How to Clean Your Gutters in an Afternoon or Less
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The seasons are changing, and you know what that means: It’s time to give your gutters a well-deserved cleaning. So while you’re prepping to get the patio furniture out of the garage, it’s also a great time to start on your spring cleaning. And yes, that includes your outdoor spaces! Clearing out winter debris from your gutters will help them operate better for the rainy months ahead. With the right tools and a clear understanding of the process, cleaning gutters is a straightforward task that shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours. Even better—while your DIY approach saves money in the short term, it also helps keep your home in tip-top shape for the long haul.
Ideally, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year: once after the leaves have fallen from the trees in autumn, and again before the spring rains start. Leaving gutters unattended for too long can lead to problems small and large, from mold to flooding to major foundational issues. It might seem like a small task, but it’s one with some serious consequences! Follow our simple, step-by-step instructions on how to clean rain gutters, and you can rest easy knowing you’ll have your outdoor area in great shape for the coming weather. Keep scrolling for our easy gutter cleaning directions, along with answers to your most asked gutter-related questions.
What You’ll Need
- Ladder
- Utility work gloves
- Safety goggles
- Bucket
- Gutter scoop or trowel
- Garden hose (ideally with a spray nozzle)
How to Clean Gutters
Step 1: Clear Debris
Suit up in your gloves and goggles and place your ladder on level ground near the end of the gutter that connects to the downspout. Grab your gutter scoop and bucket, and be careful climbing up the ladder—ideally, someone can hold the ladder and spot you. Hang your bucket on the ladder, and use it to collect all of the leaves, twigs, and debris that you can remove from the gutter by hand. Start at the downspout, and work your way through to the other end.
Step 2: Hose ’em Down
Climb down, trade your bucket for a garden hose with a spray nozzle, and head back up the ladder, Spray the hose into the gutter to remove any remaining materials that you didn’t get by hand, starting at the end that’s farthest from the downspout.
Step 3: Clear Any Clogs
Spray the hose down the top of the downspout, and monitor how quickly the water drains out of the bottom. If everything seems clear, move on to Step 4. If the water flows slowly or not at all, you likely have a clog.
To clear a clog, insert your hose into the bottom of the downspout, and turn it on full blast. The force of the water should help loosen obstructions. You could also use a plumber’s snake to address stubborn clogs.
Step 4: Flush a Second Time
When you’re confident you’ve taken care of any and all of the clogs, get back up on the ladder and spray the hose into the downspout. Water should flow steadily out at the same rate it goes in. If you’re still experiencing difficulties, it’s time to call in a professional.
Step 5: Assess Maintenance Needs
Before you pack away the ladder, take a minute to examine the state of your gutters. If you see standing water, it likely means the slope is off and needs to be reset. If water is seeping through the bottom, you might need to patch a leak. Handle as much maintenance as you feel comfortable with, and don’t be too proud to call in a professional for everything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important that I clean my gutters?
Regularly cleaning your gutters ensures that rainwater can properly flow from your roof, which protects your home’s structure. If leaves and debris build up in your gutters, the clog can lead to all sorts of problems, from mold to broken gutters to water damage inside the house, and more. Even worse, neglected gutters are perfect nesting spots for rodents and other unwanted pests you don’t want in your home.
How do I clear a clogged downspout?
How can I stop my gutters from clogging?
How much does it cost to get my gutters cleaned professionally?
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