Falling leaves and changing colors are some of the big reasons why people love autumn. But for homeowners, it’s important to be on the lookout for leaves, especially if they interfere with your residential plumbing. As experienced plumbers in Cincinnati, OH, the team at Joe Klosterman Plumbing says if not cleared properly, leaves can clog drains and downspouts, leading to unwanted plumbing problems.

If water has nowhere to go, backups can occur and lead to water damage. Many times, backed-up downspouts and drains will cause water to pool at the top of the roof, which can damage the surface and even lead to a leak. Similarly, water can spill over the sides of gutters or out of drains and lead to moisture-related problems to walls, windows, doors, and other exterior structures.

If not addressed immediately, downspout and drain clogs can lead to considerable damage over time. The extra weight and internal damage caused by leaves and excess water may impact the drainage system itself, like gutters detaching from rotted wood fascia. If temperatures get cold enough, waterlogged drains can also lead to ice dams, a major source of interior water damage.

The best way to avoid leaf-related drain and downspout problems is to stay on top of cleaning and removal, especially by clearing gutters periodically throughout the fall. For serious clogs, call Joe Klosterman Plumbing in Cincinnati at (513) 941-6766. This trusted plumber offers affordable and prompt drain cleaning that can effectively rid your system of leaves and other debris. For more helpful plumbing tips, visit their website. You can also like the plumbing team on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.