It starts subtly: a gentle gurgle during a rainstorm that you might mistake for a happy drain. But then comes the deluge—water cascading over the side of your gutter like a miniature waterfall, soaking your pathway and threatening your foundations. You have a blocked downpipe.

Don’t call a roof plumber just yet. This is a messy, slightly awkward, but very achievable DIY task. Here is the methodical approach to restoring the flow. Before you touch anything, assess the danger. You will likely be on a ladder. Ensure it’s on firm, level ground. Never lean the ladder directly against the gutter itself (it will dent or pull away from the fascia). Lean it against the solid roof fascia board.

And the golden rule: Wet aluminum is like ice, and the water pressure can surprise you. Wait for dry weather. Step 2: The Diagnostic Look Walk around your house during a light shower or after you’ve run a hose into the gutter. Identify the exact downpipe that isn't flowing. Is the blockage at the top (where the gutter feeds into the pipe) or somewhere down the vertical shaft?