If it fails: the first hour
What the site contact should do before the technician arrives.
- Check whether water is entering the building at any point and move items away from the area
- Look at ground-level drains and gutters for visible blockage that can be safely cleared
- Photograph standing water locations for the contractor
- Call the drainage provider and note whether the issue is at roof level or grade level
What fails
What a service call includes
- Full clearing of gutters, downspouts and roof drain strainers by hand or vacuum
- Flushing downspouts and underground lines to confirm free flow to the point of discharge
- Inspecting and clearing catch basins and area drains at grade
- Checking gutter hangers, seams and end caps for leaks or separation
- Confirming scuppers and overflow drains are clear and unobstructed
- Photo documentation of blockages found and cleared
- Flagging any structural gutter or downspout damage for repair
Preventive checklist
The items a maintenance program should carry for this system. Build a combined checklist across systems with the checklist builder.
Spring
- Clear winter debris and check for ice-related gutter damage
- Flush downspouts and underground lines ahead of spring storms
- Inspect catch basins for sediment buildup
Fall
- Clear leaves before the first hard rain compacts them into drains
- Check gutter hangers and reseal seams before winter freeze cycles
- Inspect roof drain strainers and remove debris
Quarterly
- Visual check of gutters and downspouts for new blockage or damage
- Confirm roof drains are flowing freely after any recent storm
Annual
- Full inspection of underground drain lines, camera scope if backups have occurred
- Catch basin and area drain deep cleaning
- Review overall drainage capacity against current roof condition
What it costs
| item | typical range | what moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Standard gutter and downspout cleaning | $150 to $600 | Building perimeter length and number of stories affect cost |
| Roof drain and scupper clearing | $150 to $450 | Number of drains and access difficulty |
| Downspout repair or replacement, per section | $100 to $400 | Material, EPDM downspouts and copper cost more than aluminum |
| Catch basin cleaning | $200 to $800 per basin | Sediment volume and whether vacuum truck access is available |
| Underground line camera inspection | $300 to $900 | Line length and number of access points |
National ranges. Local labor, access, after-hours timing and materials move them. Multi-site programs usually price below one-off calls.
When this is an emergency
Water backing up onto the roof or pooling against the foundation during active rainfall.
How to choose a provider
- Ask whether the provider services the full drainage path, gutters, roof drains and underground lines, not just visible gutters
- Confirm they carry vacuum or jetting equipment for catch basins and underground blockages
- Ask how often they recommend service for this building's roof size and surrounding tree cover
- Check whether camera inspection is available for diagnosing recurring underground line backups
- Ask for a written report after each visit noting blockages found and cleared
Questions
How often should commercial gutters be cleaned?
Twice a year at minimum, spring and fall, with more frequent service if the property has significant tree cover nearby.
Can a clogged roof drain cause a ceiling leak?
Yes. Water backing up from a clogged drain can pond on the roof and find its way through a seam or flashing that would otherwise hold under normal drainage.
What is the difference between a scupper and a roof drain?
A roof drain routes water down through the roof into interior piping, while a scupper is an opening through the parapet wall that lets water drain off the roof edge, often as a backup to the primary drains.
Why does water pool at the base of a downspout?
Usually a blocked or collapsed underground line, or a downspout that discharges without a proper extension or connection to the storm system.