Downspouts are drainage pipes that direct rain water from the roof to the ground. This is where the rainwater is lead away from the buildings foundation so that no rainwater is able to pool around the building. Downspouts are most commonly seen attached to the corners of home or building. Without perfectly working downspouts, rainwater will fall off the roofs edge and may cause flooding and damage to the building. Rain water will pass through the cracks in the walls, windows and into the buildings foundation.

The problem with downspouts is that they clog very easily when leaves, twigs, and other debris accumulate within the downspout itself. This makes it difficult for the rainwater to drain properly throughout the downspout.

Any debris that is found in the gutters should be removed. Running a hose through the gutters will reveal if there are any clogs in the downspouts. Downspouts are mostly attached to the house by downspout brackets, which can be easily removed for further cleaning if the downspout becomes highly clogged with debris.