Signs of clogged gutters include water spilling over the edge during rain, plants or moss growing out of the gutter, sagging sections, downspouts that stay dry in rain, dripping behind the gutter, stains or peeling paint on siding, pooling water or erosion near the foundation, and birds or pests nesting along the roofline.
The 10 signs
- Water sheets over the front edge during a steady rain.
- Seedlings, grass or moss are visible sticking out of the gutter.
- A run bows down between hangers from the weight of wet debris.
- Downspouts stay dry or barely trickle while it is raining.
- Water drips from behind the gutter onto the fascia or siding.
- Streaks, stains or peeling paint appear on siding below the gutter.
- Mulch is washed out or soil is eroded under one section of roofline.
- Water pools against the foundation or the crawlspace is damp.
- Birds, wasps or rodents are nesting in the gutter line.
- You hear gurgling or see overflow at one corner during storms.
What to do next
Check the downspout outlet first, since a single plugged outlet backs up the entire run. If gutters are more than one story up or you see sagging, schedule a cleaning and ask for photos of each side of the house.
Frequently asked questions
Can gutters be clogged without overflowing?
Yes. Partially clogged gutters may only overflow in heavy rain, while standing water inside them quietly rusts seams and adds weight.
Why does only one corner overflow?
That corner usually has a clogged downspout or is the low point where water collects because the slope is off.
Need a hand?
- Gutter Cleaning: Hand-cleaned gutters, flushed downspouts, roof edge cleared and everything bagged and hauled away.
- Downspout Cleaning & Repair: Clogged, crushed or disconnected downspouts cleared and rerouted so water leaves your foundation.
- Gutter Repair: Leaking seams, sagging runs, loose hangers, bad slope and crushed downspouts fixed in one visit.