One of the most common questions we get asked is whether our gutter cleaning service includes downspouts. The answer is always yes. Cleaning the gutters without clearing the downpipes would be like washing the dishes but leaving the plughole blocked — the water has nowhere to go.
Downspouts (also called downpipes) are the vertical pipes that carry rainwater from your gutters down to the ground-level drain. Over time, they can become partially or fully blocked by compacted leaves, moss, silt, and other debris that washes down from the gutters above.
A blocked downspout causes water to back up in the gutter channel, leading to overflows that can damage your walls, fascia boards, and foundations. In winter, standing water in blocked downpipes can freeze and crack the pipe, creating an expensive repair.
During every gutter cleaning job, we flush all downspouts with water to confirm they are draining freely. If we find a blockage, we use specialist tools to clear it — including flexible rods and high-pressure water jets for stubborn obstructions.
We also check the connection points where the gutter meets the downpipe. These joints are a common failure point, especially on older properties where the sealant has deteriorated or the brackets have loosened.
If we discover any damage to your downspouts — such as cracks, loose fixings, or disconnected sections — we will let you know and can often carry out minor repairs on the spot.
Downspout flushing is included as standard in every gutter cleaning service we provide. There is no extra charge, and we do not consider a job complete until every downpipe on your property is flowing freely.
If you have noticed water overflowing from your gutters even though they look clear, there is a good chance the problem is a blocked downpipe. Get in touch for a free inspection and we will sort it out for you.