As the cool, autumnal winds persist and the ground is covered with fallen leaves, it is imperative to shift our focus towards essential seasonal home maintenance. Amidst the vibrant tapestry of fall, one often overlooked task is the proper maintenance of your gutters and downspouts. While the perfect scene of fall foliage is quite captivating, it can swiftly accumulate within your gutters, potentially leading to a troublesome plumbing catastrophe if left unattended. This is because obstructed gutters can result in significant damage to your home’s foundation, roof, and siding.
At Lancaster Plumbing & Drain, we are thrilled to offer our expertise and valuable advice on protecting your home by maintaining your gutters and downspouts.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS?
Signs:
Leaves, twigs, and debris spilling out of your gutters serve as evident indicators that your gutters and downspouts need a good cleaning. Likewise, keep an eye out for water pooling around the foundation of your home following heavy rainfall. Proper drainage is crucial, and if water accumulates in specific areas, it suggests that your gutters are potentially obstructed, causing water to overflow into unintended locations.
Seasons:
For optimal maintenance, it is recommended to clean your gutters at least twice a year and three times if there are trees surrounding your property. The ideal seasons for this task are spring and early fall. However, if you haven’t had the opportunity to do so, there’s no need to worry. It is better to clean them out late than not at all. Additionally, it never hurts anyone to clean out your gutters in mid-November before the winter weather fully sets in.
Safety:
Safety is of utmost importance. Therefore, if you ever feel uneasy or unsafe during the gutter cleaning process, it is strongly advised to discontinue and not proceed further. If needed, it is always recommended to seek assistance from a professional. When choosing to take a DIY approach, ensure the ladder is securely positioned and consider having a second person assist in stabilizing the base. Furthermore, it is important to note that for multi-story homes, it is best to entrust the task to professionals equipped with the necessary gear and equipment to ensure a safe completion of the job.
Gutters:
- Cleaning with a Ladder – Although step ladders are often considered unstable, selecting an extension ladder is a favorable choice. Moreover, it is essential to have a second person stationed at the base of the ladder to guarantee stability while undertaking gutter cleaning. If you choose this approach, using gloves and a small brush will facilitate the effective removal of leaves and debris.
- Cleaning from the Ground – When it comes to safety, it is recommended to clean your gutters while keeping both feet firmly on the ground. Home improvement stores provide convenient tools such as gutter cleaning wands and leaf blower attachments. This approach ensures an organized and systematic cleaning process while prioritizing safety.
Downspouts:
It is imperative to pay attention to the downspouts, as they play a crucial role in the drainage system. Prior to proceeding, disconnect the downspout extension from its base. This will provide unobstructed access to the vertical section of the spout. Then, carefully remove any loose leaves and debris from the base of the vertical piece and the previously detached downspout extension.
If the downspout needs further cleaning, a garden hose can be a useful tool for this task. Carefully flush it through the downspout to remove any remaining debris and loose particles. However, in situations involving persistent blockages, a plumbing snake can be used to remove those particularly stubborn clogs effectively.
Remember, as winter approaches, it is crucial to prioritize the cleaning of your gutters and downspouts. Underestimating the importance of this task can lead to snowmelt blockages, which can severely impact the functionality of your gutters. So, take action now to ensure proper maintenance.
If you require plumbing assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. At Lancaster Plumbing & Drain, our five-star customer service is just a phone call away. You can reach us today at (740) 796-8998 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!