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Fix a gutter that leaks

We'll seal seams, end caps, and patch holes—or tell you when to call a gutter professional.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
30–60 min
What you'll need
  • Gutter sealant (silicone or butyl)
  • Gutter patch kit or flashing (if patching)
  • Ladder
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Steps

Goal: Seal seams and end caps, and patch holes.

  • Clean the gutter. Locate the leak.
  • Apply gutter sealant to seams and end caps. Patch small holes.
  • Good: No more leak. Bad: Call a gutter professional.

Seal seams

Goal: Stop leaks at seams and end caps.

  • Apply sealant to the inside of the joint. Allow to cure.
  • Good: Leak stopped. Bad: May need to reposition or replace; call a pro.

When to get help

Call a gutter professional if:

  • The gutter is severely rusted.
  • There are large holes.
  • A section needs replacement.

Use a sturdy ladder and have a spotter.

Verification

  • No drip from seams, end caps, or patched holes when it rains.
  • Gutter carries water to the downspout.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Clean gutter Remove debris and locate the leak.
  2. Seal seams and end caps Apply gutter sealant to joints.
  3. Patch holes Patch small holes; replace section if large.
  4. Call gutter pro Severely rusted, large holes, or section replacement—call a gutter professional.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Where the leak appears
  • Seam and end cap condition
  • Hole size and number
  • Steps already tried

Is the leak at a seam, end cap, or a hole?

Seams and end caps are sealed. Holes are patched.

Locate the leak. Seam or end cap: apply gutter sealant to the inside of the joint. Hole: patch with flashing and sealant, or use a patch kit. Large hole or rust: replace section or call a gutter professional.

Seam or end cap Hole

You can change your answer later.

Did sealing fix the leak?

Apply sealant to the inside of the joint. Allow to cure.

Clean the area. Apply gutter sealant. Allow to cure per instructions. Run water to test. Good: no more drip. Bad: seam may be separated—may need to reposition and reseal, or call a gutter professional.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Leak is fixed

No more drip. Check gutters periodically during rain. Clean at least twice a year.

Done

Did patching fix the hole?

Patch small holes. Replace section if large.

Clean the area. Apply patch and sealant. Good: no more leak. Bad: hole too large or gutter rusted—replace section or call a gutter professional.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Call a gutter professional

Call a gutter professional if: the gutter is severely rusted, has large holes, or needs section replacement. Use a sturdy ladder and have a spotter when working on gutters.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why do gutters leak?
Common causes: failed seam sealant, loose or damaged end caps, holes from rust or impact, or separated sections. Seams and end caps are the most common leak points.
Can I fix gutter leaks myself?
Yes. You can clean the gutter, apply sealant to seams and end caps, and patch small holes. Use a sturdy ladder and work safely. Large sections or high work may need a gutter professional.
When should I call a gutter professional?
Call a gutter professional if: the gutter is severely rusted, has large holes, needs section replacement, or the work is high and you are not comfortable on a ladder. Safety first.

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