Downspout diverters · OEM & wholesale
Rain barrel diverters downspout diverter kits that move roof water where it belongs
A rain barrel diverter fits into a downspout and sends roof runoff through a hose into a rain barrel; when the barrel is full, water carries on down the downspout instead of overflowing at the wall. Together with downspout extensions, it keeps concentrated roof water away from the foundation — one of the most common causes of wet basements. StormForge supplies diverter kits to garden, hardware and gutter distributors and private label brands.
- Inline downspout diverters with automatic overflow return
- Fits common rectangular and round downspout sizes (by model)
- Kits with hose, barrel connector and leaf screen
- Downspout extensions and flip-up diverters for foundation drainage
How a rain barrel diverter works
The installer cuts out a short section of the downspout and fits the diverter body in its place. Water running down the inside wall of the downspout is caught by the diverter and sent through a hose to a connector fitted in the rain barrel. As the barrel fills, the water level in the hose rises to the level of the diverter and new runoff simply continues down the downspout — so the barrel does not overflow next to the house. Most models have a summer/winter setting that closes the outlet to send all water down the downspout in freezing weather.
Reducing basement water problems at the downspout
A roof sheds a large volume of water through just a few downspouts. If that water is released at the base of the wall, it saturates the soil against the foundation, finds cracks and joints, and fills nearby window wells. Routing part of it into a rain barrel and carrying the rest away with a downspout extension or flip-up diverter reduces that load. It is a simple, low-cost first step that sits alongside grading, sump pumps with a sump pump alarm, and flood barriers for homes for surface water at doors.
Diverters manage roof runoff only; they do not stop groundwater or surface flooding, and listings should not suggest otherwise.
Pairing diverters with rain barrels and tanks
Diverter kits sell best next to the barrels they feed. See the rainwater tank options on our water storage tank page for rain barrels, slimline tanks and linking kits that can be bundled with a diverter under one barcode.
Typical rain barrel diverter specifications (configurable)
| Parameter | Typical options |
|---|---|
| Downspout fit | Rectangular approx. 2×3" and 3×4" (≈55×75 / 75×100 mm); round approx. 3–4" (≈68–100 mm) — by model or with adapters |
| Function | Diversion with automatic overflow return; summer/winter shut-off (by model) |
| Outlet | Hose barb or threaded outlet; approx. 3/4–1" hose (by model) |
| Kit contents | Diverter body, hose, barrel connector, seal, leaf screen; hole saw on request |
| Material | UV-stabilised PP, ABS or PVC (per spec) |
| Related SKUs | Downspout extensions, flip-up diverters, splash blocks |
Typical quotation values only; no flow-rate or capacity rating is claimed.
Customization options
Fit range
Diverter bodies and adapters for the downspout sizes in your market.
Colors
White, brown, grey, black and custom colors to match gutters.
Kits
Diverter + hose + connector, or bundled with a rain barrel.
Packaging
Blister, header card or color box with installation steps.
No certification claimed by default. We do not claim FEMA, Miami-Dade NOA, UL, ETL, IEC, ASTM or any other approval, rating or test result. Products are built to customer-specified standards; test reports can be provided on request where available.
Frequently asked questions
Will a rain barrel diverter overflow when the barrel is full?
Overflow-return diverters send excess water back down the downspout once the barrel is full, so the barrel itself does not overflow at the wall (when installed level with the barrel per instructions).
Does a downspout diverter fit any downspout?
Each model fits specific sizes; we quote bodies and adapters for common rectangular and round downspouts in your market.
Can diverters prevent basement flooding?
They reduce roof runoff released next to the foundation, a common cause of wet basements. They do not stop groundwater or surface flooding.
What happens in winter?
Most diverters have a winter setting that sends all water down the downspout; barrels should be drained and disconnected before freezing weather.
Related pages
Adding rain barrel diverters to your range?
Send downspout sizes, colors, kit contents and quantities.