Clean Your Downspouts Out Or Else This Will Happen

 

Downspout Cleanout: A Necessary Task for Every Homeowner

A Rainy Day Story

Remember that big rainstorm we had last month? You know, the one where the rain was coming down in sheets, the wind was howling, and the thunder was rumbling so loudly it felt like the whole house was shaking. It was an awe-inspiring display of Mother Nature's power. But amidst this weather spectacle, our homes were silently battling the elements, working hard to keep us dry and comfortable.

As I gazed out of the window at the rain-soaked world outside, I noticed something unsettling. A torrent of water was pouring over the edge of the gutter, splashing onto the window sill and running down the side of the house. A quick check around the property revealed the same issue in several other places. The culprit? Clogged gutters and downspouts

I didn't think much of it at first, but soon enough, the consequences started to show. The excess water began to seep into the shingles, warp the window frames, and even found its way into the basement. Before I knew it, we were dealing with water stains, peeling paint, and even the early stages of mold. A homeowner's nightmare.

The Importance of Downspout Cleanout

So, why am I sharing this story with you? Well, my fellow homeowners, I want to emphasize the importance of a task that is often overlooked - downspout cleanout. It might seem like a small thing, but a clogged downspout can lead to significant damage to your beloved home. It's not just about water stains or peeling paint, the true danger lies in the potential for mold growth.

Mold is a silent invader. It thrives in damp, dark places and before you know it, it can take over your entire home. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also cause a host of health problems, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions. 

Keeping your gutters and downspouts clean ensures that water is efficiently directed away from your home during heavy rain. This reduces the risk of water damage to your shingles, windows, or basement, and significantly lowers the chances of mold growth. So, while it might seem like a chore, remember - a little effort now can save a lot of trouble in the future.

How to Clean Your Downspouts

Now that I've emphasized the importance of downspout cleanout, let's talk about how to actually do it.  All you need are a few basic tools - a ladder, a hose with a high-pressure nozzle, and gloves. If you're dealing with stubborn debris, a plumber's snake might also come in handy.

Start by positioning your ladder safely against the house. Make sure it's stable before you start climbing. Once you reach the gutter, use your gloved hands to remove any large debris. This could be leaves, twigs, or anything else that's found its way into your downspout. Be careful not to push the debris further down, as this could make the clog worse.

Once you've removed as much of the debris as you can by hand, it's time to bring out the hose. Turn it on to a high-pressure setting and aim it down the downspout. The force of the water should dislodge any remaining debris and flush it out of the downspout. If the water isn't flowing freely after this, you might have a stubborn clog on your hands. That's where the plumber's snake comes in. Feed it down the downspout to break up and remove the clog.

The Aftermath of a Proper Downspout Cleanout

After a successful downspout cleanout, you'll notice an immediate difference. The next time it rains, instead of overflowing, the water will flow smoothly down the downspouts and away from your home, just as it should. No more water stains, no more peeling paint, and most importantly, no more risk of mold.

Performing regular downspout cleanouts is a simple way to protect your home from water damage. It's a task that requires minimal tools and a little bit of your time, but the benefits are immense. It's also a great way to get to know your home better and understand how it stands up to the elements.

If you need a professional gutter cleaning and downspout flush visit https://www.DoneRightGutterCleaning.com