You’ve probably stared at that downspout jutting out the wrong direction and thought, “Can I just turn this thing 90 degrees and be done with it?”
The short answer is, yes, you can. But like most things in the world of water management, the longer answer is: “It depends.”
Let’s break it down.
1. Space Constraints
Tight corners, fences, AC units, pool filters, or oddly shaped home exteriors often force you into rerouting downspouts.
In many of these cases, a 90-degree elbow is the only practical solution. But the sharper the turn, the harder it is for water to flow smoothly, especially if leaves and debris are in the mix.
If you’re short on room, a traditional A or B elbow might stick out too far.
That’s where space-saving solutions like Aquabarrel’s FlushFit 90° elbow shine. It hugs the wall tightly, keeps your install compact, and maintains clean curb appeal.
2. Downspout Material Matters
Not all elbows are created equal.
Metal elbows are tough, paintable, and professional-looking.
Vinyl is lightweight but prone to cracking in colder climates.
Hard plastic, like the kind we use for FlushFit products, offers rigidity and resilience, but requires gutter seam glue, not silicone, to bond properly.
If your system uses older materials or non-standard sizing, combining parts can get tricky. And don’t even get me started on trying to match big box store fittings, stick with specialists like us who label things in actual measurements, not guesswork.
3. Slope and Gravity: The Laws You Can’t Break
Water doesn’t care about your landscaping dreams, it follows gravity.
If your redirected downspout doesn’t have the proper slope (typically 1/8 inch per foot), it will clog, back up, or worse, reverse flow.
Always plan your elbowed route with downhill pitch in mind. No exceptions.
4. Weather Considerations
Live in a place where winter is more than just a rumor? You’ll want to think twice about how and where you’re redirecting.
Frozen water expands, and rigid elbows or buried pipes with standing water can crack.
A 90-degree turn can act like a trap if not drained properly.
To prevent damage, add slope, drain valves, or go underground below the frost line with an outlet that vents to daylight.
5. Aesthetics vs. Functionality
Let’s be honest, nobody brags about their downspout. But a poorly routed pipe can ruin the look of a freshly painted exterior.
Decide early: do you want the system tucked discreetly behind landscaping, or are you okay with it being visible?
If looks matter, FlushFit elbows, painted PVC, or neatly aligned metal elbows can make all the difference. Just don’t sacrifice flow for form.
When Should You Use a 90-Degree Elbow?
Redirecting a downspout isn’t just about whether you can, it’s about whether you should.
In most cases, a 90-degree elbow is a tactical move, not a default one. So when does it make sense to go full right angle? Let’s take a look.
Turning a Downspout Around a Corner
Let’s say your garage ends flush with the back fence, and you don’t want runoff dumping near the base.
A 90-degree elbow lets you wrap the downspout around the corner and continue along a safer path, out of sight, out of mind.
Routing Water into a Rain Barrel Against a Side Wall
If your rain barrel is snug against a side wall and your downspout comes straight down, a 90° turn gives you a clean lateral redirect without awkward curves.
Just make sure to leave enough clearance for overflow protection, we’ve seen more than one barrel become a rooftop geyser during heavy storms.
Avoiding Obstacles Like HVAC Units or Patios
Whether you’ve got an AC unit, generator, or patio seating area blocking your drainage path, a right-angle elbow helps you clear the obstacle cleanly. It’s especially handy in tight urban lots or with pole barns where space is premium.
Connecting to a Buried Pipe System
Going underground? A 90-degree elbow at the base of your downspout can transition neatly into a PVC or corrugated pipe leading to a popup emitter, dry well, or daylight outlet.
Elbow Angles 101: 45°, 75°, or 90°, What’s the Difference?
Choosing the right elbow isn’t just about direction, it’s about flow. Think of water like a driver on a highway: sharp turns slow it down, gentle curves keep it moving.
45° Elbows
Best for smooth, gradual redirection
Reduce the risk of clogs
Great when space allows a more sweeping turn
75° Elbows
The sweet spot for most residential jobs
Compact yet efficient
Easier on water flow than a full right angle
90° Elbows
The sharpest turn you can make
Should be used with intent and planning
Riskier for debris buildup and flow resistance
Pro Tip: If you’re worried about clogs or turbulence, use two 45° elbows instead of a single 90°. You’ll soften the turn and help water maintain momentum.
Best Materials and Products for Redirecting Your Downspout
Not all elbows, or materials, are created equal.
When it comes to rerouting a downspout 90 degrees, choosing the right components is just as important as installing them correctly. Here’s what you need to know before heading to the hardware store (or better yet, our site).
Metal vs. Vinyl vs. Hard Plastic: What’s Right for You?
Metal Elbows
Metal is the classic choice for a reason. It’s durable, rigid, and easy to paint to match your siding or trim.
If you’re going for a seamless, clean look and long-lasting performance, you can’t go wrong with aluminum or galvanized steel. Just be prepared to crimp or use specialty connectors, fit isn’t always plug-and-play, especially with older homes.
Vinyl Elbows
These are budget-friendly and lightweight, which makes them appealing for quick fixes or rental properties.
But here’s the catch: vinyl gets brittle in cold weather. If you live in a freeze-prone region, vinyl is more likely to crack than other materials. Trust me, I've seen more than a few of these shatter like glass after a rough winter.
Hard Plastic (FlushFit Series)
Now this is where things get interesting.
Our FlushFit 90° elbows, made from rigid plastic, were designed for real-world conditions, tight installs, extreme temps, and everything in between. These elbows don’t warp, don’t sag, and don’t get in your way. Perfect when space is limited and appearance matters.
Use a “Style B” Elbow to Turn Left or Right
Understanding downspout elbow “styles” can save you a lot of confusion (and returns).
Style A elbows bend outward from the wall, useful when you need to push water away before redirecting.
Style B elbows bend left or right, perfect for horizontal shifts when working around corners, decks, or landscaping.
Need something more custom? Many savvy installers combine an A + B elbow combo to create compound angles for trickier routes. It’s a little like plumbing Lego, if you know how the parts fit together, your options open up fast.
Helpful Resource -> A-Elbow Vs. B-Elbow
Product Highlight: The FlushFit 90° Elbow
I designed the FlushFit elbow because frankly, I was tired of watching flexible tubes sag, collapse, and become eyesores. Here’s why it’s a game changer:
Hugs the wall, almost no projection
Disappears visually, great for front-facing installs
Perfect for tight spaces, behind pool pumps, HVAC units, fences
Rigid plastic construction, no collapsing under water weight
It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about performance. And for homeowners who want something that works without ruining curb appeal, FlushFit is the elbow you wish the big box stores carried.
Step-by-Step: How to Safely Redirect Your Downspout
So you've decided to reroute your downspout, great!
Whether you're dodging an obstacle, feeding a rain barrel, or just fixing a bad setup from the last homeowner, the key is doing it right the first time. Below is the same method I’ve used (and recommended) for years, straightforward, effective, and built to last.
Tools & Materials Checklist
Before you start cutting or sealing anything, make sure you've got the right gear. Nothing slows you down like running back to the store mid-project because you forgot one tiny bracket.
What you’ll need:
Elbows in 45°, 75°, or 90° angles (have options ready, you might adjust on the fly)
Gutter seam glue (not silicone, it won’t bond to hard plastic)
Screws and anchors for securing brackets
Measuring tape (measure twice, cut once!)
Wall brackets or downspout straps to hold everything in place
Installation Walkthrough
Follow these steps, and you’ll end up with a clean, tight installation that handles water the way it’s supposed to, away from your house, not back into it.
Step 1: Cut the Downspout
Use a hacksaw or snips to cut the downspout where you want to install the elbow. Aim for a clean, square cut. If you're connecting into an existing section, make sure to allow room for the elbow’s insertion depth.
Step 2: Crimp the End (If Needed)
Some elbows and downspouts require crimping to fit snugly. If your elbow doesn’t slide in easily, crimp the end of the downspout using a crimping tool or a good pair of pliers.
No crimper? Squeeze three sides manually, it’s not fancy, but it works.
Helpful Resource -> Crimping Instructions
Step 3: Dry Fit Your Elbow
Slide the elbow into place and check alignment. This is your one chance to adjust before the glue goes on. Don’t rush it, small tweaks now prevent big regrets later.
Step 4: Seal the Joint
Apply gutter seam glue to the inside lip of the elbow (or the crimped spout) and slide the parts together. Hold for a few seconds to let the adhesive grab.
If you're using plastic elbows like FlushFit, only use gutter seam glue, I can’t stress that enough.
Step 5: Secure Everything with Brackets
Water is heavy, especially when it flows fast. Use brackets every 3–4 feet to prevent the downspout from sagging, pulling loose, or twisting under pressure. If you're going around a corner or over a feature, add an extra bracket for support at the turn.
Final Tips Before You Redirect
By now, you’ve got a solid handle on the “how” and “why” of redirecting your downspout 90 degrees. But before you call it a day and put the tools away, let me leave you with a few tried-and-true tips. These are the little details that separate a quick fix from a long-term solution, and trust me, your foundation will thank you.
Always Plan for the Water Exit, Not Just the Turn
I see this all the time: folks get so focused on making that 90-degree turn that they forget to think about where the water actually ends up. A redirected downspout without a proper exit path just sends the problem somewhere new, like your mulch bed, patio, or even worse, your basement.
Map the route all the way to the final outlet. Whether that’s a popup emitter, dry well, rain barrel, or daylight runoff, make sure you’ve got gravity and grading working in your favor.
Test It With a Garden Hose
Don’t wait for the next thunderstorm to find out your setup doesn’t drain. Run a garden hose through your gutter or downspout and watch what happens. Does it flow smoothly? Pool up? Leak at a seam? This test can save you from costly surprises.
Watch the First Few Storms Like a Hawk
After installation, your job isn’t done. Keep an eye on your system during the next few rainfalls. Look for signs of overflow, sagging, or water pooling near the foundation. If anything seems off, adjust early before water damage sets in.
Use Brackets Every 3–4 Feet
Downspouts and elbows carry a surprising amount of weight, especially during heavy storms. Without proper support, fittings will wiggle loose, seams will leak, and over time, you’ll be right back at square one. Install sturdy brackets every 3 to 4 feet, and don’t skimp near elbows or transitions.
Avoid Shortcuts
I get it, cutting corners is tempting. But when it comes to water flow, every shortcut today is a headache tomorrow. Improper slope? Standing water. Loose connections? Leaks. Unsupported pipes? Sag and snap.
If you’re not sure what part you need, or just want to do it right the first time, reach out. That’s what we’re here for at AquaBarrel.
Need Help Finding the Right Elbow? Talk to the Experts
Redirecting a downspout, especially at a 90-degree angle, might seem like a small project. But when you factor in slope, materials, weather, and water management, it quickly becomes the kind of job where the right part makes all the difference.
That’s where we come in.
At AquaBarrel, we don’t just sell parts, we solve problems. Whether you're trying to tuck a downspout behind your AC unit, run drainage underground, or transition from Style A to Style B elbows, we’ve got the fittings, experience, and straight answers to get it done right.
Need a clean wall-hugging turn? Check out our first-of-its-kind FlushFit 90° Elbow ?
Combining two downspouts? Grab a Y-connector or transition elbow built for real-world installs.
Not sure what you need? Give us a call or shoot us a message. You’ll talk to someone with 20 years of hands-on experience, not a chatbot or a script reader.
Because at AquaBarrel, we’re not just here to sell, we’re here to help. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or weekend DIY warrior, we’ve got your back, and your downspout.