Fiskars 5962 Rain Barrel DiverterPro Kit, Black Review

I did a lot of research before buying a diverter, and am still happy with this one.It does what it's supposed to do - divert rain from the downspout to a rain barrel until the barrel is full, then automatically send everything down the spout.Installation was rather easy and the quality seems fine for what it is.I like the fact that you can hook up a barrel on either side - or both!I hid my barrel around the corner so it's on the back side of my garage and out of sight, and used less than half the supplied hose.Here are a few improvements I would recommend, however:

- The ports on either side of the unit for connecting hoses are split down the middle.I assume this is to increase flexibility, making it easier to attach the included hose. However, this also means that it leaks a bit.One layer of waterproof tape around the outside took care of this.Changing the design to use a barbed fitting would make more sense.
- I used this with the 2x3" downspout converter kit.The top is fine.The downspout fits inside the adapter.On the bottom, however, the same fitment causes it to leak at that junction. A little forethought and some silicone sealant during installation took care of this (used silicone for all connections).Again, design could be easily changed so that the adapter fits inside the downspout on the bottom, preventing leaks.
- During light rains, the diverter doesn't send as much water to the barrel as I had hoped. In theory, ALL the water should be diverted during a light rain.However, the removable screen/diverter just fits loosely in the housing and some water leaks through.Design could be improved to make a tighter seal, possibly using a gasket, while still being able to remove for cleaning.
- Why black?I would guess that 95% of downspouts are white.I would have been willing to spend a little more for white plastic from the manufacturer than live with black or have to paint it myself.

All in all, though, a great unit and certainly worth 4 stars.I'm just nit picking here so others will know exactly what to expect when they buy one.

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Product Description:
The worry-free downspout DiverterPro Kit has an improved capture rate during heavier rains and is easier to clean and winterize. Includes removable filter to capture debris and transparent "door" to see if cleaning is required. Couplers convert from 3 X 4 inch to 2 X 3 inch gutters.The 3X 4 inch internal diameter through the entire diverter prevents gutter overflow during heavy downpours.

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