7 signs your gutters are blocked

1. Water spilling over the edge when it rains

The clearest sign of all. If water pours over the front of the gutter during a downpour instead of running to the downpipe, something is stopping it — usually leaves and silt, sometimes a blocked outlet.

2. Plants, grass or moss growing out of the gutter

If there's enough soil and water in your gutter for plants to grow, it's well overdue a clear. Roots can also push joints apart and cause leaks.

3. Downpipes that stay dry in heavy rain

If it's pouring and nothing is coming out of a downpipe, the blockage is either in the gutter outlet or inside the pipe itself. Both need clearing.

4. Dark streaks or green stains on the walls

Water running down brickwork leaves dark tide marks and, over time, green algae. Look directly under the gutter line and around downpipe joints.

5. Damp patches on inside walls or ceilings

Damp near the top of an upstairs wall, or around window frames, can be caused by water overflowing from a blocked gutter and soaking into the brickwork. It's worth ruling out the gutters before looking for other causes.

6. Sagging gutters or gaps at the joints

A gutter full of wet debris is heavy. Over time that weight can bend brackets, pull the gutter away from the fascia and open up the joints, causing drips and leaks.

7. Birds, insects or puddles under the gutter

Birds nesting in the gutter, lots of midges around it, or a constant puddle or worn patch in the ground below are all signs of standing water and debris up above.

What to do next

If you've spotted one or more of these, the gutters need clearing. We clear every accessible gutter run from the ground using a high-powered vacuum and telescopic poles, flow-check the downpipes, and send you before and after photos so you can see exactly what was done. If we spot any damage, like broken brackets or leaking joints, we'll let you know.

Our gutter clearing service covers all of this, and if it's been a while since the last clear it's worth reading how often gutters should be cleaned. You can see your fixed price and book online in about a minute.