Distinguishing Outlet Clogs from Trough Overflow
Water escaping a gutter run usually points to one of two distinct issues that are helpful to identify before service:
- An outlet blockage occurs when leaves, needles, or small twigs collect directly over the drop outlet, causing standing water in the channel even if the rest of the trough contains minimal debris.
- Run overflow happens when a long stretch of gutter fills completely with accumulated silt and organic matter, or when water bypasses the trough because heavy build-up prevents flow toward the outlets.