How to Fix Guttering Rainwater

Rainwater that gutters is a hazard, especially in the cold weather when it can freeze. Ice is heavy and can tear gutters from roofs and cause leaks that damage the house. The good news is that fixing guttering rainwater is an easy job, especially if you catch it early.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Work gloves
• Long, sturdy stick
• Hose and running water
• Power drain snake
• Hammer
• Gutter nails
• Extension ladder

Uneven or Clogged Gutters

1. Check the gutter where water is collecting rather than draining. Is it set in an even and almost-unnoticeable slope from one end of the roof line to where it connects to the downspout? Gutters use gravity and slopes to help rainwater find the downspout. Sometimes, if a heavy twig or leaf matter gets caught in the gutter, it can cause the gutter to separate itself a little from the roof and then sag. This sag interrupts the slope of the gutter and causes rainwater to collect and possibly even to run over rather than drain.

2. Remove the gutter nail at any sagging point and re-hang the gutter so the slope to the drainpipe is even and uninterrupted.

3. Check as well to make sure the gutter isn't clogged with debris. If it is, put on your work gloves and remove the debris with your hand.

Clogged Drainpipes

4. Check to see whether your drainpipes are clogged. Sometimes, the gutters are set properly and have been cleaned out, and yet water still collects. This is a clear indication of a clog.

5. Take your long stick and from the height of the gutter, place it inside the downspout to see whether here if any blockage. If there is, try to dislodge it with the stick.

6. Take the hose and turn on the water. From the height of the gutter, spray water into the downspout. A good pressure of the water stream often helps to dislodge any clogged material.

7. Sometimes water backs up if you have buried drainage tile and the tile has either broken or become clogged. In this case, you will need to remove the downspout at the point where it connects with the drainage tile, and then use a power drain snake to cut through any blockage. Power snakes are available from any tool and equipment rental yard.

Tips & Warnings

• In deciduous parts of the country, it is a good idea to clean out your gutters twice a year, spring and fall.
• Be careful when placing your extension ladder. Make sure it has a firm footing on the ground and enough of a slope toward the house that it will be steady as you climb it. Also make sure not to place it within 10 feet of power lines.