Easy Way to Vacuum the Gutters

Convex mirrors give you a view of the gutter from the ground.

Rain gutters need to be cleared of leaves and debris so they can function properly. Vacuuming material from the gutters collects the removed waste instead of blowing or blasting it all over the yard. Specialized attachments for powerful large-capacity vacuums reach and suck out gutter-clogging debris without the dangerous climb onto the roof or a ladder. Vacuum gutters the easy way by keeping your feet on the ground and letting the vacuum do the majority of the work.

Things You'll Need

• 10-gallon wet/dry vacuum
• Gutter cleaning kit
• 4- to 6-inch self-adhesive convex mirror
• Grounded outdoor extension cord
• Compost pile or lawn refuse bin

Instructions

1. Roll the wet/dry vacuum to the area below the section of the gutter you want to clear.

2. Attach the gutter-cleaning kit to the end of the hose according to the manufacturer's directions. Most gutter-cleaning extensions are made up of three or four sections that simply snap or twist together. The cleaning kit pieces form a hook shape that resembles a large black candy cane once they are assembled.

3. Apply a self-adhesive convex mirror to the side of the gutter cleaning attachment at the highest part of the crook. Lift the hook-shaped nozzle into the gutter and see if the location of the mirror allows you to view the contents of the gutter. Lower the nozzle and adjust the mirror location until you are able to see into the gutter from the ground below.

4. Plug in and turn on the wet/dry vacuum with the tip of the bent nozzle planted in the debris. Wiggle the hose extension around as you watch for missed debris in the mirror. Turn off the vacuum and roll it under the next section of gutters when you see all the leaves and twigs are cleared.

5. Vacuum the gutters until the vacuum storage tank is about half full. Access the vacuum tank and empty it into a compost pile or lawn refuse bin. Filling the tank beyond half full makes it difficult to move and empty.

Tips & Warnings

• Tape the sections of the gutter-cleaning kit together with duct tape if you notice you are losing suction at the seams. The taped gutter cleaning extension can then be detached from the hose and stored fully assembled until it is needed again.

• Wear a pair of goggles or sunglasses to protect your eyes from falling debris.

References

• Home Improvements Depot: How to Make a Gutter Cleaning Vacuum