HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS? 

Nov 1, 2023 | Blockage, Clog, Downspout, Fall, Gutter, Gutter Wand, Leaves, Maintenance, Narrow Path, Ohio, Safety Tips

As autumn brings forth brisk winds and a vibrant tapestry of fallen leaves, it’s important to remember seasonal gutter maintenance. One crucial yet often underestimated task is the upkeep of your gutters and downspouts. While the vibrant foliage offers a scenic view, it can swiftly accumulate in your gutters, posing a potential plumbing catastrophe if neglected. Clogged gutters can lead to significant water damage to your home’s foundation, roof, and siding. 

At Narrow Path Plumbing, we take pride in providing our customers with expert insights and practical tips regarding your gutters and downspouts. 

HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS? 

Recognizing the Need: It is crucial to be watchful for signs of overflowing leaves, twigs, and debris, as they indicate that your gutters and downspouts are in need of immediate cleanup. Similarly, if you notice standing water around the base of your home after heavy rainfall, it is a clear indication that action must be taken. Proper drainage is essential, and any pooling in specific areas suggests potential gutter clogs that have led to water spilling into unintended places.  

Knowing the Timing: It is crucial when it comes to maintaining your gutters. So, we recommend cleaning them at least twice a year, and if your property is surrounded by trees, cleaning them three times a year may be necessary. The ideal seasons for gutter cleaning are typically spring and early fall. However, if you haven’t had the opportunity to clean them on schedule, it’s not too late. Late maintenance is still beneficial, and it’s wise to clear your gutters in mid-November before the winter weather arrives. Taking this proactive step now will help ensure the proper functioning of your gutters throughout the colder season. 

Understanding Safety: Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to gutter cleaning. If at any point during the process, you feel uneasy or unsafe, it is crucial to stop and refrain from continuing. Seeking professional assistance is always a viable option. However, if you decide to take a DIY approach, ensure that your ladder is securely positioned and consider having a second person assist in stabilizing the ladder’s base. Additionally, it is important to note that for multi-story homes, it is safer to entrust this task to professionals who are equipped with the necessary gear and equipment to ensure a safe and successful job. 

Cleaning the Gutters: When it comes to gutter maintenance, it’s important to give due attention to the task at hand. To clean gutters effectively, we suggest using an extension ladder instead of step ladders for increased stability. If you opt for this method, using gloves and a small brush can greatly assist in efficiently removing leaves and loose debris. Additionally, most home improvement stores offer tools like gutter cleaning wands and leaf blower attachments, making the process more efficient. By adopting this method, you can ensure a safer and more systematic cleaning process. 

Cleaning the Downspouts: Downspouts play a critical role in the overall drainage system and, therefore, require proper care and attention. After all, the downspout is the final spot from which the rainwater or snowmelt will be drained from. First and foremost, it is essential to disconnect the downspout extension from its base, providing access to the vertical section of the spout. Then, meticulously remove any loose leaves and debris from both the base of the vertical piece and the detached downspout extension. As an additional step, you may use your garden hose to flush out any remaining debris from the gutter or spout. In the event of particularly stubborn clogs, a may be a good idea to utilize a plumbing snake. When you are done, make sure to firmly place the downspout extension back. 

As winter approaches, it is imperative to prioritize the cleaning of your gutters and downspouts. This crucial seasonal task should never be underestimated, as it plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of your home and preventing blockages caused by snowmelt. 

Should you require plumbing assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Narrow Path Plumbing, our five-star customer service is only a phone call away! You can reach us today at (937) 623-2619, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! 

(937) 623-2619
Jennifer Newsome
Jennifer Newsome
01/11/2021
We had a leak in our basement on a Sunday evening and Narrow Path Plumbing sent out Terry ASAP! He quickly found the leak, repaired it, checked all faucets to ensure good pressure. He cleaned everything up and it was like he was never even here. I appreciate this company sending out someone late on a Sunday and also doing such a great, fast and professional job!! Great job Narrow Path Plumbing!!
Mad MO
Mad MO
22/10/2021
Have used Narrow Path for multiple jobs on multiple properties. They have always been extremely informative, punctual, and reasonably priced. I highly recommend them.
Vicki Singer
Vicki Singer
05/10/2021
Mike & Terry remodeled 2 of my bathrooms along with the drywall finisher and did a beautiful job. Had multiple leaky shut off valves replaced & a kitchen faucet replaced. Had lines run so I could move my laundry up out of my basement & poor Mike had to run wiring through my attic on a 90 degree day. I was so worried he would have a heat stroke but he never complained once. Also had a whole house filter replaced & a valve replaced on my hot water tank by another plumber whose name I can't remember but they all were polite and did professional work.
Michael Brice Keller
Michael Brice Keller
10/09/2021
The whole team was great. Joe, Glenn, Justin, Mike and Terry. Thanks for an awesome new bathroom addition
David Brown
David Brown
09/09/2021
Josh S cleaned a tankless hot water system, repaired two toilets, and unclogged a drain in a little over an hour. He was professional, listened carefully, and was very personable. We have never had a bad experience with Narrow Path, and we highly recommend them.
Patricia Mullins
Patricia Mullins
03/09/2021
Toilet leaking from the tank. Not good 😪. Enter Tom and Drey. I love these guys. New toilet replaced and new shut off valve. Everything is perfect now. These guys are a 10 star team. Polite, professional, clean and neat. Same day service at a reasonable price. Can't beat them. Highly recommend. Give these boys a bonus!!