Gutters and downpipes.
The boring job that saves the house.

From Lincoln and Josh at Linc Point · Updated October 2026

Gutters have one job. Catch the water coming off the roof, carry it to the downpipes and get it away from the house. When they block, the water goes wherever it likes. Usually that is over the edge, back into the eaves, or down inside a wall.

It is the least exciting job on any storm prep list, and one of the ones that matters most.

Signs your gutters need attention

• Water pouring over the edge in heavy rain, especially in the same spot every time
• Grass, weeds or seedlings growing in the gutter
• Gutters sagging, pulling away from the fascia, or with brackets missing
• Rust spots, holes, or joins that drip
• Stains, bubbling or peeling paint on the eaves or fascia boards
• Water marks or mould on the ceiling near an outside wall
• Downpipes that gurgle, leak at the joins, or have nothing coming out the bottom when it is pouring
• Puddles or washed-out soil at the base of the walls

How often to clean them in South East Queensland

There is no one answer. It mostly comes down to your trees.

• Few or no trees nearby: once a year, before storm season, is often enough.
• Trees in the yard or next door: before storm season and again after heavy leaf drop. Plenty of natives shed leaves and bark on and off all year, so keep an eye on it.
• Big trees hanging over the roof: expect to check them every few months.

If you only do it once a year, do it in early spring, before the storms start.

What overflow actually damages

When a gutter overflows at the back edge, water runs behind it and into the eaves. Over time that rots the fascia boards, stains and sags the eave lining, and can get into the wall cavity. You often do not see it until paint starts bubbling or a ceiling stain appears. By then the repair is a lot bigger than a gutter clean.

Overflow off the front edge dumps water at the base of your walls instead, which is hard on garden beds, paths and the ground around the house.

Some homes have box gutters, which sit inside the roofline rather than hanging off the edge. When those block, water can end up inside the house. If you have them, keep them clear and get them checked.

Downpipes, the bit everyone forgets

A clean gutter with a blocked downpipe still overflows. Run a hose into the top of each downpipe and check it flows freely out the bottom. If it backs up, there is a blockage somewhere, often at a bend or where the pipe goes underground into the stormwater. Underground drainage is a job for a licensed plumber.

Safety, and when to leave it alone

We will say it plainly. People get badly hurt falling off ladders doing this exact job. If you are doing a single-storey house yourself:

• Set the ladder on firm, level ground, at the right angle, and have someone foot it
• Keep three points of contact and do not overreach. Climb down and move the ladder instead.
• Never do it in wet or windy weather
• Stay well clear of powerlines, including the line running into the house
• Wear gloves and eye protection, and use a scoop, not your bare hands
• Do not walk on the roof

Leave it to someone with the right equipment if it is a two-storey house, the ground underneath is sloping or uneven, you would need to get on the roof, the gutter is damaged or pulling away, powerlines run near the gutter line, or you are just not as steady on a ladder as you used to be. No shame in any of that.

For eligible seniors and people with disability, the Queensland Government's Home Assist Secure service can help with some critical home maintenance and repairs. Eligibility applies, so check the current details with Home Assist Secure. Search Home Assist Secure on qld.gov.au or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

Are gutter guards worth it?

They can help, especially under big trees. They cut down how often the gutters need clearing. They do not stop it altogether. Fine debris still gets through or sits on top, and the guards need checking too. If someone tells you guards mean you will never clean a gutter again, be sceptical.

How we can help

Gutters and downpipes are part of our Free Storm Ready Check, along with the roof and the outside of the house. You get photos and a short written summary. If the gutters need a clean, a repair or replacing, we put the quote together and line up a local trade to do it. Our roof warning signs guide covers the rest of the roofline.