How to Stop Water From Leaking Behind Gutters

Gutters are designed to capture rainwater as it runs off the edge of a roof and transport it to downspouts, which allow the water to flow away from the exterior walls and plants on the ground below. If the water leaks behind the gutters, it does what the gutters are designed to protect against. It backs up onto the roof, where it can cause rotting, damages exterior walls and possibly leaks into the structure through cracks around windows. It also damages foundations and basements. This problem can be eliminated with diligent gutter maintenance.

Ladder
Garden trowel
Bucket
Water hose
Screwdriver
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Lean a ladder against the exterior wall, next to where the gutter is leaking. Climb the ladder to a height where you have access to the gutters without having to lean away from the ladder.
- 2
  Scoop leaves and loose debris out of the gutters, using a garden trowel. Dump the debris into a bucket. Start at the downspouts and work along the remaining length of the gutter.
- 3
  Flush the gutters clean of remaining debris, using a hose. Spray the hose toward the downspout so that the debris and water are flushed out of the system.
- 4
  Spray the hose directly into the downspout to clear obstructions.
- 5
  Tighten loose hangers, which connect the gutters to the fascia, using a screwdriver or hammer, depending on whether the hangers are fastened with screws or nails.

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