LA pre-storm gutter checklist: 15 minutes before the rain starts

When to walk it

When a decent-sized storm is in the 3–5 day forecast (not the shrug-off light drizzle, but the "2+ inches expected" range), walk the exterior of your house. Should take 15 minutes. Bring: ladder, phone (camera), gloves.

This checklist assumes single-story or 2-story standard LA home. If you can\'t safely access a section, skip it — a handyman with a longer ladder and better safety kit can do it faster than you can get hurt.

1. Debris check at each gutter

Look into every gutter run, especially near downspout inlets. If you see jacaranda blossoms, palm seed pods, or leaf buildup — that\'s the first overflow point. Either scoop out by hand (gloves on) or book a clean-out before the storm.

LA-specific: heavy-tree neighborhoods (Hancock Park, Silver Lake, Los Feliz) need fall AND spring cleanings. One pre-storm check is the bare minimum.

2. Downspout flow test

Run a hose into the top of each downspout for 30 seconds. Water should come out the bottom within a few seconds. If it\'s a slow dribble or nothing: clog. Use a plumber\'s snake or disconnect the bottom elbow to unclog. Downspout clogs are the #1 cause of interior water damage from overflowing gutters.

3. Downspout extension check

Each downspout should dump water at least 6 ft from the foundation. If yours is dumping right at the corner of the house: every atmospheric river is undermining your slab a bit more. Temporary fix: splash block + flexible extension ($15 at Home Depot). Better fix: tie into a drain to daylight (handyman or drainage contractor).

4. Roof edge drip-line check

Walk around the house and look up at the roof-gutter joint. Any sagging, pulled-away, or rusted sections? These leak during heavy rain — water runs behind the gutter and down the fascia or into the soffit. Note for post-storm repair; in the window before the storm, if severe, a handyman can re-fasten or patch with a few screws.

5. Low points in the yard

Walk your yard and identify any low spots near the foundation. These pool water during a storm, and sustained pooling can saturate the soil under your footings. Temporary fix: 2x4 redirected soil dam, or sandbag before the storm. Permanent fix: regrade or install a French drain.

6. Window wells + basement entries

If you have a basement, window wells, or exterior stairwells: check drain grates are clear. These drains clog with leaves and shed debris and will flood during heavy rain. 30-second cleanout.

7. Exterior electrical box covers

Walk to any exterior outlets, light fixtures, and your main meter. Cover plates should be closed. Any missing covers = water intrusion into electrical, and in a heavy atmospheric river this trips breakers or shorts circuits. Quick fix: rubber plug cover ($3) or cap the outlet with electrical tape until you can replace — for bigger issues see our LA electrical service.

Bonus: camera check

If you have exterior cameras (Ring, Nest), check they\'re working and aimed the way you think. Storms are when you want footage — if a tree limb falls, if a car rolls into your driveway from flooding, if anything else happens. Now is the time to confirm your security cameras are functional.

The "hire a pro" judgment call

If any of these items are flashing red (sagging gutter detached from fascia, downspout snapped off, standing water at foundation), the 3-day window before the storm is the last good time to hire a handyman. After the storm arrives, everyone with roof damage calls. Emergency rates apply. Scheduled pre-storm visits are 40–60% cheaper than emergency visits.

Related: LA earthquake prep checklist — a sibling "one-visit" home-hardening task to schedule alongside gutter work.

Need a pre-storm gutter check? Book a gutter + drainage visit here — usually 45–90 min, single-story LA home.