Downspouts are the backbone of gutter systems, as they play a critical role in directing water away from your home’s foundation. Over time, they can get clogged and crash the entire system. Hence, regular inspection and maintenance of the gutter downspouts are crucial to maintaining the system’s functionality.

This post will guide you through the entire clogged gutter downspout cleaning process. We will use the cleaning tools that are easily available in your home.

When To Clean The Gutter Downspouts

Downspouts are vertical pipes connected to gutters that drain water away from your home. In Chicago, homeowners should have their gutters professionally cleaned twice a year. However, a few additional signs indicate that they require immediate professional cleaning or gutter repair in Chicago, IL, to ensure proper drainage and protection from water damage. Explore these signs below:

Water Overflow: If water is overflowing from the gutters, it could mean the downspouts are blocked and require professional cleaning.

Sagging Gutters: Displaced gutters are also a sign of clogged downspouts, as the heavy load of water due to blockage can cause them to sag.

Water Accumulating Near The Foundation: Blocked downspouts cause water to spill out close to your home, leading to foundation damage or basement leaks.

No Water Flow from Downspouts: During heavy rain, if nothing comes out of the downspouts’ bottom, it’s probably blocked, signifying the need for immediate repair. 

Tools That You Need

Let’s have a quick look at the tools that you require to clean out the clogged  gutter downspouts:

An Extension Ladder: Use a safe ladder to access the gutters.

Gloves: To save your hands from injuries caused by sharp debris.

Garden Hose: To flush out downspouts.

Plumber’s Snake or Drain Auger: To break up the stubborn waste in the drainpipes.

Bucket or Trash Bag: To collect debris removed from gutters.

Eyewear: To protect the eyes from debris or splashing water.

Procedure to Clean Out Clogged Gutter Downspouts

Unclogging gutter downspouts requires a systematic approach. Otherwise, not following the proper procedure can damage the system. Thus, it is advisable to reach out to gutter cleaning experts who have profound experience in gutter maintenance. Below is a detailed guide outlining the correct procedure for cleaning out the drainpipes.

1. Wear The Safety Gear

Prepare for safety first, as cleaning the drainpipes is challenging and risky. The waste stuck in the pipes can have sharp objects that can cause injuries. Also, the ladder should be placed in a safe and stable place.

2. Evacuate Waste From The Gutters

The process starts with cleaning the gutters. Use a brush or your hands to remove debris from the channels, and then check the downspouts for any visible blockage. If spotting debris in the pipes is difficult, proceed to the next steps.

3. Flush The Downspout With Water

The step is required to confirm a blockage in the pipe. Connect a garden hose to a water source and insert the nozzle into the downspout’s top. Check if the water flows easily through the drainpipes. If not, then adhere to the next steps to unclog the downspouts.

4. Break The Stubborn Waste

Get a plumber’s snake or drain auger to clean the downspouts deep. Insert it into the drainpipe and rotate it to break up the clog. After this, flush the downspout again to test whether the water flows easily.

5. Remove The Downspout If Necessary

If water is not flowing through the pipes, you must proceed to detach the downspout. Flush the water from the top, and use a wire brush to unclog the pipes. This can take time. And after it is cleaned, reattach the downspout.

6. Test Again

Once everything is done, retest the gutter systems by flushing the drain pipes. If water is still not coming out, seek help from the professionals. They will quickly help you find an effective solution.

Mistakes To Avoid:

Cleaning clogged gutter downspouts requires careful steps. A minor mistake can damage the system and lead to an expensive fix. Ensure that you are avoiding the following mistakes:

• Using high-pressure washing
• Attempting it without adequate knowledge
• Harshly and quickly evacuating the waste
• Not wearing the safety gear
• Positioning the ladder at an unstable place

Don’t Attempt It Yourself If:

Homeowners must not go ahead with the DIY tips to clean the  gutter systems and must leave it to the professionals if they notice the following signs:

Multi-story Homes or Steep Roofs

Cleaning the gutters of homes with more than one story becomes difficult and risky, as it is hard to reach the Gutter surface with a ladder. Thus, leaving it up to the professionals remains an ideal option.

Lack of Appropriate Tools

If you don’t have the proper tools, avoid cleaning the system yourself; this will just waste your time. The professionals’ tools simplify the cleaning procedure and inform you about the damage and repair solutions.

Signs of Water Damage

If you have observed water damage to your home’s siding and foundations, this could indicate a serious problem and require quick attention. Therefore, don’t delay calling the professionals to receive immediate help.

Preventing The Downspouts From Getting Clogged

Now, adhere to the essential tips to safeguard the gutter downspouts from the problem of clogging:

Install Gutter Guards

Shield the gutter systems with high-quality gutter guards, which not only protect the channels and downspouts from debris but also make maintenance and cleaning easy.

Regular Cleaning Schedule

Ensure you schedule the regular gutter maintenance to optimize the system’s functionality. Addressing the problem quickly is required to avoid costly system repairs.

Keep The Surroundings Clean

Maintain the area near the downspouts’ exit point and regularly cut the branches of the trees around the gutter system.

Conclusion

Clogged gutter downspouts can lead to serious issues, from damaging the system to increasing your home’s risk of water damage. Calling for professional help can make things easier, but even they can’t prevent costly repairs in the future if the system isn’t maintained regularly. Thus, ensure that the gutter system is professionally inspected and cleaned twice a year to prevent damage to the system and your home.