7 Signs Your Downspout Is Clogged (and What to Do)
Downspouts clog more often than gutters because everything in the gutter eventually ends up at the outlet. A blocked downspout makes the whole gutter run overflow, even if the gutter itself is clean.
Seven signs of a clog
- Water spills over the gutter right above the downspout.
- No water comes out of the bottom during heavy rain.
- Gurgling or dripping from the seams of the downspout.
- The downspout is dented or crushed (often by a ladder or snow).
- Plants growing at the outlet in the gutter.
- Water pooling or soil washing away next to the foundation.
- In winter, the downspout is frozen solid.
A quick test from the ground
Run a garden hose into the bottom of the downspout or, if you can reach it safely, into the gutter outlet. If water backs up, there is a clog. Tap along the downspout — a dull sound usually shows where debris is packed.
Underground drains
Many older Toronto homes have downspouts connected to underground drains. Since the City's disconnection program, most should be disconnected and discharge onto a splash pad or extension at least 2 metres from the foundation. If yours still goes into the ground and keeps backing up, the underground pipe may be blocked or collapsed.
When to call us
If the clog is above ladder height, the downspout is damaged, or water still backs up after flushing, we can clear it with a snake and high-pressure flushing, or replace the section.
More guides: How often to clean gutters · Ice dams & winter gutters · Fixing leaking gutter seams · Choosing gutter size: 5", 6" or 7"