How to Install a Rain Chain | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook installs a decorative and functional alternative to a downspout.

Cost: $75

Skill Level: Beginner

Tools List:

Shopping List:

Steps:
1. Decide where the rain chain will be hung and install a downspout outlet in the gutter in the desired location.
2. Dig a hole slightly wider than the width of your pot and at least 6” deep directly underneath the downspout outlet.
3. Fill the hole with the 3/4 inch stone.
4. Flip the pot upside down and drill a few drainage holes with a masonry drill.
5. Put the pot in place on top of the hole filled with stone.
6. Next, hang the rain chain. Most rain chains usually come with specific installation instructions. It should hook right into the downspout outlet.
7. Once the rain chain in hung, put the chain in the pot and fill the pot about three-quarters of the way with the 3/4 inch stone.
8. Fill the pot the rest of the way with the river stones. Use whatever is left over to cover the base underneath the pot as well.

Resources:

Everything else Roger used for this project, including the stones, gravel, and mulch, can all be found at home centers and nurseries.

About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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How to Install a Rain Chain | Ask This Old House

[Kick_com_Faneto]

Nobody:

YouTube recommendations: you ever heard of a rain chain?

[thestudystrategist]

I love that they used the existing pot - simply putting in holes, and then adding the stones. Such a resourceful idea but simple, and a gorgeous outcome! Love the rain chain, and really enjoy This Old House.

[btrswt]

Who ever put that drain in the gutter didn't skimp on the sealant. There's going to have to be a half inch of water in the gutter before it will even be high enough to go over the glob.

[chadbaxter]

Sad to see these guys get older. Means I am too lol. Great job though. Looked great.

[pdxlockpicker]

I'm 32, been watching this old house since Steve Thomas took over. (Maybe I watched 1 season with Bob Vila). You guys raised me on Saturday evenings from 4-6pm on PBS with all those DIY shows...

I'm glad Roger is taking a step back from the show a little bit and taking more care of himself this upcoming 41st season. I wish nothing but the best for you. Take care.

[chadwagemann]

Roger, I have learned a lot from you over the past decades. I hope you slow it down a notch and appreciate the good things in life that you deserve. Take care of yourself first and foremost. You lead well over the years and now maybe to start hand that torch off to someone else. God bless you and your family. Thanks Roger!!

[robertmcevoy]

Hope your doing better Roger! Thanks for all the tips over the years.

[larrymoore]

Interesting design. Glad Roger also showed us how it worked.

[fashnvain]

I think the chain is a beautiful alternative to gutter drains

[ACorey]

Wow ive been looking for a solution like this for a long time. Have a downspout over concrete and need to either collect the rain or get it out to soil. But that requires something to hold the downspout. This is perfect!! Straight down into a rain barrel or something.

[ronjoe]

I’ve never heard of such a thing, cool concept.

[straitpepperdiet]

I love TOH. They're always find new and interesting things like tools and materials to share.

[christiangibbs]

I've never heard of a rain chain before. This is so cool.

[KlunkerRider]

These actually do work. I have used them on the house and the garage. One fix I did, if the chain isn't long enough to go into the pot, simply attache a smaller section of regular chain to the bottom, set that into the pot or bucket. I use a bucket with a drip irrigation hose attached so water collects and then gets dispersed into the planter, great for summer when the rain is sporadic. For winter it has a dual spigot, I simply open the second spigot for winter when the rains are more prolonged.

[kuroneko]

That's a great looking solution. Her porch area looks gorgeous!

[OldProVidios]

The splatter comes from the downspout pipe, dripping around the circular edge. To solve this, I used a 45 degree angle pipe. Thus all the water is directed to the chain. No more splash.

[Rearmostbean]

Smart idea. I can see this being useful in limited circumstances

[donfilkins]

Roger has some of the best segments on the show

[drivingmylifeaway]

I've watched you guy's as a kid and I still love you all!!

[donnaleveron]

Wow, that turned out pretty! Like a water decoration. I've loved "This Old House", from the beginning, have grown old with you. (Sigh)