As autumn graces us with brisk winds and falling leaves, it becomes essential to shift our focus toward home fall maintenance tasks. With this in mind, a crucial aspect of preparing for winter is gutter and downspout maintenance. With leaves continuously shedding from trees, they can quickly accumulate in gutters, leading to potential clogs and blockages. So, neglecting this home maintenance chore can result in costly damage to your home’s foundation, roof, and siding. Avoid the risk of water damage by practicing simple gutter and downspout maintenance.
Today, Five Star Columbus Plumbing shares valuable insights to help safeguard your home by maintaining your gutters and downspouts this season.
WHAT ARE SOME INDICATIONS THAT GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS NEED TO BE CLEANED OUT?
Leaves and other debris, such as twigs, branches, and outdoor waste overflowing from your gutters and downspouts, serve as clear indicators that your gutters require cleaning. Additionally, pooling water around the foundation of your home following heavy rainfall is another unmistakable sign. This is because if your gutters remained unclogged and functioning as they were intended to, they would be draining water in the appropriate areas.
WHEN IS THE MOST OPTIMAL TIME TO CLEAN OUT GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS?
Regular maintenance of your gutters is crucial for a well-functioning home. We recommend cleaning them at least twice a year, with three times being ideal if your property is surrounded by trees. The optimal schedule is once in the spring and once in the early fall. However, we understand that time slips away from us all. So, if you haven’t had a chance to give your gutters and downspouts the attention they need, don’t worry. It’s never too late! Remember, taking care of this essential task will help prevent potential issues down the line.
GUTTERS:
- Safety Tips – Above all, make sure to prioritize safety. If at any point you feel unsafe or uncomfortable while working on this task, please stop and avoid continuing further. If necessary, you can always reach out to a professional to come and clean your gutters.
- Clean with a Ladder – Step ladders are known for their tendency to become unbalanced, making it advisable to opt for a sturdy extension ladder instead. Additionally, it is recommended to have a second person stationed at the base to provide support and stabilize the ladder while the gutters are being cleaned. If you choose this method, using gloves or a small brush is the most efficient way to remove leaves and debris swiftly. However, please note that this is applicable only to single-story homes. For homes with two or more stories, it is highly recommended to hire professionals who possess the appropriate equipment and expertise to execute the task safely.
- Clean from the Ground – Cleaning gutters from the ground is the safest approach. Consider acquiring a gutter cleaning wand or a leaf blower attachment from a nearby home improvement store. These attachments facilitate a gradual and systematic cleaning process. Rest assured, this tried and tested method is both effective and safe.
DOWNSPOUTS:
After addressing the gutters, the next step is to attend to the downspouts. These components require proper care as well. Before starting, it is important to disconnect the downspout extension at the base to ensure easy access. Once disconnected, clear any loose leaves and debris from the ends of both the vertical part of the gutter and the downspout extension piece. If necessary, using a water hose can effectively flush out any remaining debris. This will help eliminate any loose particles and ensure proper functioning. In the case of a severely clogged downspout, a plumbing snake may also be a valuable tool for effective cleaning.
As winter approaches, it is important to take the necessary steps to prepare your gutters and downspouts for the impending weather. Ensuring their functionality is crucial in preventing blockage from snowmelt and inclement weather. Protecting your home from water damage should not be left to chance.
If you require the services of a reputable plumbing company, we encourage you to reach out to us without delay. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and addressing all your plumbing requirements with utmost proficiency. You can reach Five Star Columbus Plumbing today at (614) 401-8086, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
