7 Ways to Stop the Dripping Noise From Your Gutters

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Are your gutters dripping and making a noise that you can no longer ignore?

It can be frustrating trying to figure out why your gutters are dripping and how you can fix the leak to get rid of the annoying sounds, but it’s necessary to address this issue if you want to avoid flooding, foundation damage, and huge repair costs later on.

Today, we’re explaining the possible causes of leaking gutters and how to stop dripping noise from gutters.

Why Do My Gutters Drip?

To find out why your gutters are dripping, you’ll need to pinpoint the spot of leakage by following the trail of the water flowing outside.

Then, you can inspect that location along with the surrounding area for signs of the following common problems.

1 – There’s a Clog

One of the issues that typically occur in gutters is getting clogged. This is mostly due to a lack of cleaning, which results in your gutters filling up with leaves and debris.

The non-flowing water causes pressure on the seals and joints of the gutter, leading to dripping. The water can also back up and pour over the edges and sides of the gutter.

2 – Slope Is Improper

Gutters start with a slight downward slope when installed to allow for an easier flow of water toward the downspout.

Over time, it’s normal for gutters to sag due to the water’s weight and the loosening of the fasteners.

This can cause a dripping gutter that requires re-hanging of sagging sections or even the whole gutter to fix.

3 – Fasteners Are Loose

Other than a sagging slope, loose fasteners can cause a dripping problem on their own.

Normally, fasteners like nails or screws attach gutters to the fascia boards. If they come loose, gaps around the fasteners’ holes appear and leak water.

4 – Holes or Cracks Are Present

The materials of your gutter can get worn out with time, creating small holes or cracks that drip water. If not addressed as soon as possible, these minor leaks can develop into bigger, more serious ones.

5 – Joints Are Separated

Last but not least, your dripping gutter can result from separated joints.

These structures connect sections of the gutters and could separate over time, especially at the ends or corners. Such separation causes gaps that create noisy leaks.

Ways To Quiet the Dripping Noise in Your Gutters

Now that you know why your gutters are leaking, it’s time we talk about the different solutions you can try to quiet and fix the dripping noise.

1 – Absorb the Dripping

One way you can dampen the dripping noise is by absorbing the leaking water before it hits the downspout elbow.

Simply insert an absorbing material such as a piece of foam, sponge, or artificial lawn. Make sure there’s still enough room for water to flow easily.

2 – Reroute the Dripping

Another way to reduce dripping noise is by hanging a rain chain. This is usually a plastic chain that you can hang down the center of your downpipe so that the dripping water follows its trail instead of falling from the very top.

You can find different models of these chains or just use a leftover chain or rope from work around your house. Once you install it, the leaking water will redirect its route and quietly trickle down the chain or rope.

3 – Clean the Seal

If you find that the cause of your leaking gutters is a clog formed by trapped leaves, gravel, or other debris, you should clear it up to restore the uninterrupted flow of water.

Start by unclipping the clogged section of the gutters.

Once you remove the larger debris, clean the seal by pouring a bucket of warm soaping into the affected fitting. From there, use a sponge to get rid of the dirt while paying extra attention to the seal.

Then, rinse the soap off and dry the fitting with paper towels or a cloth. Lastly, flush some water down the gutters to test for dripping noises.

4 – Reposition the Downspout Angle

Getting rid of dripping noise can be as simple as adjusting the angle of the downspout. Use a spacer or a longer clip to push the downspout away from your house.

5 – Apply Butyl Rubber Sealant

An easy way to fix leaks in your gutter joint, as well as cracks or holes in your gutters, is by applying sealant.

Don’t rush into using a silicone sealant though, get a butyl rubber sealant instead.

While silicone sealants can fill the gap, it doesn’t offer the best sticking in humid/watery conditions, so your seal won’t be watertight and may very well fall off.

However, butyl rubber can form a more durable watertight seal. Here’s how:

• Clean and then dry the damaged area. Remove any debris or dirt. For a gutter joint, unclip its length first.
• Squeeze out a thick line of sealant over the gap or along the border of the existing seal using a sealant gun.
  • If you’re working on a gutter joint, go ahead and reattach it to the fitting.
  • If you’re dealing with a crack, smooth the sealant over the gap and the surrounding area.
• Let the sealant sit for the recommended period.
• Flush some water down the gutters to test for leakage. You shouldn’t hear dripping noises.

6 – Use Weather-proof Tape

Another way you can deal with minor holes and cracks along your gutters or in a gutter joint is by blocking the gap with weather-proof tape.

This solution is easier and quicker compared to applying a sealant. You can readily find such a tape in DIY/hardware stores.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Clean and then dry the damaged area.
• Cover the gap with several overlapping strips of tape.
• Make sure no part of the gap is left exposed.
• Check for air bubbles under and at the edges of the tap. Smooth them out.
• Flush some water down the gutters to test for dripping. You shouldn’t hear leakage noises.

7 – Replace the Gutter or Fitting

Finally, if you’re after a permanent solution to your dripping noise issue, you’ll need to properly fix your gutters.

In the case of a leakage, this could mean replacing the damaged part of the gutter or replacing the joint fitting.

Either process should be simple enough for a handy DIYer, and you’ll end up with a freshly sealed, crack-free gutter.

However, you can always call in a professional to get the job done if you don’t feel comfortable completing the task on your own.

Final Thoughts

As you can tell, this guide on how to stop dripping noise from gutters offers several ways to solve the issue.

You just need to figure out the cause of the issue and use a suitable method to fix it.

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