How to install a rain chain
A rain chain can be as simple as a recycled chain you have in the garden shed. If anything, it will add a rustic, countryside aesthetic to your outdoor styling. You can, however, purchase ready-made rain chains that often have beautiful little decorations or icons that add a little bit of fancy to an otherwise boring element of the garden.
Whichever rain chain you choose, installation is an easy process. You'll need to drill a large hole into your roof guttering that matches the size of your outlet. This ensures that all the rain from your gutter moves seamlessly into your outlet and down your rain chain.
You then need to simply glue the outlet into your gutter opening and attach your rain chain.
Luckily, many store-bought rain chains actually include an installation kit, meaning you don't have to worry about purchasing glue or your outlet separately. After your rain chain is installed, you can place your potted plants, water feature or even connect up your irrigation to your rain chain, and keep your garden watered sustainably.
Where is the best place to hang a rain chain?
The best place to hang a rain chain is where your downpipe usually sits. Because a rain chain is a sustainable replacement for a downpipe, you no longer need to have one!
Most households usually have more than one downpipe, so you can either replace one or more of them with your rain chain.
Because water runs down the metal links of a rain chain, it usually lets off a musical, splashing sound. If you do not like noises while you sleep, it may be best to hang your rain chain away from your bedroom window!
Where to buy rain chains
Rain chains can usually be found at gardening centres or even at plant nurseries, however, there are a huge range of options online that can fit with any style. Rain chains will usually come with the chain itself, a gutter insert and often a rain chain installation kit that include glue and other supplies needed.
Take a look at our favourite choice for a rain chain below:
Monarch Rain Chains Akira rain chain, $165.19, Amazon
This decorative rain chain is in the original style of the Japanese 'kusari doi', and boy does it look pretty with the rain running through it.
With an included gutter insert and an extra large cup size for heavy rain flow, this rain chain is a great addition to any garden. Plus, the copper colouring would complement green foliage perfectly!
Can you use a rain chain without gutters?
Surprisingly, you can use a rain chain without gutters. The best way to ensure your rain chain will actually be effective is by assessing how your roof collects and disposes rainwater.
You can run a hose across your roof for a couple of minutes to see where it pools and falls, or even just wait for a day of rain to come around. Then, place your rain chain according to where the most rain run-off occurs. You can even install several rain chains if needed, and they'll have a beautiful rainy sound effect during storms.
Do rain chains work in heavy rain?
Rain chains do work in heavy rain, but they work best when directly attached to a downpipe or gutter.