How to Unclog a Gutter Downspout

A downspout drain is often referred to as a gutter extension. It is a vertical pipe that guides water down your gutters and away from your home. This can become blocked with leaves, animal matter, or other pesky debris.

Blockages can be costly and can cause structural damage to your home in the worst-case scenario. To prevent any damage, you’ll need to unclog the downspout gutter extension if this ever occurs.

Leafguard gutters are specially designed to stop clogging, so it’s very unlikely that you’ll need to worry about a downspout cleanout. If it does happen, you’re covered for professional cleaning by our lifetime guarantee.

Learn more about how to clean your downspout if it does become clogged.

How to clear a blocked downspout

Learning how to clean a downspout is the first step to your downspout cleanout. While it’s best done by a professional, there are a few things you can try yourself if you would prefer. Follow these steps to get started:

1. First, you need to locate the clog. It might help to start by cleaning the bottom of the downspout.

2. Expose the opening and use a trowel to remove any debris that you can reach.

3. Place your ladder alongside the downspout. Leave enough space between the ladder and the vertical gutter for you to work. Take care to use ladder safety tips to prevent falls.

4. Use a garden hose or gutter snake to poke into the top opening to try and dislodge any further debris. You can create a seal and ask someone to turn on the hose so that you can use water pressure to try and remove any build-up.

5. In a lot of cases, the blockage can be found in the elbow of the downspout. You may need to physically take the downspout apart at the elbow.

6. Once you have dislodged the blockage, unclog the downspout. Make sure to put everything back together again carefully.

This may not seem like the easiest task – and it isn’t. It can be a nuisance, and if it’s not done properly, it can cause a bigger issue. Using a professional to unclog your downspouts is quicker, safer, and more effective.

Gutter repair safety

When it comes to maintaining your gutters, prioritizing your safety is crucial. Take necessary precautions to protect yourself during repairs and maintenance. Wear gloves and safety goggles to shield yourself from potential hazards. Plan your gutter maintenance carefully, particularly when working at heights. Use a sturdy, grounded ladder and have a helper present as a spotter to ensure a safer working environment.

Signs of a blocked downspout

It’s best to stay on top of all things to do with your gutter health. It's important to know what to look out for when it comes to your downspout drain. Some of the key signs of a clogged downspout include:

• Overflowing gutters
• Water pooling around your home’s foundation
• Water stains on the siding

Dangers of a clogged downspout

These signs usually indicate that something is wrong. The route that the water would flow away from your home has become blocked. It could cause the water to spill out of the gutter or seep into your property. This can result in water damage or mold – endangering your house and its foundations. It’s important to solve this issue as quickly as possible to reduce damage to your home.

Preventing future clogs in your downspout

Regular cleaning

It helps if you clean your gutters occasionally to avoid a build-up of debris. You can either do this yourself or hire a professional to make sure your gutters are squeaky clean.

Frequent inspections

Similarly, keeping an eye on whether your gutters are clear is a great way to stay on top of it. If you start to notice any blockages or leaks, they could need cleaning.

Install gutter guards

A gutter guard can help to stop any unwanted debris from blocking your gutters. Acting as a defense against animal matter, leaves, and twigs, a gutter guard can make your life a   whole lot easier. The guard can stop clogs while allowing water to pass through your gutter system.

Trim trees and bushes

Keep on top of pruning and make sure that any bushes or trees near your gutters are neat and tidy. This will prevent foliage from falling into your gutters and causing blockages.

Add downspout extensions

You can attach a downspout gutter extension to your gutters to help control the water flow. They help to guide water to the ground and divert it away from the foundations of your house.

Leafguard’s lifetime guarantee

You can breathe a sigh of relief. Leafguard's proprietary gutter design prevents clogs and the need for frequent cleaning. We are so confident that our gutters will not clog that we offer a lifetime maintenance guarantee for our gutter systems.

Get a Free Estimate Today and save yourself the hassle later.