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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.

Yes, it is generally considered safe to use a leaf blower to clear debris from gutters as long as you are wearing safety goggles and gloves. It's also necessary to have a gutter extension tool. In cases of severe clogs, it's necessary to manually clear debris that cannot be removed by the pressure of the leaf blower. Homeowners should be aware that the incredible power and speed of the output of a leaf blower can blow debris into downspouts. When this happens, water won't be able to flow through the gutters properly. For this reason, many homeowners hire professional gutter cleaners.

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.

If not properly maintained, an underground downspout may damage your home's foundation. A clogged downspout can back up, causing water to pool around the base of your home and seep into the foundation. Regular inspections and maintenance keep your downspout in good working order, preventing damage and protecting your home.