But, all situations are different and for a rain chain to work without a gutter, the water would have to come down from the roof in a vertical manner to a point, such as a corner or valley of a house. Instead of a downspout, we have a rain chain off of our back patio. Rainbarrel Without Gutter Inspiration Garden- Irrigation Pinterest Backyard Landscaping Designs Home Landscaping Garden Irrigation Installing rain chains is quite easy, although if you're not comfortable working on your roof, you may want to hire a handyman for help. How do rain chains work with gutters . Installing chains without a gutter. Closing the end of the canale is dangerous to the roof, as water can back up if the hole for the rain chain isn't large enough to drain quickly enough. Divert rainwater without gutters or downspouts with a rain chain. A rain chain attaches to a gutter's downspout opening and works to to slow and control water runoff from the roof and direct it to the ground. ...