Clogged Gutters Can Lead to Leaks and Floods

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Clogged Gutters Can Lead to Leaks and Floods

By Jim The Plumber

We are in the middle of the wet season and if you haven’t cleaned your gutters yet then there is no time like the present.
Cleaning out your gutters may feel like a hassle, but getting the job done twice a year will go a long way toward helping you avoid water damage all over your home, especially at your roofline.

What’s the Worst That Can Happen?

All sorts of debris can land in your gutters. Usually, it’s leaves, twigs, and seeds, but windborne trash like plastic bags can easily end up jamming up the works.

When this happens, the first part of your home in danger of water damage is your roof. Pooling water in your gutters can rot your fascia and the gutter itself. The weight of the water can also cause your gutter to sage.

During heavy rains, water will eventually spill over the top of the gutter and hit the ground right next to your home. This can cause a trench to form along the edge of your home, affecting grass growth and leaving a wet, muddy mess. In worst cases, water can spill back over the facia back into the house ruining ceilings and floors.

What’s the Worst That Can Happen?

All sorts of debris can land in your gutters. Usually, it’s leaves, twigs, and seeds, but windborne trash like plastic bags can easily end up jamming up the works.

During heavy rains, water will eventually spill over the top of the gutter and hit the ground right next to your home. This can cause a trench to form along the edge of your home, affecting grass growth and leaving a wet, muddy mess. In worst cases water can spill back over the facia back into the house ruining ceilings and floors.

Cleanup Time

Most homeowners can take care of their gutters with just two thorough cleanings each year. But homes with many nearby trees may need to add another clean during summer and should look at the option of installing a good quality gutter guard to keep debris out of the gutter.

Cleaning your own gutters is easy but messy. It also involves standing on a ladder, so it’s not a great task for those with mobility problems or a fear of heights.

To clean your gutters, begin by observing ladder safety — make sure your ladder is placed on level ground and properly locked in place, have a spotter where possible and never overreach. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.

Hook an empty bucket to the top of the ladder to collect the debris you remove. Wear work gloves, and consider taking along a handheld garden tool like a trowel or hand rake. These can be helpful for scraping waterlogged sludge from the bottom of the gutter.

When the gutter is clear, use a hose to wash it clean and watch to ensure it’s flowing freely through the downpipe. If it’s not, you have a clog in the downpipe that needs clearing. Use your garden hose at full pressure to hose out the downpipe from the bottom up. You might need to remove the bottom section of the downpipe to do this. If the hose doesn’t work, a plumbing snake will almost always get the job done.

Call in the Cleaners

If you are unable to clean your gutters or you have found them already rusting or sagging, just call in your local license’s plumber. You will be surprised how reasonable it is to fix or replace gutters on your house or business. Having someone install a gutter guard can also save you time and money cleaning gutters in the future. Don’t wait to address your gutter situation, reach out to us today on 0428315005 for a free measure and quote.