Measure the distance between the downspout and the run’s beginning. For every 10 feet of distance, the gutters should slope one-quarter inch toward the downspout.

Q: Every time it rains, I see a beautiful cascading waterfall. Unfortunately, the waterfall is right above my front door. Help me keep the rain off my head and explain how to install rain gutters.

You’ll need a downspout adapter and end cap, some 4-in. PVC pipe and adapters. Pros: This is especially effective when the extension needs to cross a walkway or is in a “knock-off-prone” area.

I discovered a partially frozen pond where the corner drain leading to the downspout is. I chopped up the ice, shoveled off the surrounding snow and baled the remaining water and the leaking stopped.