Amidst the colorful beauty of fall, one often overlooked task is the maintenance of gutters and downspouts. While the fall foliage may create a picturesque scene, it can quickly accumulate in the gutters, posing a significant plumbing issue if ignored. Clogged gutters can lead to costly damage to your home’s foundation, roof, and siding – a problem that can be easily avoided with thorough gutter and downspout cleanup.
At Mason 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?
Indicators They Need Attention:
Please be vigilant for signs of overflowing leaves, twigs, and debris, as they indicate that your gutters and downspouts require cleaning. Likewise, after heavy rainfall, if you notice water pooling around your home’s foundation, it is a clear indication that immediate action is necessary. The water should be properly draining in the designated area, but if it is accumulating in random areas, it suggests that your gutters are likely obstructed, causing the water to overflow and pool in random locations.
Best Seasons to Clean Them:
For optimal maintenance, it is recommended to schedule gutter cleaning at least twice a year and consider 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 yet, there is no need to worry. It is better to clear them out late rather than not at all. Additionally, it is advisable to clean out your gutters in mid-November before the winter weather fully sets in.
The Safety Precautions:
Ensuring safety is of utmost importance. Therefore, if you ever experience any uneasiness or concerns during the gutter cleaning process, it is strongly advised to immediately cease and desist. In such cases, seeking assistance from a professional is highly recommended.
When choosing the DIY approach, it is crucial to ensure the ladder is securely positioned and consider engaging a second person to assist in stabilizing the base. It is important to note that for multiple-story homes, we suggest leaving this task to the professionals equipped with the necessary gear and equipment to execute the job safely.
The Gutters:
- Cleaning using a Ladder: Opting for an extension ladder is a recommended choice as it offers a little more stability than a step ladder. Moreover, it is crucial to have a second person stationed at the base of the ladder to ensure stability while undertaking gutter cleaning. If you choose this method, gloves and a small brush are useful for the efficient removal of leaves and debris.
- Cleaning from the Ground: When it comes to safety, the preferred method of cleaning your gutters is to keep both feet firmly on the ground. Home improvement stores offer convenient tools such as gutter cleaning wands and leaf blower attachments that will keep you from having to get on a ladder. This approach ensures a systematic and gradual cleaning process while prioritizing safety.
The Downspouts:
It is crucial to address the downspouts as they play a vital role in the drainage system. So, start by disconnecting the downspout extension at its base. This step provides unobstructed access to the vertical portion of the spout. Subsequently, you should carefully remove any loose leaves and debris from the bottom of the vertical piece and the previously removed downspout extension.
If the downspout is not severely obstructed, a garden hose can be utilized to flush out any remaining debris and loose particles. However, in instances of persistent blockages, a plumbing snake can prove to be a valuable tool in restoring proper downspout function.
As winter approaches, it is crucial to prioritize the cleaning of your gutters and downspouts. So, please do not underestimate the importance of this particular fall task, as blockages from snowmelt can severely impact your gutters’ functionality.
If you require plumbing assistance, please feel free to reach out to us. At Mason Plumbing & Drain, our top-notch customer service is just a phone call away. You can reach us today at (513) 298-6996 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!