Do this now
- Look from the ground during rain to see where water is spilling — the clog is usually at or just above that point.
- Check that downspout outlets at the bottom are not blocked or crushed.
- If you clean gutters yourself, use a sturdy ladder on level ground with someone holding it, and never work near the overhead service line.
- Scoop debris by hand, then flush with a hose to confirm each downspout runs clear.
- For second-story gutters, steep roofs or any work near wires, hire a gutter service.
What usually causes it
- Leaves, seed pods and shingle granules filling the trough
- A clogged downspout or underground drain line
- Gutters that have sagged and no longer slope toward the downspout
- Too few downspouts or gutters too small for the roof area
What a professional will do
A gutter service clears troughs and downspouts, flushes underground lines, and re-pitches or re-hangs sections that hold water. If overflow continues, they can add downspouts, step up to a larger gutter, or fit guards — and should check the fascia behind for rot.
How to prevent it
- Clean gutters in late spring and again after the leaves are down
- Extend downspouts several feet from the foundation
- Trim branches that overhang the roof
- Consider guards under heavy tree cover, knowing they reduce but do not end maintenance
Rules and paperwork in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act requires most contractors who perform home improvements to register with the Attorney General’s office and to give you a written contract for any job over $500. The registration number belongs on the estimate and the contract — ask for it.
Sources: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General — Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. Rules change — confirm current requirements with the agency and with your municipality.
Frequently asked questions
How often should gutters be cleaned?
At least twice a year, and more often under trees. Pine needles and seed pods can fill a gutter between cleanings.
Can clogged gutters really cause a wet basement?
Yes. Roof water dumped beside the foundation is one of the most common causes, and one of the easiest to correct.
Do gutter guards mean no more cleaning?
No. Good guards cut down on debris, but fine material still collects and the guards themselves need occasional clearing.
Go deeper
Our full gutters guide covers how the work is done, what affects the price, and what to ask before you hire, and there is more on gutter cleaning.
This guide is general information, not a substitute for a professional assessing your home. If you are unsure whether something is safe, treat it as if it is not.