Skywater Downspout Diverter for Rain Harvesting - Attach Hoses Directly to 2x3 Downspout, Use Rainwater for Landscaping, No Rain Barrel Required

Greetings,This information is provided to help decide whether Skywater is the right product for you. This review contains personal observations and internet sources. A demonstration video is also available on YouTube.Skywater was designed to solve the same challenges that bring us to this product page: (1) remove water away from foundations, (2) direct rainwater to trees, yards, and gardens for immediate natural storage, (3) save water and a little money with a user-friendly tool.FROM THE INTERNET"Skywater is manufactured as an independent label and has potential to add thousands of free rainwater gallons to your property over a season. The connector sells equally in all American regions, and it is regarded both as a water conservation and supplemental irrigation device. Skywater spearheads the next generation of rain harvesting, working with or without rain barrels. Simple thumbscrew attachment allows many homeowners easy entry into water conservation.Skywater was reshaped and strengthened several times at each stage; it was a two-year process. At every level, we discussed the importance of traditional American quality and involved engineers and machinists who possessed the pioneer, can-do spirit. It is proudly presented in the best form possible! Skywater is made and assembled in USA, with every sales dollar passing through an American company."DATAAs a Skywater user myself, I can share observations based on a 2.06-inch spring storm on a 1,340 square-foot roof. With three days of California rain, Skywater contributed 1,720 gallons of rainwater to a large tree and chronically dry sections of lawn. Its effect helped replenish deepwater storage and delay the start of municipal irrigation.Flow rates:• Light rain “trickle” = 18.8 gallons/hr. (a storage tub)• Moderate rain “steady flow” = 50 gallons/hr. (a barrel)• Heavy rain “maximum flow” = 90 gallons/hr. (a large residential garbage container)BEST PRACTICESEvery house drain system is unique, and Skywater will respond differently in each situation. It is best to keep expectations reasonable and raise them as you go. Common sense works well with Skywater. The key is to keep water constantly flowing through the system:1) If the rain gutter has debris, it may clog the outflow channels. Install a leaf strainer or wire mesh, like chicken wire in the roof gutter; allow a first flush; or ensure clear water is running through the drainpipe. If the drainpipe joints leak, use a silicone glue to seal the joints or caulk the outside seams to mitigate seeping.2) Avoid small diameter, surgical tube-style hoses – the larger the inside diameter, the greater the flow. Likewise, avoid steep slopes or landslide-prone areas. Direct rainwater away from buildings, basements, and neighboring property.3) In heavy rain, it may be best to remove the device for maximum outflow. Skywater works in extreme rainfall (radar red), but expect temporary leaks around the seal caused by increased water pressure.4) Because the system is gravity dependent, water moves most efficiently when the entire hose is positioned down slope. Level or uphill hoses inhibit water flow.5) Tugging on water hoses will loosen the device from the downspout. It is better to set hoses first and then connect to Skywater.6) Although UV protected, outdoor conditions will weather the connector. It is best to store Skywater indoors when the rain season is over.7) Expect dripping caused either by Skywater or uneven downspout edges. Some dripping helps reduce ponding and algae build-up.There are many different drainpipe configurations out there. Keep an open mind if troubleshooting: think creatively, adapt to your individual situation, and Skywater should work fine.THE BOTTOM LINESkywater provides a nice hydrating effect on landscapes, promoting water savings, green living, drought mitigation, yard drainage, and healthy vegetation.Cheers,K. Hal

I've had these for nearly 10 months and can make a good review. The idea is good, but this needs more research. As it is now, water will come pouring out at the sides because of a very bad seal design which is not tight enough to prevent the water escaping. I put a huge amount of clear silicone round the edge before securing it on the end of the downspout and that stopped the leaking, but I shouldn't have to do that to make a purchase work properly. It is so close to being a good product that works but as it is now it is an inefficient and poor design and I do not recommend it.

Loved the concept,it was must what I was looking for I was so excited until after it rained discovered it was leaking under the screws on the bottom,I ordered another one and will need 5 more,but could you tell me if I did something wrong when putting it on the downspout,if it's going to leak I will have to rethink my other purchases I hope not,I did add 2 hoses ,I hope you can help meThank you,Trudy Blake

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for and had no idea it existed until I found it here. Its strong, reliable, and almost unnoticeable. We had a new retaining wall put in which required that our downspout be re-reouted. Previously it just fell off the porch and into a long underground drainage pipe leading away from the house (we have several of these as its a newer house). But to follow that same drain path now means a huge ugly downspout had to cross directly over our beautiful new retaining wall right next to our porch and entryway. I was having none of it. So I bought this little guy along with 2 gray hoses and simply rerouted the water along the back of the flower bed to another downspout, cut the ends of the hoses off, and stuck them in the other drain. Its not perfect, but its WAY less noticeable than a fat white downspout would have been. As our porch gutter is only 10ft wide, the amount of water it collects should be fairly minimal. What I will say is that you need two hoses for proper drainage when it rains hard. One hose cant handle the capacity and it will leak. Amazing product!

It would be better if it had 3 connections coming off of it. 2 seems to be very restrictive for my situation. The downspout gets backed up and leaks out everywhere for anything more than a light rain.

Looked like it would work. It didn't stay attached. Had to use screwsHose openings not bid enough. Clogged upAlso did not seal Leaked really bad.

Product is excellent.

I ordered this item back in September, 2019, and realize the return date closed 10/13/19. As my purchases reflect I'm always between NY and NC which resulted in my not finding out that this gadget doesn't work! It resulted in my having to have my gutters taken apart and cleaned. There were leaves clustered together as well as water sitting, a lot of mosquitos nesting, heavy drip spots in the gutter. It was backed up. In other words the water was not draining just sitting and accumulating leaves and dirt. I want my money back or a credit for this purchase.