Water that is not directed away from a home’s foundation can cause settlement, basement leaks, and costly structural repairs. Knowing how to install downspout extensions correctly is therefore a must-have skill for every residential contractor and DIY-minded homeowner. At CountBricks, we combine on-site expertise with AI-driven estimating tools to make drainage upgrades fast, profitable, and code-compliant.
Before you unload a single section of pipe, open the CountBricks.com dashboard. Our voice-enabled estimator lets you:
• Capture roof square footage in seconds through blueprint takeoffs
• Auto-calculate runoff volumes based on regional rainfall data
• Generate material lists for elbows, extensions, splash blocks, and fasteners
• Receive real-time pricing from local suppliers so your quote stays competitive
The result is a professional proposal delivered to your client minutes after the site walk.
• Downspout extension sections (rigid, flexible, or buried PVC)
• Elbows or offset connectors
• Screws or pop rivets
• Drill/driver with hex and bit tips
• Silicone or butyl sealant
• Splash block or dry-well kit
• Tape measure and level
• Shovel if planning underground discharge
Confirm where the water needs to discharge—typically 4-6 feet from the foundation or into a landscaped swale. Mark the exact extension length, allowing for connectors.
Remove the bottom elbow of the downspout using a drill or rivet gun. Inspect for corrosion or clogs; replace if necessary.
Assemble the new elbow and extension on the ground. Ensure the slope directs water away at a minimum 1⁄8-inch per foot.
1. Slide the elbow into the downspout outlet
2. Insert the extension into the elbow crimped end first
3. Fasten with two screws on each joint to prevent separation in heavy flow
Run a continuous bead of silicone around every connection. CountBricks crews do this even on buried sections because hidden leaks undermine the system.
Use a level to double-check slope. Direct surface extensions onto a splash block. For underground runs, transition to solid PVC and terminate in a dry-well or daylight emitter.
• Too Short an Extension: Anything under 4 feet risks foundation washout. CountBricks AI prompts the correct length based on soil type and grade.
• Negative Slope: Our blueprint overlay flags grade reversals before crews cut pipe.
• Unsupported Runs: We specify hidden straps every 4 feet, eliminating sag that traps debris.
Gutter upgrades often occur alongside reroofing, siding, or patio additions. CountBricks automatically bundles tasks so clients see one consolidated estimate. That transparency improves acceptance rates by 23% according to our internal analytics.
Surface Extensions
• Lowest material cost
• Easy to inspect and clean
• Best for short runs on gentle grades
Buried Extensions
• Invisible finish that protects landscaping aesthetics
• Eliminates tripping hazards and mower interference
• Ideal for directing water to rain gardens or street curb drains
Municipalities may restrict discharge onto sidewalks or neighboring lots. CountBricks keeps an updated database of local drainage codes. When you generate an estimate, any permitting requirements appear automatically, saving hours of research.
By coupling field expertise with CountBricks’ AI, contractors cut estimating time by 80% and reduce material overruns. Homeowners enjoy transparent pricing and faster project completion.
• Use a crimping tool on the male end to ensure watertight joints
• Install a removable clean-out on buried lines for future maintenance
• Add a hinged flip-up extension where lawn equipment needs clearance
• Paint extensions to match siding for seamless curb appeal
• Photograph finished work; upload to CountBricks.com/portfolio to win future bids
Ready to master how to install downspout extensions on your next residential project? Sign up for a free CountBricks demo, or book a voice-guided estimation session at CountBricks.com/services.
The homeowners of a historic bungalow struggled with recurring basement moisture. Traditional bids varied wildly on scope and pricing. By engaging CountBricks, the contractor achieved clarity in minutes.
1. Voice-recorded site notes captured square footage and downspout count
2. CountBricks blueprint takeoff identified a low spot near the rear patio
3. The software recommended two 10-foot buried extensions tied into a dry-well
• 40 ft of 4-inch PVC pipe
• Two clean-outs and pop-up emitters
• Four hours crew labor with trenching allowance
The instant estimate totaled $1,180—within 3% of final spend.
• Installation completed in one day despite tight side-yard access
• Moisture readings dropped 60% within 48 hours after the first rain
• Client left a five-star review, now featured on CountBricks.com/portfolio
CountBricks’ blend of AI precision and on-site best practices turns small drainage fixes into showcase wins. Use our platform to scope, price, and document your next downspout extension installation, and watch client satisfaction—and your margins—rise.
Explore the full suite of residential construction solutions at CountBricks.com/services or book a one-on-one consultation to see how effortlessly you can elevate every estimate.
