I use the Barrel Toppers as downspout filters for underground drainage pipes. They are installed at the base of the downspouts, attached to the pipes that take the water underground and to the street. The Barrel Toppers do a great job of preventing clogs because they keep debris out of the underground drainage pipes. They are better than standard downspout filters because the angle of the screen allows the debris to rinse into the collection area rather than just lay on the screen and block the rain from getting into the underground pipes. The emptying tray is simple to use. You can easily see debris as it accumulates in the collection area inside the Topper. The Toppers have significant capacity for heavy rainfall and they are sturdy.