When gutters are full of debris, water can get trapped, where it will gradually build up until it spills over the top, running down the walls, overflowing onto the fascia, or even seeping under the roofing shingles, resulting in leaks and water damage. Similarly, poorly maintained gutters can lead to pest infestations, as the damp bed of leaves and sticks make an ideal nest for ants, termites, and other pests.
Avoid these problems by learning how to clean gutters.
4 Signs Your Gutters Need to be Repaired, Replaced, or Cleaned
There are a few signs to watch out for that can indicate that the gutters need to be repaired, replaced, or cleaned.
- Downspouts not flowing properly during rain can indicate the gutters or downspouts are clogged.
- Water flowing over the gutters may be a sign that the gutters need to be cleaned or that the gutter system isn't the right size for the home.
- Sagging gutters should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible, including any damage to the fascia, roof, or siding.
- Visible debris is a clear sign that the gutters need to be cleaned.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Leaf blower
- Wet/dry vac
- Garden hose
- Pressure washer
- Ladder
- Bucket
Materials
- Yard waste bags
Instructions
How to Clean Gutters From the Ground
Clear the Area and Assemble Equipment
Check around the outside of the house to make sure it's clear of any obstacles. Also, put on protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask.
Next, prepare the equipment you are using for the job. Gutter cleaning can be completed with a leaf blower, wet/dry vac, garden hose, or a pressure washer. When working from the ground, each of these devices must be connected to an extension wand or a similar accessory to reach the gutters.
Clear Gutters of Debris
Start at one end of the gutter and gradually work your way around the house, being careful to avoid pushing debris into the downspouts as you go.
- Leaf blower: Direct the flow of air into the gutter using an extension wand to push out any sticks or other debris. Consider flushing the gutter system with a garden hose to remove stuck-on grime.
- Wet/dry vac: Use an extension tube and gutter-cleaning nozzle to suck up leaves, dirt, and other debris. Make sure to clean out the vacuum as you go and after the job is done.
- Garden hose: Attach an extension wand and a spray nozzle to the garden hose, then use the spray to wash out any collected debris. If there are any significant clogs, they should be removed manually to avoid soaking the fascia, siding, and roofing.
- Pressure washer: A pressure washer on a low setting that has been equipped with an extension wand can remove leaves, sticks, and other debris from the gutter system. Simply direct the flow of water into the gutters to flush out the debris. Be careful with the pressure and angle of the spray to avoid damaging the roof or siding.
Clear Downspouts
Once the gutters are clear of debris, the next step is to ensure the downspouts are clean.
- Drain snake: Clear any clogs in the downspout with a drain snake or drain auger.
- Wet/dry vac: Position the vacuum at the top or bottom of the downspout to suck up any loose debris.
- Garden hose: Direct the flow of water down into the downspouts to clear any blockages.
- Pressure washer: Adjust the angle of the pressure washer to spray down into the downspout, removing any leaves, sticks, or other built-up debris.
How to Clean the Gutters From a Ladder
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If you decide to clean your gutters from a ladder, make sure the ground is completely clear of any obstructions and to inspect the ladder to verify that it is in good condition.
- Clear the area and set up the ladder. Have a second person help stabilize the ladder and hand up any items that you need.
- Climb up the ladder to clean the gutters.
- By hand: Use gloves or a gutter scoop to manually scoop up any debris and dump it into a bucket or bag for disposal.
- Leaf blower: Position the leaf blower to direct the flow of air into the gutter, removing any sticks or other debris. Work carefully, repositioning the ladder as needed.
- Wet/dry vac: Suck up leaves, dust, and dirt with the vacuum hose, making sure to empty the vacuum as necessary.
- Garden hose: Flush out the gutter system with a garden hose equipped with a spray nozzle. Direct the flow of water into the gutters to wash out any debris, while breaking up large clogs manually to avoid soaking the fascia, siding, and roofing.
- Pressure washer: Direct the flow of water into the gutters to flush out any debris, while being careful with both the pressure and angle of the spray to avoid damaging the roof or siding.
- When you are finished one section, climb down, reposition the ladder, then climb back up.Work around the house from section to section, but avoid stretching too far to one side or the other, as this could increase the risk of falling.
- Clear out the downspouts using a drain snake, wet/dry vac, garden hose, or pressure washer.
- Drain snake: Clear any clogs in the downspout with a drain snake or drain auger.
- Wet/dry vac: Position the vacuum at the top or bottom of the downspout to suck up any loose debris.
- Garden hose: Direct the flow of water down into the downspouts to clear any blockages.
- Pressure washer: Adjust the angle of the pressure washer to spray down into the downspout, removing any leaves, sticks, or other built-up debris.
FAQ
What is the best method of cleaning gutters?
Manually cleaning out debris is the most reliable method, though it involves working on a ladder. Alternatively, you can use a garden hose or pressure washer to clean out the gutters from the ground.
Is it worth it to clean your own gutters?
How often do gutters need to be cleaned?
How often gutters need to be cleaned depends on the weather and the number of trees, bushes, and other foliage near the home. Typically, cleaning the gutter once or twice a year is enough, but if there is a severe storm or the home is bordered by several tall trees, then you may need to clean the gutters more frequently to avoid clogs.
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