One task that is often forgotten during the business of fall is the upkeep of gutters and downspouts. While all the colorful fall foliage adds charm to the season, it can also accumulate rapidly in gutters, potentially leading to plumbing issues if overlooked. Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your home’s foundation, roof, and siding, making it a task of utmost importance that warrants your attention.
At Westerville Plumbing & Drain, we take pride in providing expert insights and valuable tips to safeguard your home through the essential maintenance of your gutters and downspouts. Our team is committed to delivering professional solutions that ensure the protection and longevity of your property.
How DO YOU KNOW WHEN Your Gutters & Downspouts Need Cleaned?
- The Signs: It is crucial to maintain a watchful eye for signs of overflowing leaves, twigs, and debris, as these indicate that your gutters and downspouts are in need of a thorough cleanup. Similarly, if you notice standing water around the base of your home after heavy rainfall, it is a clear indication that immediate action is required. Proper water drainage is essential, and any pooling in specific areas indicates potential gutter clogs that can lead to water spilling into unintended places.
- The Seasons: To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended to clean your gutter system at least twice a year. If your property is surrounded by trees, consider cleaning them three times a year. The ideal seasons for gutter cleaning are typically spring and early fall. However, if you haven’t had the chance to clean them yet, it’s important to remember that late maintenance is still better than none. In fact, clearing your gutters in mid-November, before the winter weather arrives, is a wise and prudent move.
How to Practice Safety:
Ensuring safety in gutter cleaning is of utmost importance and should never be compromised. If you feel uneasy or unsafe at any point during the process, it is crucial to stop immediately and refrain from proceeding. Professional assistance is always an option. However, if you decide to take a DIY approach and clean them yourself, it is essential to securely position your ladder and consider having a second person assist in stabilizing the ladder’s base. It is worth noting that for multi-story homes, it is safer to entrust this task to professionals equipped with the proper gear and equipment to ensure a secure and successful job.
How to Clean Your Gutters:
When it comes to cleaning gutters, it is recommended to use an extension ladder for cleaning instead of step ladders as they provide better stability. It is also important to have a second person stationed at the base of the ladder to ensure stability while undertaking gutter cleaning. If you opt for this method, using gloves and a small brush will aid in efficiently removing leaves and debris.
Keeping two feet on the ground is also an option. You don’t only have to use a ladder to get the job done. Home improvement stores provide practical tools like gutter cleaning wands and leaf blower attachments to facilitate the process. By utilizing this method, you can ensure a safer and more systematic cleaning experience.
How to Clean Your Down Spouts:
Downspouts play a critical role in the drainage system and therefore require attention as well. To begin, disconnect the downspout extension from its base, granting access to the vertical part of the spout. Next, meticulously clear any loose leaves and debris from both the base of the vertical piece and the detached downspout extension. If the downspout still has some debris that needs to be removed, a garden hose can be utilized to gently flush out any remaining debris and loose particles. However, for stubborn blockages, a plumbing snake is a useful tool.
As winter approaches, it is imperative to prioritize the timely cleaning of your gutters and downspouts. Never underestimate the importance of this seasonal task, as it plays a vital role in preserving the integrity of your home and preventing blockages caused by snowmelt.
If you need plumbing assistance, feel free to reach out to us. At Westerville Plumbing & Drain, we are just a phone call away. You can reach us today at (614) 540-3437 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!