If you notice water spilling over the sides of your gutters or pooling around your home, that’s a telltale sign that your gutters are clogged. Another sign is if you see watermarks or stains on your ceilings or walls, which is a sign that water is leaking in from your gutters. You can also check your gutters yourself by using a garden hose to spray water into your gutters. If the water doesn’t flow freely through the gutters, then they’re probably clogged.
What happens when gutters are full?
- Water damage to your home: If water is overflowing from your gutters, it can damage your home’s foundation, siding, and windows.
- Ice dams: When gutters are full of water, they can freeze and create ice dams. These dams can prevent melting snow from draining properly, which can cause water to back up and leak into your home.
- Pest problems: Gutters that are full of water can attract pests, such as mosquitoes and rodents.
If you notice that your gutters are full, you should clean them out as soon as possible to avoid any of these problems.
What problems can Blocked gutters cause?
- Water damage to your home: When water backs up in your gutters, it can seep under your shingles and cause water damage to your roof and walls.
- Pest problems: Blocked gutters are the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.
- Ice dams: In the winter, blocked gutters can cause ice dams to form on your roof. Ice dams can damage your shingles and cause water to leak into your home.
How do you unblock a gutter drain outside?
- Begin by removing any debris that may be blocking the gutter drain. This can be done by hand or with a small shovel.
- If the drain is still blocked, you may need to use a plunger to try and unblock it.
- If the plunger does not work, you may need to use a plumbers’ snake to try and clear the blockage.
- If none of these methods work, you may need to call a professional plumber to unblock the gutter drain for you.
Bottom Line
If your gutters are clogged, it’s important to clean them out as soon as possible. Otherwise, water can build up and cause damage to your home. There are a few ways to tell if your gutters are clogged. First, check to see if there is any water overflowing from the gutters. Second, look for any leaves or debris in the gutters. Finally, if your gutters are sagging or pulling away from your home, they may be clogged. If you’re not sure how to clean your gutters, you can hire a professional or buy a gutter cleaning kit.
