After hundreds of gutter jobs around Pierce County, we’ve seen every version of this. If your gutters turn into waterfalls every time it rains — from Tacoma to Puyallup, Lakewood to Gig Harbor — here’s what’s usually going on, and what to do about it.
Clogged gutters (the number one cause)
Nine times out of ten, overflowing gutters just mean they’re full. Fir needles, maple leaves, and roof grit pack in there, and once water can’t flow through, it goes over the edge instead. Around here, gutters typically need cleaning once or twice a year — homes under fir trees need it more. This is exactly what our gutter cleaning service handles: we clear the full run, check the downspouts, and make sure water flows freely again.
Sagging gutters
Gutters full of wet debris get heavy — really heavy. That weight pulls the gutter away from the fascia board, creating low spots where water pools and spills over. If you see your gutters bowing in the middle or pulling away from the house, the hangers need attention before the whole run comes down.
Clogged downspouts
Sometimes the gutter itself is clear but the downspout is blocked. You’ll see water shooting over the edge right above the downspout. A tennis ball, a bird’s nest, or a wad of leaves is usually the culprit. We check and clear downspouts as part of every gutter visit.
Wrong slope or undersized gutters
Less common, but real: gutters need a slight slope toward the downspout. If yours were installed flat — or if they’re too small for your roof’s runoff — they’ll overflow no matter how clean they are. We’ll tell you straight if that’s what we’re seeing.
How to avoid it
- Clean your gutters twice a year — once after spring pollen and needle drop, once after fall leaves.
- Trim back branches hanging over the roof; they’re the main source of debris.
- Each spring, look for sagging sections or gutters pulling away from the house.
- Gutter guards help with big leaves, but fir needles and roof grit still get through — they’re not maintenance-free.
FAQs
How often should gutters be cleaned around here?
Once or twice a year for most Pierce County homes. If you have fir trees overhead, twice — spring and fall.
Can clogged gutters damage my house?
Yes. Overflowing water rots fascia boards, stains siding, and dumps water right against your foundation — which is how basements and crawl spaces get wet.
Do gutter guards mean I never have to clean them?
No — guards reduce the big leaves but fir needles and roof grit still get through. They help, but they’re not maintenance-free.
How long does a gutter cleaning take?
Most single-family homes take one to two hours, depending on how full things are and how many stories.
Book Your Visit
Tired of the waterfalls? If you’d rather not spend your Saturday on a ladder, we offer gutter cleaning across Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood, Federal Way, Bonney Lake, University Place, and Gig Harbor — one visit and it’s handled. Book your appointment or call/text (253) 298-9025. We can help you with that at Pro Touch. Licensed · Bonded · Insured — WA Reg. #PROTOTH762KL.