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Buried downspouts can freeze during cold weather as cold water runs through them. If you’ve discovered your downspouts are frozen, you can carefully pour hot water down the top of the downspout to defrost them. If that doesn’t work, you may need to dig your downspout back up. Avoid trying to break the ice from the exterior using a hammer as this can cause cracks and damage to your downspout.

To avoid freezing the future, consider adding a heating cable to the exterior, which can adjust heat based on the surrounding temperature.

Failing to clean your gutters can lead to serious and costly damage. When leaves and other debris cause blockages, water cannot drain properly and will overflow. This can lead to water pooling around your home’s foundation, causing basement flooding and structural damage. The overflow can also damage your roof, siding, and fascia boards, with the constant moisture promoting mold, mildew, and rot. The weight of wet debris can cause gutters to sag or break, while stagnant water creates a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes and rodents. Additionally, runoff can damage landscaping or freeze on driveways and patios, causing cracks. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to clean your gutters at least once or twice a year.

It’s best to schedule regular gutter cleanings before there’s a major issue, but sometimes life gets in the way. Luckily, a few telltale signs will let you know when to clean your gutters ASAP:

• You notice built-up debris in your gutters.

• Your gutters overflow with water when it rains.

• Water doesn’t readily flow from your downspouts.

• Your gutters are damaged or visibly leaking.

• You notice evidence of leaking along your roof, siding, yard, or pavement.

• Your gutters have pulled away from your roofing or exterior walls.

• You see water damage on your soffits or fascia.

• You have weeds growing in your gutters.

• You start to see ants or other insects around your gutters or in your home.

• You suddenly have issues with leaks in your crawl space or basement.

Installing a leaf protection system that keeps leaves and pine needles out of your gutter downspout is the best way to prevent clogs. Additionally, you may want to remove any trees or branches that are hanging over your downspouts to prevent leaves and branches from making their way into your gutter system. Of course, routine downspout cleaning and inspection can also help you stay ahead of clogs that create water damage at your home.