Essential Maintenance Tips for Your Downspouts

Most house owners seem to forget that a properly functioning downspout is essential to an important drainage system of their home. In case you don’t take care of the maintenance, it can impart damage to your home’s foundation, erosion in your landscape, and mold growth. Here are key maintenance tasks to keep your downspouts optimal.

Regular Cleaning

The most essential job when it comes to your downspout maintenance is cleaning. Leaves, twigs, and other debris may accumulate and block the downspouts, impeding the free flow of water. Water may then overflow from the gutters, which can be a problem. To prevent this, clean your downspout at least twice a year, best in the spring and fall. Flush out the downspout with a garden hose to get rid of any debris and make sure the water flows through freely.

Check for Damage

Routine inspections will make sure that your downspouts are not worn out. Check for any cracks, holes, or rust spots that will weaken the effectiveness of your drainage system. The damaged downspouts should be repaired or replaced in time to avoid water leakage from the spouts and damage to your exterior home and the foundation.

Secure the Connections

Over time, what can happen is that the connections between gutters and downspouts begin to loosen. Be sure all connections are secure to prevent leaking and ensure the water travels freely. Use screws or brackets to tighten any loose parts and look for signs of wear and tear that may require attention.

Check for Proper Slope

The slope to your downspouts has to be significant for water to drain properly. They should be angled in a way that the water flows away from the foundation of your home. If it’s not tilted properly, you’re going to have a problem with water accumulating around your foundation, which could cause potential structural damage. Adjust the slope if you need to make sure that the water drains away from your house.

Extend Downspouts Away from the Foundation

This helps to keep water from leaking into your basement or crawl space by keeping the water coming out of the downspout a distance away from the home’s foundation. Attach downspout extensions, or use splash blocks to direct the water at least three to four feet away from the foundation—this is what will help in preserving the integrity of your home’s structure and preventing water damage.

Install Gutter Guards

Consider the installation of gutter guards to reduce the amount of refuse entering gutters and downspouts. This can pretty much eliminate how often you need to clean them and thus keep your drainage system efficient.

Watch during Heavy Rainfalls

Inflow-related events are particularly critical times to observe the downspouts. Be on the lookout for any kind of overflow or accumulation of water around the foundation. That is how problems developing can be spotted and thus corrected before they get a chance to wreak major havoc.

Proper maintenance of your downspouts is one of the most vital factors of protection from water damage for any home. With these helpful maintenance tips, you can be sure to get the best out of your downspouts and keep your home safe and dry.

This post was written by a professional at Rain Gutter Medic. Rain Gutter Medic’s commitment to protecting your home starts with ensuring it has the best gutter system in place. Based in West Jordan, UT, they bring over 24 years of specialized experience in rain gutter installation, professional gutter cleaning near you, and gutter repair in UT for residential and commercial properties. RGM is dedicated to providing top-notch gutter services that safeguard your property and enhance its appearance and value. Click here to learn more!