Downpipe Installation South Africa covers new downpipes, replacements and extra downpipes where gutters overflow. Describe the house once and compare quotes from independent installers.
- Downpipes carry water from the gutter outlet to the ground, a drain or a tank.
- Too few or blocked downpipes are a common cause of overflowing gutters.
Describe the job once and compare downpipe quotes.
Get Downpipe QuotesNew Downpipes and Replacement
- New. Part of a gutter installation, or added where one downpipe is not enough.
- Replacement. For cracked, rusted, dented or loose downpipes, or to match new gutters.
- Relocation. To move water away from a door, patio or foundation.
Materials and Shapes
| Material | Shapes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | Rectangular, round | Pre-painted to match aluminium gutters |
| Chromadek / steel | Rectangular, round | Matches steel gutters; watch cut edges |
| Galvanised steel | Round, square | Strong, can rust over time |
| PVC | Round (commonly 75 - 80 mm), square | Low cost, used with PVC gutters |
Outlets
The outlet is where the gutter joins the downpipe. It must be sized to the downpipe and placed at the low point of the fall. A rain head or leaf catcher at the top makes cleaning easier on houses under trees.
Blockages
- Leaves and seeds packing into the outlet.
- Too many tight bends, especially at offsets around eaves.
- Debris in underground pipes at the bottom.
- Nests and wasps in rarely used downpipes.
See gutter cleaning for clearing, or gutter guards to reduce debris.
Routing and Discharge
- Run downpipes to a stormwater drain, channel, soakaway or splash block that carries water away from walls.
- Do not discharge onto a neighbour's property.
- Do not connect downpipes to the sewer; municipalities generally prohibit stormwater in sewers.
- To collect water, connect to a rainwater tank with an overflow.
Downpipe Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Downpipe installed | R150 - R500 per downpipe |
| PVC downpipe, installed | R185 - R245 per metre |
| Aluminium downpipe, 2.7 m length | About R195, excl. VAT |
| PVC downpipe, 3 m length, retail | R120 - R215 |
| Galvanised downpipe, 2.7 m length, retail | R120 - R185 |
| Downpipe reattachment | R350 - R550 |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Compiled from price guides and retailer listings published on South African websites (updated between March 2025 and July 2026, plus undated retailer listings), checked 15 October 2026 and rounded. Sources disagree, and most installed rates come from Gauteng guides, so quotes in your area can differ. Unless a row says so, the sources do not state whether VAT is included, so confirm VAT on every quote. Photos or a site visit and a written quote set the actual price.
Downpipes are often quoted with new gutters. Gutters South Africa gets quotes for both on one request.
Free, with no obligation to appoint anyone.
Get Downpipe QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
How many downpipes does a house need?
Enough for the roof area and gutter size. Long runs often need one at each end or one in the middle with the fall running both ways. The installer should show their layout.
Can I connect downpipes to the sewer?
No. Municipalities generally prohibit stormwater in the sewer. Downpipes should go to stormwater drainage, a soakaway or a tank.
Why does water spill at the top of my downpipe?
Usually a blocked outlet or downpipe, or an outlet too small for the gutter. Clear it first; if it still overflows, an extra downpipe may be needed.
Should downpipes match the gutters?
It looks better and the fittings seal properly when they are from the same system and material.
Can a downpipe feed a rainwater tank?
Yes, through a rain head or leaf screen and a first-flush diverter, with an overflow that drains away from the house.
Related Services
Gutters South Africa is a free quote-comparison service. Work is assessed, quoted and carried out by independent contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for a written quote, what is and is not included, proof of insurance and the payment terms before paying anything.
Downpipe Installation South Africa. Describe your job once and compare quotes from independent contractors.
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