Why Are My Downspouts Overflowing?

Clogged gutters can be caused by a number of things. To determine what is causing the overflow, you should observe the overflows while it is raining or while the snow and ice are melting. Gutter overflow is when water accumulates in the gutter and flows around the sides until it finds a path to escape. Clogs or gutter pitch issues can cause overflow, but if you have a chance to observe the overflow during heavy rainfall or snow melt, you can identify the cause and find the best course of action to resolve it. 

Common Gutter Issues to Look For

Most of the time, overflowing downspouts are caused by an issue in your home's drainage system. The most common problem is a clog or blockage in the downspout or drainpipe that leads away from your house. This can be due to debris like leaves, twigs, dirt, and other materials collecting in the pipes and blocking the flow of water. In some cases, the blockage may be caused by tree roots that have grown into or around your pipes.

Other potential problems that could be causing your downspouts to overflow include damaged pipes, a broken pipe connection, or a sagging gutter system. You should also check for any leaks in the pipes and make sure all of your downspouts are connected securely.

If you notice the water overflowing at the end cap of the gutter, it is likely that the pitch of the gutter is off. All homes have gutters that are pitched to allow the water to flow to the downspout. If the gutter is titled the wrong way, water can't flow properly to the right place for drainage. 

If the water is overflowing over the gutter face, then it is likely that there is a clog causing the water to drip down rather than reach the proper spot for drainage. Loose gutter overflow can also cause the gutter to leak or overflow. When it is slightly loose, it can lead to water flowing down the wall, but if it is extremely loose, it will pour out of the gutter. 

When water is flowing behind your gutters, it can be caused by issues with the drip edge, clogs, loose gutters, and gutter pitch. If you are experiencing overflows in your entire gutter system, you likely have a clogged underground drain. This total overflow is due to the fact that the water can get through the downspout, so it overflows on the entire gutter system. 

How Can I Fix My Gutter Overflow?

Once you determine the cause of your gutter overflow, you can take steps to fix it. Many homeowners will attempt to clear clogs using a garden hose or special gutter cleaning tools. You can also check the tilt of your gutters and correct the pitch, or you may need to install wider gutters, as narrow gutters can cause overflow. 

If this does not resolve the issue, it is important to call a professional for help. At Pittsburgh Drain Guys, we can perform a complete inspection of your gutters and drains to find and resolve the cause of your gutter overflow.

For more serious issues, such as damaged pipes or underground drainage problems, a professional can repair or replace these components. If you have noticed that your gutters are sagging, then professionals can also provide reinforcement solutions to bring them back in line with an acceptable pitch for proper water flow. 

Downspout Drainage Solutions in Pittsburgh

If you are dealing with overflowing downspouts and want to take steps to fix them, contact our professional drainage specialists at Pittsburgh Drain Guys today. We can provide the necessary downspout drainage solutions to get your gutters running correctly again so that your home is safe and dry!