You’re in the middle of a severe storm, and it’s not going well. You look out the window and see a waterfall cascading over your gutters, pooling directly against your foundation. You know the next band of heavy rain is only an hour away.
This is an emergency. A flooded gutter system can send water into your basement, foundation, and walls. While you can’t (and shouldn’t) do a full-scale repair in a storm, you can take immediate steps to mitigate the damage.
SAFETY FIRST: Do NOT get on a ladder or your roof in high winds, lightning, or heavy rain. These fixes are for lulls in the storm and should only be performed if you can do so safely from the ground.
Triage Step 1: Identify the Clog (From the Ground)
There are two likely culprits.
- The Gutter Itself: A dam of leaves and debris is blocking the gutter, causing it to overflow. You’ll see water pouring over a wide section of the gutter.
- The Downspout: The gutter is full, but the clog is in the downspout (usually the top elbow). You’ll see water overflowing only at the corner where the downspout begins. This is the more common and more dangerous clog.
Triage Step 2: The Immediate Fixes
If the Clog is in the Downspout (Most Likely):
This is the best-case scenario, as it can often be fixed from the ground.
- Tap the Elbow: From the ground, firmly tap the outside of the downspout elbow with a broom handle or your hand. The vibration can be enough to dislodge the “plug” of wet, compacted leaves. You’ll know it worked if you hear a “whoosh” and water suddenly drains.
- Use a Hose (If Safe): During a lull, try to send a high-pressure jet of water up the downspout from the bottom. This can sometimes back-flush the clog.
- “The Plumber’s Snake” Method: A small plumber’s snake or a flexible wire can be fed up from the bottom or down from the top (if you can safely reach from a first-floor window or ladder) to break up the clog.
If the Clog is in the Gutter (Harder to Fix):
This is tougher to fix safely during a storm.
- Use a Gutter Pole: A gutter cleaning tool on an extension pole is the only safe way to attempt this from the ground. Try to reach the spot where water is overflowing and pull the debris dam back. Don’t push it toward the downspout, as you’ll just create a downspout clog.
- DO NOT attempt this from a ladder in the rain. The ground is saturated and unstable.
Triage Step 3: Divert the Water at Ground Level
If you cannot clear the clog, your next step is damage control. That “waterfall” is attacking your foundation. You must get the water away from your house.
- Create a Temporary Diverter: Get a long, waterproof “dam.” A long piece of plastic sheeting, a piece of plywood, or even bags of mulch laid end-to-end can be placed on the ground at an angle to channel the water away from the foundation and into a lower part of your yard.
- Check Basement Windows: Ensure your window wells are not filling with water. If they are, get them covered immediately.
The “After” Plan
Once the storm passes, your first call should be to a gutter professional for a full cleaning. Your second call should be to an inspector to check for water damage in your attic, walls, and basement.
If the gutter failure caused a roof leak or water to get under your shingles, [contact StormWrappers immediately]. We can install a temporary enclosure to dry out the area and prevent mold while you schedule permanent repairs.