Rain Chains: Elegant Downspouts

What the heck is a rain chain? It is an innovative and decorative chain made from a series of loops or funnels joined together and hung from the end of your rain gutter. It takes the place of a downspout. Rain chains can also be attached to the eaves of your house with no gutter, wherever the rain runs off your roof.

The rain chain originated in Japan many years ago. It was traditionally used to guide rain water to large pots and containers that was then used for cooking and laundry. Today, in Japan, homeowners also channel the rain water into their rain gardens, where the gently falling water produces a soothing, rhythmic sound.

There is a wide variety of rain chain styles. Single or double strands of round-, oval-, or square-linked chain can accent modern and contemporary styles, as well as rustic, country or Asian styles. Small buckets, terra cotta pots, flared cups, fluted shaped funnels and embossed cups with designs of flowers, butterflies and/or leaves can also be used to accent these styles.

There are some very simple and very creative materials that can be used to make rain chains. You can use lengths of chain from the hardware store, shower curtain hooks, large sized metal key rings and even PVC pipe cut into rings. Copper (the most popular material), and brass (also very popular) can all be used. Copper, like all metals, oxidizes as it weathers, turning to a greenish-gray color known as a Verdigris patina. Brass as it oxidizes darkens with age, while aluminum or stainless steel usually retains its color.

How To Make A Rain Chain

Your rain chain can be hung from the gutter by using an aluminum or stainless steel rod horizontally placed across the gutter hole (allowing it to extend 3 inches into the gutter on both sides of the hole). Then hang an S-hook on the rod, securing the hook at the top with a “u” shaped fastener. A v-shaped gutter hanger may also be used. To anchor the chain to the ground, a metal stake may be used, or a something with considerable weight like a rock may be tied to the bottom of the chain. I would suggest something visually pleasing and complimentary to the esthetics of your yard. I’ve used a small anchor in the shape of a fish on one of mine. Traditionally, a rain chain is placed into a whole or half rain barrel, or a decorative terra cotta pot, to catch the water as it comes down the chain in order to recycle the rainwater. I like to place mine directly into a potted plant.

Safety Tip

This is something you need to watch out for with any downward spout of water. To prevent excess moisture build up at the foundation of your home, be it from a standard rain gutter or a rain chain, be sure to guide the water away from the foundation of your home with a down spout splash block.

Once you have completed the installation of your rain chain, be sure to give it a trial run by running water from a hose through the path where the rain would flow. By doing this, you will be able to make minor adjustments, if needed, to ensure you rain chain doesn’t splash and the water flows where you want it.

Relax and Enjoy!

Your rain chain can provide relaxing background sounds near your patio or other outside seating areas. It’s fun to hang them from tree limbs or hooks throughout your garden. Placed near or over fountains and ponds, they are pleasing to the eye and can be functional. If your rain chain is made of chain link, it will tend to splash more than those made of cups or funnels. So be sure to place your rain chain so that garden paths and walls will not be splashed.