The manufacturer of the drainage system gives a quality guarantee for its product, but the actual life of its operation depends, among other things, on proper installation and, most importantly, on systematic maintenance. Over time and changing weather conditions, the outdoor drainage system becomes clogged. In order for it to continue to function, breakages and leaks do not form, it is important to carry out preventive cleaning in a timely manner. In this article, we will tell you how to properly care for the gutter of your home and provide it with many years of service.
Causes of clogged gutters and drains
Here are the most common causes of clogged drains and pipes:
- fallen leaves, small branches and flowers of nearby trees
- accumulated mud deposits of sand and dust brought in by the wind
- ice and snow in the cold season
A blockage can cause vegetation and moss to grow and actively spread through the downpipe, making it difficult for the gutters and gutter system to function and clean. Follow the link you can read more of gutter cleaning https://windowwashingexpert.com/gutter-cleaning/gutters-drains-schaumburg/.
When to clean gutters and drains
Regular care is performed after winter and in mid-autumn.
- After winter, by the beginning of thawing, gutters are cleaned of ice, snow and accumulated debris and dirt, so that melt water from the roof goes into the drain unhindered. Drainpipes are also cleared of ice plugs that prevent normal water drainage.
- In mid-autumn and leaf fall, there is a peak of blockages, when cleaning can be carried out several times.
But the system must be constantly monitored and the gutters and gutters on the roof cleaned as necessary. In early spring, along with melt water, pieces of ice, sand, branches and debris accumulated in snow layers can enter the system, they must be removed. In late spring, when flowering trees fly around, it may also be necessary to clean the gutter system from flowers. In summer, during a period of drought and extreme heat, the trees shed their leaves, and they fall into the drain.
Methods for cleaning gutters and drains
1. Manual gutter cleaning
How to clear clogged gutters and drains with your own hands? First, arrange access to gutters and drains. Please note that all work in which there is a risk of falling from a height of 1.8 m is considered high-altitude work and requires compliance with labor protection rules when working at height. You will need a stable ladder, and if your house is two or more stories high, you may need personal protective equipment, scaffolding, aerial work platform, or special climbing equipment. Collect the accumulated debris in the gutters and funnels in a bag / box, or drop large fragments on the ground. Clogged pipes can be cleared with long sticks or a plumbing cable. Remove small debris with a soft brush or cloth. In addition, special telescopic gutter brushes can be used. The handle reaches a length of 5 m, and the angle of the brush is adjustable, which allows you to clean hard-to-reach places.
2. Blow down downpipes and gutters
You can clean the drain for the roof by blowing. This type of cleaning is carried out using a special tool – a blower designed for cleaning leaves. But it is still desirable to remove large debris manually in advance. It is most convenient to use a compact device on a battery. A powerful air flow pushes leaves, branches and dirt accumulated in the gutters and pipes. This method is well suited for downspouts that have a curved shape that cannot be cleaned with a stick. But the power of the air flow may not be enough if the blockage has formed in the depths of the drain. Operate the blower only in dry weather to keep debris dry and easier to blow out, and for safety reasons.
3. Washing gutters with pressurized water
The third way to clean gutters and drains is to flush with water under pressure. Water is supplied to the system using a garden hose. Without pressure, rinsing can be carried out as an additional measure after manual cleaning. To increase the water pressure, you can use a special nozzle on the hose. Water will accumulate, create pressure, the rag will fall out, and the stream will clean the drain. To avoid damage to the polymer coating of the system elements, do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. From the outside, you can wash the drain with a rag or soft brushes. Follow the link you can find prices of gutter cleaning https://windowwashingexpert.com/gutter-cleaning/gutters-drains-libertyville/.
Gutter Cleaning Recommendations
When cleaning the gutters and drainage system, it is important not to damage it. Therefore, you must follow the recommendations:
- to remove ice by tapping, you must be extremely careful and use only wooden or plastic sticks and scrapers, without applying much effort
- do not use hard abrasive materials, brushes, scrapers that can damage the coating of gutters
- when organizing access, do not rest the ladder on the elements of the drainage system.
To prevent blockages and damage to the drain, it is necessary to constantly monitor it and clean it regularly.
