The downspout is an essential part of your home's gutter system. It is responsible for channeling rainwater away from your property's foundation. Over time, downspouts can become damaged or worn down, leading to leaks, blockages, and other issues that can then damage your home.
Here are 8 signs to look for to know when downspout repair or replacement is imminent.
1. Cracks or holes
Are you seeing visible cracks or holes in the downspout? These can cause leaks, which can lead to water damage to your home's foundation, walls, or roof. Downspout repair will be needed, unless there is too much damage.
2. Visible damage
Weather, kids playing outside, a mower throwing some gravel, and other accidents can damage downspouts. Visible damage, such as dents, bends, or breaks, can compromise the effectiveness of the downspout and cause water to overflow or leak.
3. Rust
If you have a metal downspout, check for rust. Rust can weaken the downspout and cause it to fail over time. You may see rust concentrated in one area, stemming from scratches or further damage. If this is the case, you may simply need to repair that area. However, if you’re seeing rust in multiple areas or if it’s beyond repair, it’s time for full downspout replacement.
4. Separation
If the downspout has separated from the gutter, it can cause water to overflow onto your property. This overflow can lead to erosion or flooding—both of which can cause bigger issues over time.
5. Blockages
If water is not flowing through the downspout as it should, it may be clogged with debris. A blockage can cause water to overflow, damaging your home's exterior. General maintenance is needed to clean gutters each year. But if you’re doing it more often than usual, it may be time for gutter upgrades and downspout replacement.
6. Overflow
If you notice water overflowing from the downspout during heavy rain, it may be an indication that the downspout is damaged or improperly installed. Taking a closer look, you may find that gutters are also sagging or were installed at the wrong grade.
7. Age
Downspouts will deteriorate over time due to weather and other factors. If your downspout is old or has been damaged before, it may be time to replace it.
8. Yard Breaks
Soft or wet spots in your yard can be indicative of a break in your downspout line that ties into your drainage system or sump pump. A break in the yard can cause backups to the foundation.
Ready to Repair or Replace Your Downspout?
Overall, if you notice any damage, rust, separation, blockages, or other issues with your downspout, it's time to consider repairing or replacing it to prevent water damage to your home.
At That Plumber, we can help you keep your gutters and downspouts clean. Hiring a professional, insured and licensed company for downspout drain cleaning at least once a year helps prevent major backups and more serious issues down the line.
Searching for downspout repair near you? For downspout drain cleaning and repair, contact the professionals at That Plumber.