Homeowners install gutters to protect the foundation and exterior of the house from potential water damage. However, this purpose may fail if you are not maintaining the gutter system. Regular cleaning of the gutter as well as the downspout is extremely essential to keep the water flowing smoothly. In case of a clogged downspout, the water can flow out of the gutter and cause damage to the house’s exterior. While many homeowners prefer to clean the system on their own, it is advisable to contact the experts for downspout cleanout in Vancouver.
While experts are always handy for unclogging a downspout, it is always better to know the method. Here, we will discuss the unclogging method along with many other details about the downspout cleanout in Vancouver.
Why is Downspout Unclogging Crucial?
First, let us understand why the unclogging of gutter and downspouts is so important. Here are some of the potential reasons why you must unclog the downspout regularly.
- Water Damage:
When the downspout is clogged, the water starts overflowing from the gutter, ultimately causing damage to the foundation, roof, and even the walls of the house.
- Efficient Drainage System:
When water floods the foundation, it causes soil erosion, mold, and similar damage. Now, when the water flows through the downspout, the water falls away from the foundation. So, whenever the downspout gets clogged, it will again lead to flooding at the foundation.
- Lower Pest Invasion:
When any part of the gutter is clogged, it becomes a breeding ground for various pests and insects. They not only damage your house but also cause various health issues for the residents.
- Avoids Accidents:
Clogged downspouts will exert pressure on the soffit and the fascia board of the gutter. If you ignore the situation for a long time, the gutter may collapse, causing a massive accident.
How to Check a Clogged Downspout?
To check for any clogging in the downspout gutter, you must clear the gutter first. Get on the mission of cleaning the gutter on a sunny day. You will need this set of equipment for the check:
- A ladder
- Safety glasses
- A Scooper
- Gloves
- Garden hose
Use the ladder to reach the height of the gutter, and then scoop out dry leaves and other debris from the surface of the gutter downspout extension and other parts of the gutter. Make sure that you have your gloves and safety glasses on during the process. Once you are sure that you have scooped out all the debris, take the garden hose to wash the gutter with extreme water pressure. The water force will drain out all the remaining debris from the downspout.
Now, check whether all the water is draining through the downspout or if it is flooding the gutter. If the water is flooding the gutter or is draining extremely slowly, then you must understand that the downspout is clogged. Next, you must get onto the procedure of unclogging the downspout. You can either try to clear the clog yourself or call upon an expert at downspout cleanout in Vancouver to get the task done.
Tools to Unclog the Downspout
You can use different tools to unclog the gutter downspout drainage system, depending on availability. Here is a list of tools that you can use while you are on the mission to unclog the gutter downspout.
- Unclogging Tool:
One of the finest tools that works great in unclogging a downspout is the plumbing snake. It is a metal cable with an uncoiled spring at the end. You can either put the plumbing snake from the top or the bottom of the downspout, the only aim is to reach the clogged portion. You may have to use this tool several times to clear out the clog.
- Leaf Blower:
A leaf blower is a pipe with a nozzle that propels air at high pressure. While it helps in removing debris, you can also use it to remove a light clog from the downspout.
- Vacuum Cleaner:
The vacuum cleaner is another great tool that helps in unclogging the downspout. The cleaner uses the suction feature to clear up the clogs. Put the nozzle slightly in the downspout to suction the clog with more power.
- Power Washer:
While most people use a regular hose to remove debris, a power washer is more powerful for clearing clogs. It removes the clog with hot water under extreme pressure. If you want quick results, this can be an amazing tool for your clog removal procedure.
If you do not have the required tools, you can always call upon the professionals at downspout cleanout in Vancouver for the purpose.
How to Unclog a Gutter Downspout?
Now that you have collected the necessary tools, here is a simple guide on how you can clear the downspout clog.
- Exposing the Opening:
The first and foremost step is to expose the opening well so that you can reach out to the debris and clog. The downspout opening might be secured with screws at the gutter downspout connector, so you have to carefully remove them for cleaning. Start by cleaning the bottom opening, as it will be much easier for you.
- Remove the Debris:
Now, use a scoop to remove the debris from the downspout. You can even use a vacuum cleaner to clear up all the debris stuck up in the downspout.
- Check the Clog:
Next, sprinkle water on the gutter to see whether now water is flowing smoothly or not. If water is still not flowing smoothly, this means the clog is still there.
- Use a Tool to Clear the Debris:
Now, you must use some other tools like the ones we have mentioned in the earlier section in this blog. Use options like an unclogging tool or a power washer to clear out the clog.
- Try from the Top:
If you see that the clog is still there even after using powerful tools, you must try clearing the clog from the top of the downspout. Use a ladder and ask for help so that you can climb and try to clear the clog from the top opening of the downspout. In case of an extremely rigid clog, the professionals at downspout cleanout in Vancouver arrive with special tools to clear out the clog.
- Rinse the Downspout:
Once the clog is cleared, do not leave the debris anywhere in the downspout. Even the dust particles left out in the downspout can clog it again, causing the problem again. So, you must rinse out the downspout carefully using a garden hose.
- Check Water Flow:
Once you think that the clog is clear, you must follow the steps to check whether the water is flowing smoothly now or not. Put water in the gutter and notice whether the water is flowing properly through the downspout or not. Hopefully, when you have used the necessary tools to clear the clog, the downspout will be clog-free.
Usually, these steps will help you get a clog-free downspout. However, if you think that the results are not satisfying, you can always call upon the professionals of downspout cleanout in Vancouver to get the task done. The professionals have experience in such tasks and have the skills to solve the issue more conveniently.
How Often Should I Clean Gutter Downspouts?
Usually, you must clean the gutter system along with the downspouts at least twice a year. However, there are several factors on the frequency of cleaning also depends.
- The Surroundings:
The surroundings of your house play a major role in deciding how soon you should clean the gutter system. If there are lots of trees surrounding your house, or you have a garden, the leaves and twigs from the trees can fall on the roof and clog the downspout. In this case, you must make sure to check the gutter at least 2 to 3 times a year.
- Weather Conditions:
The weather conditions of a place also matter a lot when you are not sure how many times you should clean the gutter. If you stay in a location with regular rain and snow, you must try to clean the gutters every 3 months. On the other hand, if the seasons are predictable, you can decide a schedule throughout the year. For example, you can get a cleaning done before the rain starts or when autumn is over.
If you are confused about how many times you should clean the gutter, one of the best ways is to get in touch with an expert in downspout cleanout in Vancouver. The expert will help you with the right procedure to clean the gutter and will also help you in deciding upon the frequency at which you should clean the gutter downspouts.
How to Prevent Clogging of the Gutter Downspout?
While there is a convenient method to clean the clogged downspouts, you must ensure that it does not clog so often. There are several ways that help you in preventing the clogging of the gutter downspout.
- Regular Cleaning:
If you clean the gutter at regular intervals, like twice a year, the chances of clogging reduce to quite an extent.
- Use of Gutter Guards:
One of the best ways is to install a gutter guard that will keep away debris and will only allow clean water to flow freely in the downspout.
When you install a new gutter or call experts for downspout cleanout in Vancouver, the professionals will let you know about these preventions to avoid regular clogging.
Conclusion
Gutter downspouts can cause trouble when they are clogged. Of course, some ways can help you unclog them, but you must get in touch with an expert in downspout cleanout in Vancouver. Also, these professionals will offer you suggestions so that you do not have to deal with situations like a clogged gutter downspout regularly. For more information read our Blog.