Gutters and downspouts can get clogged with leaves and debris that hinder the proper operation of the system so keeping them clean and flowing freely is essential.
Clean clogged gutter downspout.
Tap the side of the downspout.
Gutter clogging is especially likely at certain times of the year such as in the spring when trees are casting seeds and in the autumn when leaves are falling.
When you fail to clear out a clogged downspout water backs up and the excess water may damage the exterior and foundation.
Late autumn or early winter or whenever the trees are bare is the right time to clean out your gutters.
If you wait until spring or summer the downspouts elbows and drop outlets are usually already clogged.
Follow these suggestions to unclog your downspout starting with the easiest options first.
Many people wait until the spring but it s much better to clean out the leaves prior to all the winter snow melt and spring rains.
Tips on how to unclog a gutter downspout.
Start by cleaning the bottom downspout opening.
Expose the bottom downspout opening divert the flow away from any landscape drain and then use a garden trowel to reach up into the opening and remove any clogged leaves and debris that could have accumulated there.
Walk down the ladder one rung at a time gently knocking on the side of the downspout as you go.
Then climb back up and try rinsing the downspout with your garden hose again.