DIY Rain Chains: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own

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Close-Up Shot of a Wet Chain
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of a Wet Chain

Making your own DIY rain chains is a fun and rewarding project that can add a personal touch to your home's exterior. You can choose from a variety of materials, including copper, aluminum, and steel.

To get started, you'll need to decide on the design and pattern of your rain chain. This can be as simple as a single loop or as complex as a intricate design featuring multiple levels and shapes.

The length of your rain chain will depend on the size of your downspout and the desired flow rate. As a general rule, a longer chain will produce a more gentle flow of water.

Take a look at this: Motorcycle Chain

Design and Planning

To create a beautiful and functional DIY rain chain, you'll want to start by choosing a durable material that can withstand the elements. Metal is a popular choice, and aluminum is a great option due to its light weight and corrosion resistance.

Consider the length and design of your rain chain - a longer chain with a more complex design will create a more dramatic effect, but may also be more prone to clogging.

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Credit: youtube.com, 29 Easy DIY Rain Chain Ideas To Add More Visual Appeal To Your Outdoor Space

Measure your gutter system to determine the ideal length for your rain chain, and make sure to leave some extra slack for easy installation.

Think about the style and theme of your home and garden when selecting a design for your rain chain - a simple, minimalist chain can complement a modern aesthetic, while a more ornate chain can add a touch of elegance to a traditional garden.

Keep in mind that the size and material of your rain chain will affect its weight and installation requirements - be sure to plan accordingly to avoid any potential issues.

See what others are reading: Self Watering Rain Gutter Garden

Materials and Preparation

To make a DIY rain chain, you'll need to start with the right materials. Cut the 2-inch-wide PVC pipe into 2 ½-inch lengths for your chain sections.

Cutting the pipe into these lengths will give you the necessary components to create a chain with multiple sections. I found it helpful to cut mine into 10 lengths, which worked perfectly for a chain with 10 sections.

To begin assembling your rain chain, insert one end of a bent pin into one of the drilled holes on one of the pipe pieces.

Check this out: How to Cut a Rain Gutter

Drill Holes in Cup Tops for Mounting

Credit: youtube.com, Locate Drilled Holes Perfectly!

Drill two holes in the top of each cup for the mounting chain.

To start, find and mark two spots near the top of the cup that make a line going through the center of the cup.

Drill holes at these locations that are just big enough to hook in part of the smaller chain.

It may help to first drill a small hole, and then gradually widen it by re-drilling with larger bits.

Prep PVC Sections

To prep the PVC sections, cut the 2-inch-wide PVC pipe into 2 ½-inch lengths. I found that cutting 10 lengths allowed me to create a chain with 10 sections.

You'll need to drill holes in each of the PVC pipe pieces, but this step isn't mentioned in this section.

Cutting the PVC pipe into the right length is crucial to ensure your rain chain comes together smoothly.

Assembly and Installation

Start by reading the manufacturer's instructions for your rain chain, as the attachment method and tools required may vary.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Install a Rain Chain | Ask This Old House

To assemble the rain chain, slip a split ring onto the pin, then insert the other end of the pin into the opposite hole in the pipe piece.

Using pliers, carefully bend each pin end so that it meets the top of the pipe piece and the side of the pin. This will secure the connection.

Next, attach another piece of pipe by slipping the pin through a split ring that's already attached to a length of pipe, then inserting the ends of the pin into the hole of this new piece of pipe.

Finish by bending back the pin ends as described above, and continue until you have the length of chain you desire.

If you're replacing downspouts with rain chains, consider setting up an additional water collection or drainage system, as rain chains won't direct water away from your home's foundation.

Dig a hole for the anchoring dish, about 6 inches deep and a few inches wider than the dish itself. Fill the hole with 3/4-inch drainage rock and place a few river stones on top for aesthetics.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Install a Rain Chain w/ DIY Solar Fountain Built in!!!

Attach the top of the rain chain to your gutter and the bottom to the anchoring dish, or place a rain barrel beneath the rain chain to collect water.

To hang the rain chain from the gutter, use a half link of the chain on the top side of the gutter, or create a custom hanger with tabs sticking out on each side.

Test the rain chain by spraying water onto your roof with a hose to simulate rain, making sure everything is securely attached and functioning properly.

System and Performance

Downspouts will almost always perform better than rain chains as long as they remain unclogged, thanks to their higher capacity and ability to channel water away from your home.

Rain chains can be a great alternative, though, especially if your area doesn't experience heavy rainfall. They slow down the water flow, which can be a lifesaver for your landscaping.

If you do live in an area prone to high precipitation, you can still use rain chains, but you may need to pair them with a French drain or a rain barrel to manage the water flow effectively.

Here's an interesting read: Replacing a Water Heater

How They Work

Raining
Credit: pexels.com, Raining

A rain chain is a simple yet effective way to manage rainwater, and it works based on a basic principle of science: water follows the path of least resistance. Water will flow and drain wherever it can find the fastest path, and a rain chain provides that path.

By installing a rain chain under a gutter spout, water falls out of the spout and clings to the chain due to surface tension, following it straight down. This is exactly what a rain chain does – it gives water a fast path down.

Rain chains can be connected to your eaves or gutters instead of downspouts, making them a great alternative to traditional gutter downspouts. They can help slow the flow of water, reducing soil erosion and protecting your home's foundation.

You can hang your rain chain from a shepherd's hook anywhere in your yard or garden, or from a gutter downspout with a rain chain hanging kit. Wherever you choose to hang it, your rain chain will add beauty and charm to your outdoor space.

For another approach, see: Rain Gutter Spout

Tranquil koi pond featuring water lilies and reflections in a Zen Japanese garden.
Credit: pexels.com, Tranquil koi pond featuring water lilies and reflections in a Zen Japanese garden.

Here are some common types of rain chain designs:

  • Ordinary chain links that allow water to follow each link down to the ground
  • Small pails or buckets that fill and spill over to the next pail as the water travels down

By choosing the right type of rain chain and installing it correctly, you can enjoy the benefits of a rain chain while also adding a decorative touch to your yard.

Performance

Downspouts are a reliable choice for water management, capable of handling a higher capacity than rain chains and directing water away from your home. They're a great option for preventing soil erosion and foundation problems.

In areas with heavy rainfall, rain chains can be overwhelmed, so it's essential to consider pairing them with additional features like French drains or a rain barrel.

Cost and Considerations

Rain chains can cost about as much as gutter downspouts, but the price depends on the material, length, and design.

You can expect to pay $50–$100 for a rain chain. Vinyl or aluminum downspouts cost $5–$8 per linear foot installed, or $60–$96 for a 12-foot length.

Consider reading: Rain Gutter Cleaning Cost

Credit: youtube.com, DIY Hacks and How Tos Rain Chains

High-end materials like copper can increase the price of both rain chains and downspouts. Copper rain chains might cost more than a basic aluminum downspout, but they'll likely be less expensive than the $17–$20 per linear foot you'd pay for copper downspouts.

Rain chains often need some type of anchor and collection or drainage system, which might add to their overall cost.

Tips and Ideas

To create a visually appealing diy rain chain, consider using a variety of materials such as copper, aluminum, or steel for the chain's links.

Using a consistent material for the entire chain is essential to ensure it weathers evenly and doesn't show signs of rust or corrosion.

You can also add decorative elements like glass or stone to the links for a unique touch.

Keep in mind that adding heavy materials can increase the chain's weight and affect its overall appearance.

A good rule of thumb is to limit the chain's length to 6 feet to prevent it from getting tangled or damaged by strong winds.

Using a sturdy base or anchor is crucial to secure the rain chain in place and prevent it from toppling over during heavy rainfall.

A fresh viewpoint: Roof Materials List

Frequently Asked Questions

What material is best for a rain chain?

For a rain chain, aluminum is a top choice due to its durability and resistance to rust, ensuring a long-lasting appearance.

What is the downside to a rain chain?

Rain chains are less durable and have limited water capacity compared to downspouts, making them less suitable for areas with high winds and heavy rainfall

What should be at the bottom of a rain chain?

Add stones to the bottom of a rain chain for proper drainage.

Joel Sims

Lead Writer

Joel Sims is a passionate writer who loves sharing his knowledge and experience with others. He has been writing for several years and has covered various topics, including technology, lifestyle, and health. Joel's writing style is engaging, informative, and easy to understand.

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