Gutter Cleaning · May 31, 2024 · By Busy Bee

Ultimate Guide to Gutter Cleanout Tips for Maintaining Clean Gutters

Plenty of homeowners clean their own gutters, especially on single-story homes. If you plan to tackle the job yourself, a bit of preparation makes it safer, faster and far more effective. These tips come from what we see on job sites every week, including the mistakes that turn a simple chore into a bigger repair.

Safety Comes First

Falls from ladders are the biggest risk in gutter work, and they can happen even at modest heights. Treat the ladder with respect.

• Use a sturdy extension ladder rated for your weight plus tools, and set it on firm, level ground.
• Add a ladder stabilizer so the rails rest on the roof rather than on the gutter itself.
• Keep three points of contact and never lean out past the rails to reach farther.
• Have a helper hold the base and hand up tools when needed.
• Stay well clear of overhead power lines and skip the job in wind, rain or icy conditions.

Gather the Right Tools

Thick waterproof gloves protect your hands from sharp metal edges, screws and whatever has been decomposing in the trough. A narrow plastic scoop fits the gutter profile better than a garden trowel and will not scratch the finish. Hang a bucket from the ladder with a hook, or lay a tarp below to catch debris. A garden hose with an adjustable nozzle handles flushing, and safety glasses keep grit out of your eyes when you start spraying.

Technique That Works

Start at the downspout and work outward

Clear the area around the outlet first. That way, if you need to flush any section, the water has a clear exit and you are not pushing sludge into a blocked pipe.

Remove debris by hand before using water

Spraying a packed gutter just turns leaves into a thick slurry that splashes everywhere and clogs the downspout. Scoop out the bulk first, then rinse.

Flush toward the outlet

Once the trough is clear, run the hose from the far end toward the downspout. Watch for slow drainage, drips at seams and spots where water pools. Those tell you where the pitch or sealant needs attention.

Clear clogged downspouts gently

If water backs up, try flushing from the bottom outlet upward, or feed a plumber's snake down from the top. Tapping the side of the pipe can help loosen a jam at an elbow. Avoid forcing a pressure washer into the downspout, which can split seams.

Mistakes to Avoid

Do not walk on the roof to reach gutters, particularly on wet, mossy or steep shingles. Do not use a pressure washer on the roof surface, which can strip granules. Do not pull on gutters for balance, since hangers are not built to hold a person. And do not dump debris in flower beds, where seeds will sprout and wet clumps can smother plants.

Know When to Hand It Off

Two-story homes, steep pitches, gutters above sunrooms or decks, and properties with heavy pine cover are all good reasons to call a professional. Our gutter cleaning service uses stabilized ladders and aerial lifts for difficult rooflines, and our repair team can fix any issues you uncover during your own cleanouts. Get a free estimate whenever you would rather stay on the ground.