How to Unclog Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters often allow enormous quantities of water to fall right next to your house's foundation. This can cause structural damage and lead to wet or damp basements, dirty or stained siding, leaks and rot at the roof's edge, and iced-over walkways in winter--all of which you'll want to avoid.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Painter's Hook Or S-hook
• Garden Hose With Nozzle
• Heavy-duty Rubber Gloves
• Large Bucket
• Large Bucket
• Ladder With Standoff Bracket
• Screwdriver

1. If a downspout feeds into an underground pipe, disconnect it before cleaning so debris won't clog that pipe or the drywell into which it typically empties. Use a ladder with a standoff bracket to access the downspout. (Leaning a ladder against an aluminum gutter may ruin it.)

2. Clean the gutters and remove any clogs at the downspout that you can reach from the ladder. When you're cleaning by hand, wear heavy-duty rubber gloves and hang a large bucket for debris on your ladder using a painter's hook or an S-hook.

3. If the downspout is clogged, try gently inserting the end of a hose into the downspout from the bottom and turning it on fully; if it's clear, do the same from the top. Don't try to force the hose past bends. It may damage the downspout or get stuck.

4. If that fails, disassemble the downspout at the bends by removing the retaining screws. Then clear the clogs, which are usually located at bends. Reassemble and rinse gutters.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep one hand on the ladder and don't overreach. Keep the trunk of your body within the ladder rails.