely flattened, using a pipe clamp might be your best course of action.

Tools Required

• Pipe clamp
• Rubber mallet
• Wooden plank
• Work gloves

Steps to Follow

Here are the steps to follow for this method:

1. Position the clamps on the edges of the flattened downspout, then rotate the clamp screw until it tightens.
2. Keep rotating until you see the flat area inflate.
3. Repeat this process by moving the pipe clamps around the flat area until it’s back into its original shape.
4. Once you’ve created enough space, insert a wooden plank of the right size inside the downspout.
5. Finally, strike the remaining dents with the rubber mallet to even them out.

While working with the pipe clamp, try to buff the downspout as best as you can using the rubber mallet. If you’re successful, it’ll be easier to pry open.

Method 4: Replacing the Crushed Area

Sometimes, the damage on the downspout is so severe that your only choice is to replace the broken part.

It might also be the case if what you have is a vinyl or copper downspout.

Tools Required

• Power drill
• Measuring tape

Steps to Follow

Fortunately, disassembling and replacing parts of a downspout is simple. Follow these steps to replace any damaged piece of your downspout:

1. Start by determining the parts of the downspout that need replacing.
2. If you’re lucky, you’ll only need to replace the extension or the side elbow, as they’re the most exposed components.
3. Once you locate the damaged part, measure its height and width with a measuring tape.
4. Next, use your power drill to unscrew and remove the piece—set aside the screws to use for your replacement part later.
5. Once you have your new component in hand, assemble your downspout back using the power drill and the screws.

Remember to secure the pieces together and ensure that the parts aren’t rickety. After that, your downspout should be ready for use again.

Maintaining Your Gutters and Downspouts

Proper maintenance of your gutters and downspouts is vital to make sure they always work smoothly. That said, there are some things to remember to avoid the same issues in the future.

Clean Your Gutters Regularly

Although this may sound obvious, it’s one that’s worth highlighting—especially if you live in an area with a lot of trees.

Leaves and other debris can easily accumulate and block the water flow, so you need to regularly clean your gutter to avoid that.

Secure Your Downspouts

Place your side elbows and downspout extensions in spots away from traffic and falling debris.

Do this and you won’t have to worry about a crushed downspout ever again!

Final Thoughts

A working downspout is important so that your gutter system can function perfectly. Any damage that causes a blockage to the water flow will render it essentially useless.

This is where learning how to fix a crushed downspout is helpful. Remember: a crowbar, a screw, and a pipe clamp are your best tools for the job!

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