A small leak in your gutter will likely damage the fascia, siding, soffit, and foundation. These damages may result in huge repair expenses. So, what could cause water dripping from the gutter, but no rain?

Water dripping from gutters in the absence of rain is a result of various causes such as:

  1. Blocked Downpipe
  2. Debris in the Gutters
  3. Broken seals
  4. Cracks and holes
  5. Improper slope
  6. Loose fasteners

It is crucial to assess and identify what may be causing your gutters to leak. Only then can you can take the necessary measures. This article explains whether dripping gutters are normal and the causes and fixes for this problem.

Is It Normal For Water To Drip Off Gutters?

It is not normal for water to leak from the gutters, especially in the dry season. Gutters are designed to carry off water to the downspout. If water is dripping from underneath, it’s likely due to damaged seals or a joint that has moved. Water overflowing from the lowest point is usually due to a blocked downpipe or a sagging section.

Causes and Fixes of Dripping Gutters

Below are the various causes and ideal fixes for each problem that could be causing a leaky gutter in your home.

1. Blocked Downpipe

The downpipe carries away water from the gutters. If enough water has collected in summer, usually due to condensation, it should drain quickly through the downpipe. However, if the downpipe is blocked with debris, water can fill to the brim. This scenario will cause water to overflow the gutters. Thus, water will leak from the lowest point and run through the sides.

Fortunately, you can fix a blocked downpipe using various DIY methods.

Check for big objects.

Objects such as balls can make their way into the downpipe. Use a stable ladder to access the downpipe. Then fish out the cause of the blockage and any debris or gunk collected in the pipe. Be sure to use gloved hands.

Use a garden hose

Insert a garden hose on the top end of the downpipe and push out the debris using the water pressure. You can also move the hose up and down the downpipe to ensure you get out the stuck debris.

The garden hose is handy to test if the downpipe is clear. Fill the gutter with water to see if water runs through to the downspout without any leakage. When this happens, it means you have solved the issue.

Try a Gutter Vac and Drain Rod

First, insert a drain rod to see if you can push the debris out. If that fails, and there’s lots of muck, a gutter vac can pull out the sludge. If these methods fail, you may need to replace the downpipe.

2. Debris in the Gutters

Leaves often collect in the gathers, preventing water from draining to the downspout. Eventually, the gutters will start dripping.

Debris in the gutters is easy to remove by hand. You’ll need a ladder and gloves to fish out the debris. Then, use a hose to clear the debris and let the water run down the downspout.

3. Broken Seals

If the seals or joints start to separate, water that enters the gutters cannot drain through the downpipe. That’s when you’ll notice the water dripping from underneath.

You fix broken seals by removing and replacing the old sealant with a new sealant, and you can also replace the joint in some cases.

4. Cracks and Holes in the Gutters

Old gutters develop cracks and holes due to weathering. You will see minor leaks indicating that water from dew and condensation does not drain properly.

In this case, you can apply caulk or waterproof sealant. However, if the damage is severe, replacing the entire gutter is best.

5. Loose Fasteners

Leaks in the gutters also occur when fasteners become loose. Gutters are fixed to the fascia board using screws, hangers, or nails. When these fasteners and hangers loosen, the gutter will leak through small holes around the fastener. In addition, water will pour out of the rear and onto the fascia.

It’s best to address this problem immediately because the leaks may cause the fascia board to rot. To this end, you can tighten them and then apply a sealant to ensure the holes are completely sealed.

6. Improper slope

If the gutters are not installed properly, water will start dripping since it cannot make it to the downpipe. The weight of the water and sagging over time can also cause an improper slope. Again, an improper slope can also be due to weak support from the damaged or rotten fascia.

You’ll need to inspect the gutter to ascertain this cause, then identify the proper method to remedy it. If the improper slope is due to poor installation or sagging, sections of the gutter or the entire gutter must be rehung.

Similarly, weak support will require replacing, especially if the problem is due to rotten fascia.

Conclusion

Water dripping from the gutter, but no rain is due to various reasons. It helps to inspect your gutters periodically, especially when it’s not raining. This way, you’ll not be caught off guard in the rainy seasons.

Some problems, like debris in the gutters, are minor and easy to fix. Nonetheless, separated joints and a sagging gutter require major fixes that can need a professional roofer. Hopefully, you’ll be able to get to the bottom of a leaky gutter to prevent further damp issues in your home.