^There are some clever provisions for hindering the rubbish settling inside the gutters - actually, I do not have anything like this. I doubt that it can catch properly the water flow during downpour.
Usually, I always try to think on it before the first rain in spring, then flush it with help of long water hose. Also, the harvested water storage helps to reduce other water consumption, helping also to the pool feeding.
The connections PVC - cement will usually not last forever, unless a special cement is used.
Then, be careful on toes of yours and of the dogs. when walking over..