Copper Downspout Cleanouts

• Manufactured by Renner GmbH & Co. KG and Grömo GmbH & Co. KG
• www.renner.de; www.groemo.de
• Cost $45 and up

In addition to clogging gutters and causing overflows that lead to house damage, leaves and other debris also can clog perimeter-drain systems surrounding your house. One way to prevent this is with combination downspout filters and cleanouts that provide an easy way to catch debris before it causes problems.

Mounted between 36 in. and 48 in. above finished grade, these cleanouts are available for 3-in., 4-in., and 5-in. round downspouts in copper, aluminum, and galvanized metal. The ones I’ve seen are made by German manufacturers and are distributed here by a number of online dealers. You can find versions at Rutland Gutter Supply (www.rutlandguttersupply.com), Old World Gutter (www.oldworldgutter.com), GutterSupply.com, and Classic Gutter Systems (www.classicgutters.com). AMSI Supply (www.amsisupply.com) offers both an economy model ($46) and a more expensive cleanout with a lift-out basket (photo, $190).

I usually specify round downspouts, but similar devices are available for both 3-in. by 4-in. and 2-in. by 3-in. rectangular downspouts. These include the Slim Line cleanout from Downspout Filters (www.downspoutfilters.com) and the DrainGuard System made by American Rainware (available at www.bestdownspoutguard.com).
Round copper versions start about $45, aluminum or galvanized ones at $32, and rectangular styles from $40.

Photo: Karen Navarre