Fix downspout

[Learninggal]

guys - I have a gutter that's constantly getting clogged at the point where it connects to the downspout. No trees above my roof and no leaves so it's literally dirt over a few months that keeps clogging it. There is another gutter/downspout that feeds into this gutter too from the higher part of the roof. Is there a way I can do a gentler bend or anything else you suggest? Trying to stay away from mesh covers for now because I barely get any leaves here

Thanks

 

[jack stand]

It's hard to tell from the picture, but there's 2 sizes (that I know of) of down spouting and we used to use a larger one in situations where multiple "regular" size d/s would not work ie; patios, grading, etc.
You'll need a bigger outlet, elbows and of course spouting.

 

[Learninggal]

Doesn't it seem I already have the maximum size of elbow installed or are you suggesting a wider one?
Also are you recommending changing the whole downspout?

 

[acer66]

Did you check how long the screws are that were used to secure the connection?

Sometimes they use quite long ones that catch all sorts of stuff.

Or if the ends of the pieces were modified like cutting them to fit better the cut ends can be bend inwards and cause clogging.

 

[CombatNinja]

There is no reason that should clog with no trees directly around it. I suggest removing it and figuring out what is going on inside that keeps causing your issue. Downspouts and pop rivets are cheap and a chimpanzee can install them, so have no fear.

 

[jack stand]

Doesn't it seem I already have the maximum size of elbow installed or are you suggesting a wider one?
Also are you recommending changing the whole downspout?

Yes, IF you're existing d/s is 2x3 or 3x4, the big one is 4x5. A drain is only "open" to the smallest component.

 

[Learninggal]

It's 2x3 downspout. Ok in order of troubleshooting, I'll check all the nails first and see where it's clogging up. Then, try to do a gentler elbow before replacing the whole downspout. I could also look into leaf/dirt guards but the problem is there is another gutter feeding into this which is much higher and not a DIY job

 

[jack stand]

This (another section of gutter feeding into) is the reason for enlarging the spouting.

 

[CombatNinja]

Most gutter companies in the Southeast install the 4" x 3" downspouts by default unless you request smaller for some aesthetic reason.

 

[Learninggal]

Alright, cleaned all the gutters and there were some leaves but not too many that were clogging the entrance of the elbow and as soon as I took it off, the water gushed through. Two options ahead of me - simply use a power washer or even my garden hose jet setting that is quite strong from the 2nd floor windows which are within 15ft of the gutters. Kids may enjoy doing this too. I think most of this gunk is collecting in April & May in the northeast so I can set a reminder for May 1. Alternatively, I can install gutter guards but feel that may be overkill if I can make do with this annual maintenance since guards come with their own issues with ice dams, etc - don't they?

Thanks

 

[kbs2244]

gutter guards are for leaves
dirt will just go through the holes

 

[CombatNinja]

Every 'gutter guard' product is bull5hit. The only thing that works is cleaning your gutters or cutting down every Goddamn tree depositing **** in them. I took a hybrid approach. I cut down every tree save the one at the south end of the house as it provides shade. I compensate by cleaning my gutters 4x per year. Every season gets me on a ladder cleaning the mess.

 

[glennm]

Sometimes you can clear a downspout buy firing some air up from the ground with a leaf blower

 

[CraigStu]

I fixed that problem 2 houses back. I removed the down spout completely. I got the flange for the next larger spout and replaced the original flange in the gutter. I bought sections of the larger down spout and here is the key; the top section of spout I shortened to about 4 ft and came off the flange and down to the side of the house without any S curve section.
BTW, we have been in our current newly built house for 3 years now. The builder installed the simple gutter guards like these.

Spectra Metals 5 in. x 4 ft. Armour Screen Lock-On Gutter Guard (25/Pro-Pack) GS501LC25 - The Home Depot

Spectra Pro Select's Armour Screen Gutter Guard has a unique design that will keep leaves and other debris out of your gutter systems. The pressure fit system will lock onto the front edge of the gutter

www.homedepot.com

I have no idea what brand but they have worked great. I look out over the roof over the front porch from our bedroom window and have yet to see more than a few leaves in that 20ft section. All spouts remain un-clogged so far.

 

[58Yeoman]

Every 'gutter guard' product is bull5hit. The only thing that works is cleaning your gutters or cutting down every Goddamn tree depositing **** in them. I took a hybrid approach. I cut down every tree save the one at the south end of the house as it provides shade. I compensate by cleaning my gutters 4x per year. Every season gets me on a ladder cleaning the mess.

I call BS on your statement about all gutter guards being ****. My house is surrounded by trees, and I only cut one down when it needs to be cut down. The plastic 3' length or the rolls ARE ****, but after installing the 3' sections from Costco, I've never had a clogging problem, OR had to do any cleaning, other than when high winds may knock down a lot of little twigs that catch on the lip.

 

[Learninggal]

side question. is it ok to use a garden hose jet mode to clean windows from the outside? I've heard pressure washers could affect the window seals but the hose has a lower psi obviously

 

[Skooterj]

I would replace the entire downspout with a 3x4. 3x4 should just be the standard. Problem is that the 3x4 downspout does not play as nicely with your 4 inch gutter. 2x3 downspouts clog way too easily. I never use anything smaller than a 5 inch gutters with 3x4 downspouts. If it is being fed from another roof, I will sometimes use 6 inch gutters with 4x5 downspouts depending on how much roof area there is.