The only flexible downspout extensions that are available
in the local supply stores are made from vinyl.

The problem with vinyl extensions, in my experience, is
that they only last a few months before they are cracked
and fractured in multiple places. I don't know if its
exposure to the sun, cold, or what but they crack and
need to be replaced very often.

Is there a durable alternative or is vinyl the only material
available for flexible downspout extensions?

I can't cobble together several rigid aluminum extensions because
I need to swing the whole unit around to move cars, trim
grass, etc.

On Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 10:58:03 AM UTC-4, F Russell wrote:
The only flexible downspout extensions that are available
in the local supply stores are made from vinyl.

The problem with vinyl extensions, in my experience, is
that they only last a few months before they are cracked
and fractured in multiple places. I don't know if its
exposure to the sun, cold, or what but they crack and
need to be replaced very often.

Is there a durable alternative or is vinyl the only material
available for flexible downspout extensions?

I can't cobble together several rigid aluminum extensions because
I need to swing the whole unit around to move cars, trim
grass, etc.

IDK, what vinyl product you're using. I have both the 4" corrugated round
flexible black pipe as well as some smaller green flexible ones that
have a rectangle end that fits the downspouts. Used both, IDK what they
are made from, but they've lasted many years, 10+, with no cracking.
Bought them at HD or Lowes, etc.

On Thu, 19 Sep 2019 09:12:01 -0700, trader_4 wrote:


IDK, what vinyl product you're using. I have both the 4" corrugated round
flexible black pipe as well as some smaller green flexible ones that
have a rectangle end that fits the downspouts. Used both, IDK what they
are made from, but they've lasted many years, 10+, with no cracking.
Bought them at HD or Lowes, etc.


This is an example. I see these at every store and nothing else:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Flex-A-S...5010/100057879

When stretched apart the material joining each segment is seen to be
very thin, and this is where the cracking/breakage will occur.

On 9/19/19 10:57 AM, F Russell wrote:
The only flexible downspout extensions that are available
in the local supply stores are made from vinyl.

The problem with vinyl extensions, in my experience, is
that they only last a few months before they are cracked
and fractured in multiple places. I don't know if its
exposure to the sun, cold, or what but they crack and
need to be replaced very often.

Is there a durable alternative or is vinyl the only material
available for flexible downspout extensions?

I can't cobble together several rigid aluminum extensions because
I need to swing the whole unit around to move cars, trim
grass, etc.


Sounds like your project is screaming for a Channel Drain and some buried pipe. Maybe run the drain across your yard into your neighbors?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C39FWbhqiSA

In alt.home.repair, on 19 Sep 2019 14:57:36 GMT, F Russell
wrote:

The only flexible downspout extensions that are available
in the local supply stores are made from vinyl.

The problem with vinyl extensions, in my experience, is
that they only last a few months before they are cracked
and fractured in multiple places. I don't know if its
exposure to the sun, cold, or what but they crack and
need to be replaced very often.

Myabe you have them stretched out almost to the max so that when bent
and when swung around there is even more tension on the flex areas.

Is there a durable alternative or is vinyl the only material
available for flexible downspout extensions?

I can't cobble together several rigid aluminum extensions because
I need to swing the whole unit around to move cars, trim
grass, etc.

On Thu, 19 Sep 2019 22:08:56 -0400, micky wrote:


Myabe you have them stretched out almost to the max so that when bent
and when swung around there is even more tension on the flex areas.


"Stretching" may not be the best word to use.

The extensions are composed of many collapsed segments. To lengthen
the pipe, one or more of these segments can be un-collapsed, or
pulled apart.

But for each segment it is either all or nothing. That is, the
segment is either collapsed or pulled apart maximally. There is
no half-way or partial-way point.

It seems, however, that I am the only one experiencing this problem.

I suspect that it is the sunlight. All my extensions are
on the north side and exposed to the sun all day. Vinyl is supposed
to contain additives that resist UV but maybe these do not.

On Friday, September 20, 2019 at 4:14:03 AM UTC-4, F Russell wrote:
On Thu, 19 Sep 2019 22:08:56 -0400, micky wrote:


Myabe you have them stretched out almost to the max so that when bent
and when swung around there is even more tension on the flex areas.


"Stretching" may not be the best word to use.

The extensions are composed of many collapsed segments. To lengthen
the pipe, one or more of these segments can be un-collapsed, or
pulled apart.

But for each segment it is either all or nothing. That is, the
segment is either collapsed or pulled apart maximally. There is
no half-way or partial-way point.

It seems, however, that I am the only one experiencing this problem.

I suspect that it is the sunlight. All my extensions are
on the north side and exposed to the sun all day. Vinyl is supposed
to contain additives that resist UV but maybe these do not.

Mostly shaded here, so that could very well be the difference.

On Fri, 20 Sep 2019 07:29:05 -0700 (PDT), trader_4 wrote:

On Friday, September 20, 2019 at 4:14:03 AM UTC-4, F Russell wrote:
On Thu, 19 Sep 2019 22:08:56 -0400, micky wrote:


Myabe you have them stretched out almost to the max so that when bent
and when swung around there is even more tension on the flex areas.


"Stretching" may not be the best word to use.

The extensions are composed of many collapsed segments. To lengthen
the pipe, one or more of these segments can be un-collapsed, or
pulled apart.

But for each segment it is either all or nothing. That is, the
segment is either collapsed or pulled apart maximally. There is
no half-way or partial-way point.

It seems, however, that I am the only one experiencing this problem.

I suspect that it is the sunlight. All my extensions are
on the north side and exposed to the sun all day. Vinyl is supposed
to contain additives that resist UV but maybe these do not.

Mostly shaded here, so that could very well be the difference.

I've been using these for years in full sunlight.
https://www.amazon.com/Flex-Drain-AD...YCQRQYTR1TY88D

My garage drained into my driveway. I sent it opposte into neighboors yard. He put in concrete drain runoff. I put a 20 bill next to it. He hates me.