Standing Water in Gutters: Causes and Fixes
Updated
Short answer
Either the outlet is clogged or the gutter has lost its slope toward the downspout, usually from sagging hangers. Clearing the outlet fixes the first; re-hanging and re-pitching the run fixes the second, at about $75 to $200 (HomeGuide).
Which is it?
- Water along the whole run up to the downspout: the outlet is clogged.
- A puddle in one stretch with dry gutter on either side: a low spot.
- Water at the far end away from the downspout: the run slopes the wrong way.
Why it matters
Standing water rots fascia, freezes and splits seams in winter, and breeds mosquitoes; Cook County public health lists keeping gutters in good repair as a prevention step. Rockford sees 135.8 freezing nights a year.
See gutter repair.
Quick answers
Should there be water in my gutters after rain?
Only briefly. Water that stands for hours means a clog or a low spot.
Rather have someone else do it?
Tell us the address, how tall the house is and what you need. A local crew calls back with a price before anything is booked.