Gutters overflowing?

Water spilling over the edge usually means the gutter or downspout is blocked, or the gutter no longer slopes toward the downspout. Ladder safety comes first: if the gutters are on a second story, leave the job to a pro.

Not sure which one it is? Snap your gutters and we’ll narrow it down.

Is the gutter dripping at a joint, or hanging low?

Leaking seams and pulled-away hangers cause that. Gutters leaking or sagging

Likely causes

Clogged gutter
Most commonModerate DIY
Leaves, seeds and grit from shingles pile up in the trough, and water spills over the edge along the clogged stretch.
Part: $119–234 (gutter cleaning, average $168)
Clogged downspout or elbow
CommonModerate DIY
Water pours over the gutter in one spot, usually right above the downspout, and little or none comes out at the bottom.
Part: $50–100 (downspout cleaning)
Gutter has lost its slope or sags
CommonCall a pro
Water pools in the trough after rain instead of running to the downspout. Looking from the side, the gutter dips or sags. See gutters leaking or sagging.
More rain than the gutters can carry
Less commonCall a pro
Gutters and downspouts are clear, yet they overflow only in the heaviest downpours.
Ice dams in winter
Less commonCall a pro
Ice fills the gutter and builds along the roof edge, and meltwater has nowhere to go. See ice dams.

Quick checks

Ladder safety comes first. Set the ladder level on firm footing, keep three points of contact, and move the ladder instead of leaning out. Keep ladders away from the service wires to the house. Don't climb on a wet or icy day. Two-story gutters are a job for a pro. Wear gloves: sharp metal edges and debris.

Watch from the ground during rain, if you can, and note where the water spills over.
Check whether water comes out of the bottom of the downspout. If it doesn't, the downspout or elbow is likely blocked.
Look at the gutter from the side for a sag or dip where water could pool.
If you clean gutters yourself, work from a ladder on level, firm ground and move the ladder instead of leaning out. Wear gloves, because metal edges and debris are sharp.
Photograph the overflow, the spot where the downspout meets the gutter, and any sag.
In winter, look for ice in the gutter and along the roof edge, and see ice dams.

Sharpen the read

Diagnose your gutters in seconds, for free

No account, no phone number. Fixology’s AI reads your photo and tells you what’s likely wrong, how worried to be, and whether it’s a DIY fix.

Snap one of these:

the overflowing or leaking section during rain, if you can
where the downspout meets the gutter
the gutter from the side, showing any sag
the fascia board behind the gutter

Add a note or more photos next. Nobody calls you.

When to call a pro

Call a gutter pro if the gutters are on a second story, you aren't comfortable on a ladder, water still spills after cleaning, or the gutter sags. If water is running down walls or into the house, also see roof leaking. For the bigger picture, see the gutters guide.

Typical cost: HomeAdvisor puts gutter cleaning at an average of $168 ($119–234). Cleaning a downspout runs $50–100, and minor repairs during a cleaning $50–100. Resloping a gutter and ice dam work are not priced here.

Sources: HomeAdvisor: How much does gutter cleaning cost? (updated June 20, 2026)

After a scan, Fixology can also help you find pros near you.