Don’t overlook the importance of maintaining your gutters and downspouts this season. While the vibrant foliage may create a picturesque scene, it can quickly cause problems if it accumulates in your gutters and clogs up. Neglecting this can lead to costly damage to your home’s foundation, roof, and siding. Fortunately, the solution is simple: a thorough cleanup of your gutters and downspouts. At Lebanon Plumbing & Drain, we’re thrilled to offer expert advice and useful tips to help protect your home by maintaining your gutters and downspouts.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS?
The Signs:
Watch out for overflowing leaves, twigs, and debris as a sign that your gutters and downspouts need cleaning. Also, if you notice water pooling around your home’s base after heavy rain, it means action is needed. Water should drain properly, so if it pools in certain areas, your gutters are likely clogged and causing water to spill out randomly.
The Timing:
To maintain your gutters effectively, aim to clean them at least twice a year and three times if there are trees surrounding your property. The best seasons for this task are spring and early fall. However, if you haven’t had the chance, don’t worry. It’s better to clear them out late than not at all. Additionally, cleaning your gutters in mid-November is a good idea before the winter weather sets in.
The Precautions:
Safety is the top priority. If you ever feel uneasy or unsafe while cleaning your gutters, please stop and do not continue. You can always seek professional help if needed. When doing it yourself, ensure that your ladder is secure and consider having someone assist in stabilizing the base. Also, keep in mind that if you have a multi-story home, it’s safer to hire professionals with the right equipment to handle the task. We do not recommend cleaning your own gutters if your house has more than one story.
The Gutters:
- Cleaning with a Ladder – Step ladders can be unstable, so using an extension ladder is a better choice. On top of that, it’s important to have someone at the base of the ladder for stability when cleaning gutters. If you go with this method, gloves and a small brush are useful for removing leaves and debris efficiently.
- Cleaning from the Ground – When it comes to safety, it is recommended to clean your gutters while keeping both feet on the ground. Home improvement stores provide convenient tools such as gutter cleaning wands and leaf blower attachments. This approach ensures a systematic and safe cleaning process.
The Downspouts:
It is important to also pay equal attention to the downspouts, as they play a crucial role in the drainage system. Start by disconnecting the downspout extension from its base to have clear access to the vertical portion of the spout. Then, carefully remove any loose leaves and debris from the bottom of the vertical piece and the downspout extension that was just removed. If the downspout is not severely clogged, you can use a garden hose to flush it gently and clear any remaining debris. However, for extra stubborn blockages, a plumbing snake is your best ally to restore proper drainage.
As winter approaches, it’s important to clean out your gutters and downspouts. Don’t underestimate the importance of this task. Blocked gutters can cause issues with melting snow.
If you need plumbing assistance, feel free to reach out to us without any hesitation. At Lebanon Plumbing & Drain, our five-star customer service is just a phone call away. You can reach us today at (513) 427- 2443 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!