Why Cleaning Your Gutters is an Important Part of Plumbing Maintenance?

Many people understand the importance of plumbing maintenance, and prioritize taking quality care of their home’s pipes. However, there’s one aspect of a home plumbing system that’s frequently neglected, gutters and downspouts. Your home’s gutters also help to direct water safely away from your home, so it’s important for homeowners to know that their gutter’s health is essential for the long-term protection of their house’s structure. At Neighborhood Plumbing, we provide a wide range of professional plumbing services in Pittsburgh, PA and all surrounding metro area cities. Here are a few tips for keeping your gutters crisp and clean this fall and all year long. 

Why Cleaning Your Gutters Needs to Be a Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine?

Over time, leaves, small branches and other debris become trapped in your gutters. Not only can this leave the perfect environment for rodents and insects to nest, but it can cause issues with important aspects of your home’s structure. If left, the debris can cause clogs and allow water to pool. Eventually, accumulated rain water and moisture can create damage to your roof, cause wood rot around your home and can allow mold to proliferate. Uneven water falling from the top of gutters rather than your downspout can also lead to problems with your foundation. When you keep your gutters and downspouts clean and free from clogs, you’ll help ensure your roof, foundation, siding and landscaping remain well maintained.

How Often Should Homeowners Clear Out Gutters?

Gutters should be cleaned out at least twice a year. It’s a good idea to service your gutters at the end of summer, before the tree’s in your yard start to shed their leaves. Another thorough cleaning should be conducted in the springtime, to clear out any leaves and sediment that were trapped over the Fall and Winter seasons.

What to Do About Severe Above or Below Ground Gutter Clogs

Homeowners often have different gutter systems installed on their property. Some downspouts pour on top of the ground, directed away from the home’s foundation. Other people choose to direct the water from their gutters into underground pipes for more control. Occasionally, if the gutters haven’t been cleaned out recently, clogs can develop inside the gutters, downspouts and pipes. Leaving these clogs can come with dangerous consequences like those mentioned above. If you’ve attempted to clear out your gutters, and notice that a clog still exists, you may need to get help from a professional with the right training and equipment to clear the debris quickly and efficiently.

Looking for a Certified Plumber in Pittsburgh, PA? Call Neighborhood Plumbing Today

Is it time for your next plumbing maintenance service? Then give Neighborhood Plumbing a call. Our certified plumbers are ready to put their tools to work for you. Contact our office to learn more about our residential and commercial services including clog removal, hydro jetting and leak inspections. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer your questions and can help schedule a convenient appointment with a Pittsburgh plumber near you.