For many Maryland homeowners, fall cleanup feels never-ending. Leaves pile up faster than you can rake them, and before long, your gutters and outdoor drains are full, too. It doesn’t seem like a big deal at first, but that buildup can lead to serious problems: standing water, foundation damage, and even plumbing backups that reach inside your home. That’s why working with a trusted Frederick plumbing company can help you catch these issues early – before they become costly repairs.
At Putman Plumbing, we’ve seen it happen far too often: a simple leaf clog outside turns into a costly plumbing repair inside. It’s frustrating, but it’s preventable. The good news? With a few practical habits, you can keep water flowing smoothly away from your home and protect your plumbing system before winter arrives.
Here are some simple tips on how to stay ahead of those fall clogs and keep your home safe and dry.
1. Keep Your Gutters Clear
Your gutters do more than collect rain; they guide it safely away from your home’s foundation. But when they’re packed with leaves and twigs, that water has nowhere to go. It spills over the sides, saturates the soil, and puts pressure on your foundation walls. According to Angi, clogged gutters are one of the leading causes of basement leaks and foundation cracks.
Cleaning your gutters twice a year, once in spring and again in late fall after most leaves have fallen, usually in November for most of Maryland, can make a big difference. Use the right tools, like a garden trowel, gloves, and a hose with a spray nozzle, to make the job safer and easier. If your house is surrounded by trees, you may need to check them more often throughout the season.
2. Check Outdoor Drains Before the Rain
Many Maryland homes have outdoor drains near patios, basement doors, or driveways. They’re designed to catch runoff and channel it away, but when they’re covered with leaves, they can’t do their job.
Blocked drains often lead to puddles that creep toward your home or seep through small cracks. Clearing those grates regularly, especially before heavy rain, helps prevent backups that can lead to indoor flooding.
Proper slope, grading, and downspout placement all affect how water flows around your home. So check your slope, make sure that the gutters tilt slightly toward the downspout, not flat. A level check can make sure water flows correctly. And a simple mesh drain cover can also go a long way in keeping debris out while letting water through.
3. Watch for Warning Signs Around the Foundation
Even small drainage problems can cause bigger issues over time. Water that collects near your home can erode the soil and weaken the foundation. Poor drainage is one of the top causes of basement leaks after heavy rain. So make sure that your downspout discharges water at least 5 five feet from your foundation.
After each storm, take a quick walk around your home. Look for pooling water near the foundation or damp spots along basement walls. If you notice either, it’s a sign that water isn’t being diverted properly.
4. Keep It Simple, Consistency Is Key
Preventing clogs doesn’t have to be complicated. Regular cleanup goes a long way to avoid drainage problems later. A couple of hours of prevention can save you from water stains, basement floods, or damaged plumbing lines when the next storm rolls through. But if you suspect your gutters or drains need more than a quick clean, you will need to reach out to a trusted plumbing service for help.
Protect Your Home Before Winter Hits
Your gutters and drains are your first line of defense against clogging problems; they shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s easy to miss what’s happening outside when your plumbing seems fine inside.
Keeping your gutters and drains clear means your home’s plumbing system can do its job without extra effort. A little attention now can save you from expensive repairs or a major headache later on. If you think you’ve done your part, and still have some drainage problems going on, maybe it’s time to ask for professional help to keep your home safe from seasonal clogs and backups.
Putman Plumbing is your reliable local plumber. We’ve been working with Maryland homeowners and businesses for more than 30 years. We treat every property as if it were our own. Contact us today, and we’ll make sure your problems go away.