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How To Unclog A Rain Gutter

by | Nov 26, 2019 | Blog | 0 comments

Part of your regular home maintenance includes inspecting your rain gutter for debris that might be clogging your gutter. Water backs up when your rain gutter is obstructed, which leads to soil erosion and water damage to your home. It’s essential to clean your rain gutter at least twice a year to prevent leaves and twigs from building up in your system. If you’ve detected your gutter is clogged, you’ll need to unclog it quickly to avoid damage to your landscaping, home’s exterior, foundation, and gutters. Keep on reading to find out how you can unclog your rain gutter. 

 

Determining if Your Gutter Is Clogged

The best time to perform a rain gutter inspection is after it rains because you’ll be able to see any noticeable signs of a clogged gutter. Check for the following clogged gutter symptoms:

  • Water sprays like a fountain from the gutter’s seams and elbow joints. 
  • Water spills over the gutter’s edges. 
  • Water can’t flow out of the bottom of your gutter’s downspout extensions. 

If it doesn’t rain much in your area, you can still perform a biannual gutter inspection. Check for the following telltale signs of a clogged gutter:

  • The gutter is pulling away from the fascia, likely caused by excessive weight
  • Wet, moist, dirty siding beneath your gutter
  • Peeling paint on siding fascia
  • Dirt erosion directly below your gutter

If you’ve determined your rain gutter is clogged, you’ll need to pinpoint the exact location of the problem, which can present a challenge. Start by checking your gutter’s downspout cage, which is a water strainer designed to trap debris while allowing water to flow through. One of the most common downspout cage problems is that it’s prone to bending out of place. 

Another problem your rain gutter might be experiencing is slipping gutter hangers and spikes, which sometimes slip away from the fascia and land inside the gutter. Misplaced hangers and spikes can block your gutters, which will trap twigs and leaves; this will clog your gutter as a result. Some homeowners have downspouts that descend below ground level, and it’s likely the clog is a result of a fractured underground pipe. 

 

Unclogging Your Rain Gutter

If your downspout cage is causing your rain gutter clog, you’ll need to do the following:

  1. Remove the downspout cage and clean it. 
  2. Remove all the accumulated debris stuck inside your rain gutter. 
  3. If your cage is in good shape, reseat it into the downspout hole. 
  4. If your cage is damaged, you’ll need to buy a replacement screen. 

If loose hangers or spikes are clogging your rain gutter, you’re in luck because it’s an easy fix. Do the following:

  1. Rid your gutter of any debris.
  2. Reposition your gutter’s supports or repair them as needed. 

Unfortunately, if your gutter’s problem is coming from an underground pipe, you won’t be able to fix the issue on your own. Treating a fractured underground pipe requires deep excavation, and you may not have the proper equipment to perform this task.

 

Perhaps it’s time to replace your home’s rain gutter system. M&M Gutters offers k-style rain gutters, half-round gutters, and copper gutters. Our expert team will determine which rain gutter is best for your home. Contact us today.