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.
Not enough downspouts to effectively remove water from your gutters
Too small of a gutter width—the average gutter size is four to six inches
Clogged gutters
Incorrect slope
If you believe your gutters were installed incorrectly, it’s a good idea to know who to call for gutter leaks. Speak with a local gutter specialist to get to the bottom of your gutter system to stop water from flooding your property or yard ASAP.
Whether or not you can use a pressure washer to clean your gutter guards depends on the type of gutter guard you have and the strength of the pressure washer. Most gutter guards can handle a low-pressure setting but check first. If you’re unsure if your gutter guard is designed for pressure washing, check your manufacturer’s instructions, ask a pro, or use a garden hose to clean the gutter guard instead. As gutter guards age, they become less resistant to the strong forces of a power washer, so treat older gutter guards with more care.
While both underground and above-ground downspout extensions are a step up from no downspout extensions, underground downspouts are better for those looking for a more discreet option. Underground downspouts are hidden away—out of sight, out of mind. You won't be bumping into the extended sections with your lawn mower, nor will you see the downspouts sticking out like a sore thumb.
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.
The Fort Thompson, SD homeowners’ guide to gutter cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
This guide to gutter cleaning costs provides estimates for cleaning different types of gutters, tips for saving money on gutter cleaning, and answers to how to clean gutters.
This guide on how to clean the outside of gutters offers tips for how to remove debris, grime, black spots, and streaks from gutters to get them to last as long as possible.