Clogged Gutter Downspout

Learn more about how downspouts work.

Clogged gutter downspout.

The downspout cage a wire strainer designed to trap debris while allowing water to flow through is located where the downspout intersects the gutter. Over time leaves dirt and other debris can clog up the pipe. When you fail to clear out a clogged downspout water backs up and the excess water may damage the exterior and. Often homeowners remember to clear out gutters but forget downspouts which means that water flows down smoothly from the roof through the gutters and then gets stuck in a clogged downspout.

These obstructions catch leaves and twigs. Then use a ladder to reach the top of the downspout insert a. If your downpipe isn t draining or water is flowing out the back then it s probably clogged. Since leaking gutters can create water damage weaken your home s foundation or make walkways slippery it s important to unblock the downspout as soon as possible.

To unclog a gutter downspout try your easiest options first. If you notice water leaking over the sides of your gutters there may be something stuck in your downspout preventing it from draining. A downpipe drain is the underground pipe that runs water from gutters away from a building and usually lets out at the curb. Then climb back up and try rinsing the downspout with your garden hose again.

To ensure our content is always up to date with current information best practices and professional advice articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands on experience. Elbows in downspouts are the worst culprits and the flexible metal cable of a plumber s snake is the best way to clean them out. Walk down the ladder one rung at a time gently knocking on the side of the downspout as you go. Often this item is bent or out of place.

Here s how to do it. Insert the end of the plumber s snake in the downspout until it meets resistance. Tips on how to unclog a gutter downspout. Start by cleaning the bottom downspout opening.

Expose the bottom downspout opening divert the flow away from any landscape drain and then use a garden trowel to reach up into the opening and remove any clogged leaves and debris that could have accumulated there. The good news is it s not hard to clean gutters. Follow these suggestions to unclog your downspout starting with the easiest options first. Where s the gutter clogged.

Use this guide to learn the basics of how to clean gutters and downspouts. Gutter hangers and spikes often slip free from the fascia landing in the gutter.