Water is among the Earth’s most precious resources, and considering drought conditions that have plagued various communities all over the planet, any strategy that conserves and directs needed water is worth considering. That’s where rain chains come in.
Seen mostly on single-family homes, rain chains are decorative metal structures constructed with vertical links that are designed to catch and funnel rainwater from roof gutters to other parts of your property. With a rain chain, rainwater runoff gets distributed from the rooftop gutter downward and through the device. Rain chains are made of a series of receptacles, chained together via a hole in the bottom of each. They are available for purchase in standard lengths of about eight feet – though the length is adjustable – and most kits come with a hanger. Do it yourself types can construct their own unique rain chain from scratch.
Often ornamental and artistic, rain chains can visually enhance your front or back yard and even provide the relaxing sound of cascading water as the rain trickles down the chain from the roof to the ground.
Rain chains are not a novel concept, but they may be obscure to some in the west. Originating in Japan where they are called Kusari-Doi, they’ve been used for thousands of years. They are also popular in various places in South America.
Here are the major benefits of using a rain chain.
Reasons to use a rain chain
They’re functional
Rain chains attach to gutters or eaves, a replacement for the familiar closed gutter downspout. Just place them at the corner of the gutters, where a traditional downspout would be located. As rain water falls down the roof and into the