Why are my gutters overflowing?

Q: How much does it cost to fix gutters overflowing in the rain?

$150–$1,500. Professional cleaning is often $150 to $350. Rehanging or adding downspouts is a few hundred dollars. Upgrading to larger gutters or adding guards can run $1,000 or more for a whole house.

Q: Can I fix gutters overflowing in the rain myself?

This is usually DIY-friendly. Call a gutter contractor if gutters overflow even when clean, if they're sagging or pulling away, if the fascia behind them is soft, or if your roof is two stories or steep.

Short answer

Gutters overflow when they're clogged with leaves and roof grit, when a downspout is blocked, when the gutter is sagging or sloped the wrong way, or when the gutter is simply too small for the roof in a hard downpour. Most of the time a cleaning fixes it. If they overflow even when clean, the gutters or downspouts need resizing or rehanging.

Urgency: Address soon
DIY: Usually DIY-friendly
Typical cost: $150–$1,500
Time: 1 to 3 hours for cleaning

Address soon

Fix it before the next big storm. Overflowing gutters dump water right at the foundation and can rot fascia boards over time.

What's happening

Rain off the roof is supposed to run along the gutter to a downspout. If it can't get there, or can't get down fast enough, it spills over the edge and lands right at your foundation.

Most likely causes

01
Leaves and debris
The most common cause. Leaves, pine needles and shingle grit build a dam, especially near the downspout opening.
02
Clogged downspout
If water backs up but the gutter looks clean, the blockage is often inside the downspout or at the elbow at the bottom.
03
Wrong slope or sagging
A gutter that has pulled loose or was hung level holds water in the middle instead of draining it.
04
Gutters too small for the rain
In heavy Gulf Coast downpours, standard 5-inch gutters on a big or steep roof can't keep up. Wider gutters and bigger downspouts help.
05
Too few downspouts
A long run of gutter with one downspout overloads in a storm.

What you can try yourself

1From a steady ladder, scoop out debris starting near the downspout
2Flush the gutter with a hose and watch whether water flows to the downspout
3If a downspout is clogged, run the hose up from the bottom or remove the bottom elbow to clear it
4Check that hangers are tight and the gutter isn't sagging
5If you're not comfortable on a ladder, especially on a two-story house, hire it out

When to call someone

Call a gutter contractor if gutters overflow even when clean, if they're sagging or pulling away, if the fascia behind them is soft, or if your roof is two stories or steep.

Who to call

Gutter contractor

Find a pro

What it should cost

$150–$1,500

Professional cleaning is often $150 to $350. Rehanging or adding downspouts is a few hundred dollars. Upgrading to larger gutters or adding guards can run $1,000 or more for a whole house.

Estimates are typical US ranges for orientation. Actual pricing varies by region, home and contractor — always get a written quote.

What happens if you wait

Every storm pours roof water against the foundation. Over time that means wet crawlspaces, soil movement, foundation cracks, and rotted fascia and soffits.

Questions to ask the contractor

Are my gutters and downspouts big enough for this roof?
Would more downspouts help?
Are gutter guards worth it with the trees I have?
Is the fascia behind the gutter in good shape?
Where should the downspouts empty so water stays away from the house?

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