Overflowing gutters may seem like a small annoyance—until you’re dealing with roof damage, foundation cracks, or a flooded basement. If you’ve been Googling “guttering company near me” lately, there’s a good chance you’ve already noticed water spilling over the edges during heavy rain. For homeowners in Joplin, MO, staying ahead of these issues can protect your property and save you from expensive repairs.

In this post, we’ll explore the most common causes of gutter overflow and what you can do to fix them—whether you're a hands-on homeowner or looking to hire professionals like Joplin Guttering.

1. Clogged Gutters: The Usual Suspect

The most common reason for gutter overflow is a buildup of debris—leaves, twigs, dirt, even the occasional tennis ball. When gutters are clogged, rainwater can’t flow properly and ends up spilling over the edge.

What to do:

• Clean your gutters at least twice a year—more often if you have trees nearby.

• Use a gutter scoop or hose to flush out debris.

• Install gutter guards to reduce future buildup.

2. Improper Gutter Slope

Gutters need to be slightly angled (about 1/4 inch for every 10 feet) so that water flows toward the downspouts. If they're too flat—or worse, angled the wrong way—water will pool and eventually overflow.

What to do:

• Check your gutters during a light rain. If water sits still or flows the wrong way, slope adjustment is needed.

• Realign hangers or brackets, or call a professional to re-pitch the gutters correctly.

3. Too Few Downspouts

Your downspouts are like storm drains for your gutter system. If there aren’t enough of them—or if they’re too small—your gutters can’t drain fast enough during heavy rain, causing backups and overflows.

What to do:

• Add additional downspouts for longer gutter runs.

• Replace small downspouts with larger ones to increase water flow capacity.

4. Blocked or Disconnected Downspouts

Even with the right number of downspouts, they can get blocked by debris or disconnected at joints—especially underground extensions. This causes water to back up and spill over the gutters.

What to do:

• Run water through the downspout to check for blockages.

• Use a plumber’s snake or high-pressure hose to clear any clogs.

• Make sure all connections are secure and free of leaks.

5. Poor Installation or Aging Gutters

Gutters that were improperly installed or have sagged over time may have gaps, dips, or cracks. Water naturally finds the path of least resistance—so it spills out wherever there's a weak spot.

What to do:

• Inspect your gutters for sagging, loose sections, or rust spots.

• Tighten or replace brackets as needed.

• If your gutters are 20+ years old or made from outdated materials, it might be time to consider gutter replacement.

Case Study: How One Joplin Homeowner Solved Their Gutter Woes

After a spring thunderstorm left water pooling around his foundation, Greg, a Joplin homeowner, called Joplin Guttering for an inspection. Their team found a clogged downspout and a gutter run with no slope. They cleared the debris, re-sloped the gutter, and installed a new downspout. The next time it rained, Greg's yard stayed dry—and so did his basement.

Call in the Pros When Needed

If you’ve tried these DIY fixes and your gutters are still overflowing, it may be time to call in the experts. A trusted local contractor like Joplin Guttering offers professional gutter maintenance, repairs, and full replacement services designed to handle Missouri’s unpredictable weather.

Ready to stop your gutters from overflowing?
Don’t wait for water damage—schedule a gutter inspection today and keep your home protected year-round.