What's the purpose of a rain chain?

Question

We don't have any gutters on our house. Could we still use a rain chain?

Answer 1

The rain chain takes water from the gutters to the ground, with much less splashing and erosion, than if it just fell.  It does not collect water as a gutter does, so wouldn't be of much use to you.

Answer 2

You need something to channel the water to the chain.  Usually they replace the downspout of a gutter system.

Answer 3

We were told that we could use a rain chain in a corner where we do not have gutters. It channels the water down rather than letting it splash and erode your area.