Can Clogged Gutters Cause Water In The Basement?

Is your basement looking more like a swimming pool than a living space? You might be dealing with a hidden culprit: your gutters. One of the most common causes of a wet basement is clogged gutters. Read this blog to figure out how gutters can affect the health of your basement. 

What are gutters?

Gutters play a crucial role in safeguarding your home’s structure by channeling rainwater away from the foundation and preventing unwanted water accumulation around it. These slim, angled troughs attached to the roof’s edge gather rainwater and guide it through downspouts to a designated area, typically 10 feet away from your home. This keeps your foundation dry and protected from potential water damage.

Without gutters, rainwater would pour directly off your roof and accumulate around your foundation. Over time, this can lead to significant issues like basement flooding, crawl space damage, and foundation deterioration. Left unchecked, it could result in mold growth and compromise your home's structural integrity.

The downside of clogged gutters

Now, let’s talk about what happens when your gutters are clogged and not doing their job. Having clogged gutters can lead to several issues, especially if you’re experiencing a wet basement. Here is what you might be dealing with:

Water overflow: When gutters are filled with twigs, leaves, and other debris, water can overflow and pour down the sides of your home rather than being directed away which can contribute to water pooling around your foundation.

Hydrostatic pressure: Consistent overflow can lead to water pooling around your foundation. This water can cause pressure on your foundation walls called hydrostatic pressure which eventually can lead to cracks, bowing walls, and other damage to your foundation.

Foundation damage: Once the water overflow starts affecting the structure of your foundation and cracks begin to appear, water begins to seep into your basement, leading to potential mold growth and damage to the home's structural integrity. 

Five signs you have gutter problems

How do you know if your gutters are to blame for your wet basement? Keep an eye out for these five signs:

1. Overflowing gutters Water spilling over the edges of your gutters can be a sure sign of a blockage. When gutters are clogged, they can't channel water properly, causing it to overflow and run down the sides of your home. This excess water can seep into the ground near your foundation, eventually finding its way into your basement.
2. Water stains on walls: Look for stains on your home’s exterior walls, especially near the gutters and downspouts. These stains often indicate that water is not being directed away from the house as intended. Instead, the water is running down the walls and pooling around your foundation.
3. Pooling water: Check around the exterior of your home for pooling water. This can be a clear sign of gutter problems, as clogged or damaged gutters can prevent proper water flow.
4. Sagging or detached gutters: Gutters that are hanging unevenly or have sections that are coming loose are a sign that they might be clogged with debris or not properly secured. When gutters are not functioning correctly, water can overflow or spill over the sides, saturating the ground near your foundation. 
5. Basement dampness: If your basement has a persistent damp smell or visible water damage, it could be a sign that your gutters are not properly directing water away from your home. When gutters fail to channel water correctly, the excess moisture can seep into the foundation and walls of your basement, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

If you spot any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have your gutters inspected and repaired to prevent further damage to your home.

What do I do?

The good news is that there is plenty you can do to prevent gutter-related basement issues:

Gutter clogged with debris.

1. Regular cleaning: We recommend following our “How to clean your gutters” blog, this will walk you through different ways you can safely clean out your gutters. For most homes, we recommend cleaning gutters twice a year – in late spring and late fall.
2. Inspection: Check for signs of damage, such as sagging gutters or detached downspouts. Any issues here need to be addressed promptly.
3. Professional help: If you already notice gutter damage or water in your basement, it might be time to call in the experts. Thrasher provides a free estimate that includes one of our system design specialists visiting your home to walk you through the problems your home may be experiencing and provides correct solutions specific to your home’s situation. 

Can clogged gutters cause water in your basement?

The answer to your question is yes, clogged gutters absolutely contribute to basement leaks. If you have noticed any of the signs we mentioned or just want to ensure that your gutters and basement are in top condition, we are here to help! Don't let clogged gutters lead to a wet basement. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection and get peace of mind knowing that your home is protected from the elements. Your dry basement—and your home’s foundation—will thank you!

If you happen to live in or around Omaha, Kansas City, Wichita, Denver, Springfield, Grand Island, Sioux City, or Peoria, we're here to help with any basement questions, humidity issues, or hey, even just chatting about life – we’re up for that, too. You can reach out to us by calling us at 1-800-827-0702, filling out this form, or starting a chat in the bottom right-hand corner.