How to Clean and Maintain Your Downspouts

February 2, 2022

Are you tired of constantly dealing with clogged gutters and damaged downspouts during the rainy season? Properly maintaining and cleaning downspouts is crucial in preventing water damage to your home’s foundation, landscaping, and basement. To ensure that your downspouts are working efficiently, follow these simple tips on how to clean and maintain your downspouts.

Clear Debris

The first step in maintaining your downspouts is to clear any debris from your gutters. Debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt can accumulate in your gutters, leading to clogs. To remove debris, start at one end of your gutter and use a gutter scoop, small garden trowel, or even your hands to scoop out the debris. Place the debris in a bucket for easy disposal.

Flush Out The Gutters

After removing larger debris, use a garden hose to flush out the remaining gunk and particles. Starting at the far end of the gutter system, use the hose to spray water towards the downspout, washing away any remaining debris such as dirt, dust, and small particles. Continue doing this until the water runs freely through the downspout.

Inspect the Downspouts

Once the gutter is cleared and flushed out, it’s time to inspect the downspout. Examine the downspout opening for any clogs or debris. You can use a flashlight to help you see inside the downspout. If there’s any built-up debris or you see any visible clogs, fix it immediately. Use a plumbing snake or similar tool to remove the blockage.

Clean the Downspouts

To thoroughly clean the downspout, remove the elbow joint or the lower section of the downspout. Place a hose into the upper end of the downspout and let water flow through it to flush out the debris. If the water doesn’t flow smoothly, use a plumbing snake and a stiff wire brush to clean out the debris. Depending on your region’s weather patterns, try to do this twice a year, or more often in case of regular storms.

Check the Condition of the Downspout

After inspecting and cleaning the downspout, check its overall condition. Look for any leaks, cracks, or damage, especially around the joints. Any small problem can cause significant water damage to the foundation. Fix any leaks or cracks right away to prevent water from seeping into the foundation or basement.

Trim the Trees

Overgrown trees can cause many problems with your gutters and downspouts when left untrimmed. Therefore, after cleaning and maintaining your downspouts, trim any nearby trees that could drop debris onto your roof and gutters. Keep overgrown branches and limbs from touching your roof or gutters, preventing leaves, twigs, and other debris from clogging the system.

Conclusion

Properly maintaining and cleaning downspouts is crucial in preventing costly property damage. Downspouts Cleaning your downspouts requiring patience and consistent maintenance, but it will undoubtedly provide you peace of mind during the rainy season. By following these simple tips, you can keep your gutters and downspouts clear and protect your home and property from severe water damage.