4 Simple Steps to Unclog Drains and Gutters

We all enjoy a nice and clean home, but it’s not always about fluffing the pillows and cleaning the surfaces. It’s also about the things you can’t see. Forgetting good gutter cleaning in Gloucester or anywhere else can quickly become an unhygienic and unhealthy addition to your home or business. Most people consider their gutter and drain maintenance only once a year or when a problem arises. Understanding this aspect of good home maintenance is super simple and should ideally be carried out twice annually on average.

What are your surroundings like? Do you have a flat or sloping roof? Here are other aspects of good gutter and drain maintenance to consider. Flat roofs and leafy surroundings tend to build debris and water faster, causing potential harm to your home and landscape. Cold weather conditions can also cause clogging. Ice Damming, which occurs when the roof is heated from a poorly ventilated attic, causing the snow to thaw, then freeze to ice on the cold gutters, eventually causing damage to the eaves, walls and even the foundation. In extreme cases, seepage of snow or water onto fascia boards, interior walls and ceiling, causes rotting that can be costly to repair. Frequent buildup of debris can also be due to poor gutter installation. During bathroom renovations in Perth or new constructions, always ensure your gutters are installed correctly to avoid unnecessary damage. Professional all-in-one gutter replacements come with a handy tool, called the gutter cover; which only allows water in the gutter, and prevents debris build up. Try Gutter Whiskers or Foam all-in-one gutter replacements for a DIY, cost effective option.

Follow this simple four-step process to unclogging your gutters and drains. Good maintenance and preventative measures can best ensure gutter and drain concerns are a thing of the past.

STEP 1: Identify where’s the Gutter Clogged?

• The Downspout Cage — a wire cage that traps debris, located where the downspout intersects the gutter.

• Gutter Hangers and Spikes — from the fascia causing debris buildup

• Downspout Elbows and Seams — from the gutter to the outside of the downspout to locate the clog, listening for a dull thud; identifying the location of the clog.

Identifying your gutter is clogged Here are a few tips to spot a clogged gutter:

• Water spills over the edges of the gutter.

• Water sprays from gutter, seams and elbow joints

• Water doesn’t flow out the bottom of the downspout

• Eroded earth directly below the gutter

• Peeling paint on siding and fascia boards

• Wet, moist or dirty siding beneath the gutter

• Gutters pulling away from fascia walls

STEP 2: Clean Gutters & Drains

After you have found the obstruction, it’s time to clean out the build up debris. Ensure you have cleared all debris and removed all obstructions along the system of the gutter. Check for loose hangers and spikes and fix gutter supports. Debris found in the elbows can be removed from above or with a stick, plumbing snake or similar tool to remove debris easily. Below grade clogs are more difficult to clear and at times require excavation. You should try to clear obstructions by removing the downspout where it enters the ground and try to clear the clog using a plumbing snake. A hose can be used to force debris out of any underground portion of the line.

STEP 3: Check your Downspout Cage

You may need to replace this if it’s damaged. Place it firmly into the downspout hole.

STEP 4: Inspections & Prevention

Employ preventative method and pay attention to detail to avoid any preventative obstructions. Always keep an eye out for clogging signs.

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