As the crisp, autumnal winds continue to sweep in and the leaves carpet the ground, it’s time to turn our attention to essential seasonal home maintenance. But amid the vibrant tapestry of fall, one critical but often overlooked task is the maintenance of your gutters and downspouts. All that fall foliage may paint a picturesque scene, but it can quickly accumulate in your gutters, painting an even more troublesome plumbing catastrophe if neglected. This is because clogged gutters can lead to costly damage to your home’s foundation, roof, and siding – an unnecessary headache when the remedy is as simple as a thorough gutter and downspout cleanup.
Here at Gahanna Plumbing & Drain, we’re excited to provide expert insights and practical tips to safeguard your home through the simple maintenance of your gutters and downspouts.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS?
Knowing When Your Gutters and Downspouts Need Attention:
Keep an eye out for overflowing leaves, twigs, and debris as a telltale sign that your gutters and downspouts are due for a cleanup. Similarly, pooling water around your home’s base after heavy rain is a clear indicator that action is required. The water should be draining in its appropriate spaces, so if it is pooling in certain areas, your gutters are likely clogged, and the water is spilling out of it into random places as a result.
Timing Is Everything:
For optimal maintenance, plan to clean your gutters at least twice a year, and consider three times if trees encircle your property. Spring and early fall are the prime seasons for this task. However, if you haven’t had the chance, don’t fret. It’s better that you clear them out late than not at all. Plus, cleaning out your gutters in mid-November is not a bad idea before the winter weather truly sets in.
Gutter Cleaning Safety Precautions:
Safety is paramount. Therefore, if you ever feel uneasy or unsafe in your gutter cleaning process, please stop and don’t continue further. You can always enlist a professional for help if necessary. When opting for a DIY approach, make your ladder secure, and consider a second person to assist with stabilizing the base of the ladder. Moreover, please remember that if you have a multiple-story home, this fall task is better left to the professionals with the proper gear and equipment to complete the job safely.
Attention to Gutters:
- Cleaning with a Ladder – While step ladders may have a reputation for instability, choosing an extension ladder is a good option. Additionally, having a second person stationed at the ladder’s base to ensure stability is crucial when tackling gutter cleaning. If you opt for this method, gloves and a small brush are handy for efficient leaf and debris removal.
- Cleaning from the Ground – When it comes to safety, cleaning your gutters with both feet firmly on the ground is the preferred method. Home improvement stores offer convenient tools like gutter cleaning wands and leaf blower attachments. This strategy guarantees a gradual and systematic but safer cleaning process.
Attention to Downspouts:
It’s also essential to address the downspouts, as they play a vital role in the drainage system. Before diving in, disconnect the downspout extension at its base. This step allows clear access to the vertical portion of the spout. Following this, carefully remove any loose leaves and debris from the bottom of the vertical piece and the downspout extension you just removed.
Now, if the downspout needs a little more help, a garden hose can be a valuable tool. Gently flush it through the downspout to clear any remaining debris and loose particles. However, in cases of stubborn blockages, a plumbing snake is your ally in restoring proper downspout function.
With the impending arrival of winter, the time to clean out your gutters and downspouts is now. Don’t underestimate the significance of this task. Snowmelt blockages are the last thing your gutters need.
If plumbing assistance is on your agenda, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Gahanna Plumbing & Drain, our five-star customer service is just a phone call away. You can reach us today at (614) 245-2256, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!