Printed it and it works nicely! However, it does still allow for some water to escape down the gutter even when the barrel is empty.
@Adam, any chance this could be modified to be more aggressive with the water? I'm trying to make the modifications myself, but running into a lot of struggles getting FreeCAD to behave. Probably user error. I was thinking of having the rain collect in a channel around the outside, empty cylinder the diameter of the threads. Then a deflector above that deflects the rain to the outsides to ensure that it all goes into the channel. That would really decrease the amount of escape for those who want to ensure they capture all of the rain.
Downspout gutter diverter for rain barrel
This diverter attaches to a downspout to provide an outlet for rainwater collection.
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May 11, 2025
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@JohnDoe_998650 Which size are you using? There are two versions of the 2x3 and 2 5/8 x 2 5/8, one of which does include additional surface area for catching water and sending it to the outlet.
The amount of water that is redirected is actually a design feature; this way larger debris tends to head down the gutter. The internal structure also allows for cleaning by removing the outlet adapter and poking around with a stick or a hose to knock anything off and down.
Separately, if you're able to upload the picture of the make you printed, I'd love to see it in action!
What is the thread used on the side?
@none_962587 It's a custom designed interrupted thread pattern to ensure water that doesn't leave the attached outlet will fall through to the bottom portion of the downspout.
It works! ...yes we had a sudden springfreeze. Now to move it up and get a hose on it!
Great action shot!
I'm sorry if I'm misunderstanding the point, but why is there a second threaded end on the 2x3 version that seemingly has no use? Is it to store pieces for swapping in the winter?
@Whamola_565552 That is the exact reason. When the diverter isn't in use (i.e., winter) you probably want to plug the hole so any runoff goes straight down. Makers like us will just re-print small parts that we lose, but muggles might want a place to store it for easy access.
If you'd like I can render a version in that size without the storage compartment.
@Adam That totally makes sense. I've got the 2x3 printing right now, so it's up to you if you'd like to change your model. Thanks!
Great model - easy print, adaptable, works as advertised. I live in a city that doesn't get a ton of rain, so I wish it was a touch more efficient at collecting water, but that's me looking for issues.
@PhilTomlinson_487272 I appreciate the feedback, but the issue you’re looking for is actually an important design feature that differentiates this design from others like it.
The removable outlet adapter provides versatility and protects the part from damage in a critical area, and allows access to the inside for easy maintenance. (Any clogs can be easily moved away by unscrewing the outlet adapter and using your finger or a small brush.)
Unfortunately this also limits the flow by the outlet’s inner diameter.
I found that it’s more than adequate for my area, but I’m sure you’re right that with less rainfall it won’t fill as quickly.
If you need to catch more, I’ve seen other designs here and commercially available products, or you can even just cut the gutter above the barrel and run the entire flow into it (and then use the barrel’s overflow to go back down into the gutter). (edited)
@Adam Oh, I completely understand. We just had our first rainfall in a while recently and the majority of the water seemed to run down the sides of the downspout. The outlet of the downspout had significant rain flowing out, but it was just a slow drip from our collection hose. I really like the general design (threads are beautifully implemented by the way) - but I'm going to add an internal lip that guides flow to the collection chute. I'm hoping that lets me continue to manage leaves but also improves 'harvest' rates. Thanks for the design!
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I previously had this other downspout diverter that worked well but allowed for leakage and I had to remove it in the winter. When I found this new one that has attachments, including a plug, I figured it could be the one for me. I initially printed with the 20mm outlet. It all printed very well, no issues at all, using orange PETG. I used a brim on the outlet part just to ensure stability but no supports needed anywhere. So the 20mm outlet was obviously too big for my existing setup using the 3/4 inch tube. I reached out to @Adam to see if he could scale me down one for 3/4 inch. He did and it printed perfectly. You can see I have it installed in my attached picture. I will upload a video once I get some rain here! 10/10 would print again. Will probably make one for my neighbour. (edited)
@iamstevedavis I'm really glad it worked out, and I'm sure your neighbours will be very happy!
I printed and have been using this: https://www.printables.com/model/367279-rain-gutter-downspout-harvester/comments for two years now. I like your model because it includes options for caps and accessories (such as capping for winter). One thing I wanted to ask about the design before I print: How much water bypasses the collector? I find with my gutters most of the water sticks to the edges and does not actually fall directly down the centre which I believe would bypass the collection in this model.
@iamstevedavis Hi Steve, a lot of the water actually goes straight down; however, my 200L (50 gal) rain barrel gets completely filled after one solid downpour.
One of the big advantages to my design is that debris will tend to go straight down. If the outlet end does get blocked, you can just unscrew the adapter and stick your finger in to brush away any leaves.
... obviously I'm biased though ... (edited)
@Adam Yes I do like this design, it has a lot of stuff I felt was missing from the other design (nothing against it, it works great). I have to remove the harvester from my downspout every winter for example or it just starts pouring water out. I will give this one a try if that has been your experience! Thanks for the reply.
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Spoke to Adam and he kindly adjusted the dimensions for my guttering. Fits great thanks again! printed in ABS (edited)
@PDFYYC_1898820 I'm glad it worked! Looks great!
@PDFYYC_1898820 It looks great! No one's getting close enough to see the seam anyways :)
My years-old diverter fell apart during the storms in San Diego a couple of weeks ago and no one nearby carries the replacement diverter, but this worked out perfectly. Fit my standard 2x3 downspout with only a little squeezing of the metal and the one screw didn't hit the same spot. My hose happens to fit snugly into the outlet, but the angle is wrong for my barrel, so I'll have to print your angle adapter or get a bendier hose.
@JeffDillon_617973 I’m so happy this worked for you! FYI the outlet on the main box is designed specifically for the adapters, so that if there’s too much tension and anything snaps, it’s a quick replacement of just the adapter. The threading on the box isn’t meant to be compatible with anything specific, but awesome if it works directly for you!
Printed in ABS without measuring my gutters (DOH!). Will use design as basis to enlarge. Can mail printed ABS diverter to US for postage since I can't use it.
@Jumblies_170307 Looks great... sorry it doesn't fit! I hope you find someone who will enjoy it.
Thanks a lot for the work you put into this, looks exactly what I needed 2"x3" for use in Canada. Will review and give you a make after I get organized this weekend.