What Are Rain Chains?

When you are trying to figure out how to get the water from your gutter to the ground, there are various ways to do it. One way to do it is with a downspout that leads from your gutter down the side of your house and then out to the ground. Another option is to use something called a rain chain. 

Rain Chain

A rain chain is exactly what it sounds like: a chain. It's generally made of metal, often copper. The chain attaches to your gutter or your eaves. The water will run down the chain, with surface tension keeping it on the chain. There are a lot of benefits to using a rain chain at your house. 

Looks

One reason to use a rain chain is that it is decorative and can add some attractiveness to your house. Since the rain chains come in various styles and metals, you can find one that will make you perfectly happy. For example, you may want a copper rain chain that looks like a regular chain for that little punch of design oomph. Or, you can get something that has little bells that ring was the water pours down the chain if you want to have an added level of design. 

Water Collection

Another reason to go with rain chains is that you can use them for water collection. The easiest way to do that is to have rain chains that you have put into large water barrels. The chain generally has something heavy at the end, which will keep it hanging straight, or you can anchor it somewhere -- but if you do that, you can't easily switch out water barrels. So, to collect the rainwater pouring off your roof, you put the rain chain on your house and then put the end in a water barrel. All the water ends up in the barrel. As the barrel gets full, you can either route the water somewhere else or change out the barrels. You can use that water to water your lawn and garden or pour it out somewhere other than right next to your foundation, which can help keep your foundation safe. 

If you are trying to figure out how to keep water from pouring down from your gutters out of control, there are several things that you can do. One of them is to buy some rain chains and install them on your house.