Even when you’re diligent about cleaning your gutters regularly, you may still end up with clogs and overflowing gutters. Although your gutters are accessible, downpipes are much more difficult to get debris out of. It’s an issue homeowners have battled with since gutter systems were invented – until the advent of Gutter Guards. 

The problem lies in the fact that the downpipes opening is quite small. It’s smaller than the downpipe itself and, no matter how clean you keep your gutters, there’s nothing stopping the debris from flowing down with the rain and clogging the downpipes Once the downpipe is clogged, rainwater backs up and eventually your gutters overflow. Of course, if you installed a quality gutter guard, cleaning shouldn’t be necessary.

How a Properly Functioning Gutter System Works | Gutter Guards

Your gutters are a system in themselves and part of your larger roofing system. When they’re properly installed and working, they drain at a rate equivalent to the rainfall out your downpipes so the water doesn’t sit at the home’s foundation. 

Gutters should have a slight slope. You can climb on a ladder with a hose or watering can and test that yours do indeed drain properly. Water should flow toward the downspout and you should see water coming from the closest downspout within moments. You shouldn’t notice any gaps between your gutters and home. If you do, they aren’t properly attached. 

Signs of a Clogged Gutter System, Gutter Guards

Perhaps the biggest benefit of gutter guards is that you won’t have to worry about a clogged gutter system. If you suspect that you do have a clogged downpipes, here are the steps to take to clear the clog.

1. Remove the bottom of the downpipes if yours is connected to an underground drain.
2. Carefully climb a ladder, put your garden hose in the downpipes opening and use the highest water pressure possible to force the clog out. If the clog doesn’t budge, go to step three.
3. Insert a plumbing snake into the top of the downpipes to break up the clog. This may take time and effort. Be careful not to use too much force or you may damage the downpipes. 

Sometimes firmly tapping on the sides of the downpipes while there is water in it can help move the clog along. However, keep in mind that most downpipes are metal or plastic and easily dented or broken. If all else fails, you may need to disassemble your downpipes to find and remove the clog. Most often clogs end up at the bends.

Gutter Guard Cleaning Shouldn’t Be Necessary Either

Gutter guard cleaning shouldn’t be necessary if you have the right gutter guards. Mesh screens and in-gutter solutions can become easily clogged. Only Fourseasons Continuous Control Mesh is designed for maximum water collection, so you’ll never need to clean your gutters or gutter guards and you’ll certainly never have clogged downpipes. If you’re looking for a permanent solution for your gutters, Free Call: 0508 30 25 23 or chat with a representative who can connect you with your local Four Seasons installer.