Having a clogged downspout is a common problem for many homeowners. Once you notice that there’s water overflowing from your downspout, and there are signs of moisture on your exterior walls, it’s probably already clogged. Cleaning your gutter regularly will mostly prevent this from happening, but sometimes it will still clog due to a storm or strong wind carrying wind and debris.
So, what should you do when your downspout gets clogged?
In this short guide, we’ll try to help you learn how to do it thoroughly and safely, so keep on reading if you want to find out!
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1. Get some stable ladders first
To be able to clean your gutter properly, the first thing you need to do is to invest in a pair of ladders. You’ll need to start at the top, so if you’re not comfortable using the ladders, you might want to consider hiring professional cleaning services.
Whatever you do, make sure your ladders are stable and always be careful while you’re climbing them. Get a friend to help you if you’re not skilled in working at height. You’ll also need some cleaning tools such as a trowel, so make sure to equip yourself properly before you go cleaning.
2. Check the downspout for clogs
Sometimes a clog can occur deeper in the gutter system, and then it becomes a bit tricky to clean it. Get a hose and try pushing the clog away with water pressure first. If your clog isn’t severe, this should be enough to do the trick. If you notice that the clog is persisting, you can try to clean it with a drain snake, if you have one. Of course, this will require a lot of effort on your part, especially if you’re not skilled at using the drain auger.
All in all, it all depends on the whereabouts and the severity of the clog. You’ll probably be able to deal with it yourself, but sometimes, it’s better to get professional help instead.
3. Get a sewer jetter
If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn clogs frequently, you might want to invest in a sewer jetter machine. You’ll need some time to get comfortable using it, and it can be a bit expensive, but it’s a great way to deal with downspout clogging. If you live in a stormy part of the world, then investing in a sewer jetter is a must-do!
Again, if you’re not comfortable in using the machine, and your downspout doesn’t clog that frequently it’s better to consult with a professional service such as www.guttercleaningspecialists.co.uk.
4. Check your drainpipes
If your downspout is connected to a drainpipe, the clogging can sometimes occur in that part of the drainage system. Unfortunately, that can be a bit difficult to clean since the pipes usually go below the house. Still, if the clog is reachable enough, you can still do it by yourself if you know how to. First, you’ll need to remove the downspout from the drainpipe. Get a cleaning tool like a drain snake and try to remove the clog to the best of your ability. If the clogging happened too far up the drainpipe, it’s time to call a professional gutter cleaning service. They’ll have the necessary tools and experience to clean the drainpipe efficiently, and they’ll be able to provide you with useful advice on preventing the drainpipes from clogging.
5. Prevention measures
Dealing with clogs in your downspout can be a daunting task. It’s extremely inconvenient and it requires a lot of effort to be done properly. So, instead of waiting for a clog to appear, you should rather try to prevent it from happening.
Make sure to clean the gutter regularly, and always check it after windy or stormy days. Other than that, you should consider installing gutter guards and other preventive equipment to ensure your downspout stays safe from clogs. Do your research and consider asking the professionals for advice. They’ll be able to recommend the best ways to stop your downspout from getting clogged up all the time. It will save you a lot of time, effort, and money in the long haul, so it’s definitely a worthy investment to make.
6. Trim the trees surrounding your home
While it won’t completely prevent the clogging, trimming the trees that are close to your gutter can do wonders for your downspout! Leaves, branches, and animal waste are the number one cause for clogged downspouts, so make sure you keep the trees around your house trimmed, especially during the autumn season.
It’s not only good for your downspout, but it’s also great for your backyard trees. It will keep them healthy and growing. What’s more, you’ll also be able to avoid branches from breaking and damaging your property during stormy days.
So yes, make sure to trim those trees and keep your downspout clean and clog-free!
7. Consider hiring the professionals
We’ve mentioned this many times before, but the easiest way to deal with clogged downspouts is by hiring a professional service. You’ll know that the job was done well, so you won’t have to worry about any clogs long after it’s done. It will save you a lot of time, effort, and potentially money.
Also, you’ll get some sound advice on how to properly maintain your gutter and downspout so you can avoid clogs in the future. If the clog is severe, it takes a lot of skill and knowledge to be dealt with, so don’t hesitate to seek some professional assistance.
The bottom line
A clogged downspout can be a huge inconvenience, especially if it happens frequently. Cleaning and unclogging it can be difficult depending on the severity of the blockage, your skills, and your equipment. If you prefer doing it yourself, make sure to invest in proper tools and remember to do regular checkups. Once it becomes a routine, you’ll be able to deal with most of those issues quickly and effortlessly. Still, once the clogging becomes too extreme, it’s best to hire a gutter cleaning service.
