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Gutter Cleaning Guide

easyHome Repair2 hrs

Safety Warnings

  • Do not walk on the roof to clean gutters as it is unsafe.
  • Avoid using step ladders which can tip; use a sturdy extension ladder with stabilizer arms.
  • Keep aluminum ladders away from power lines to avoid severe electrocution.
  • Always have an assistant stand at the base of the ladder to stabilize it.

Tools Needed

Extension ladder — aluminum with stabilizer arms
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Gutter scoop — plastic
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Garden hose — with rigid tube curved-end attachment
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Phillips #2 — Phillips #2
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Materials

Work gloves — heavy-duty(1 pair)
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Bucket — plastic(1)
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Rags — old towel(2)
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Steps

1
Prepare for the job by wearing heavy-duty work gloves and protective goggles. If using a ladder, ensure it is a sturdy extension ladder and have an assistant stand at the base to stabilize it.
2
If using a leaf blower to remove dry debris, block the downspout opening with a rag or old towel first to prevent blowing leaves and twigs further into the pipe.
Gutter Downspout Towel/Rag Stuff firmly Block the downspout opening before using a leaf blower.
3
Remove leaves, twigs, and mud from the gutter channels. This can be done by hand using a gutter scoop or garden trowel, placing the debris directly into a bucket for disposal.
4
Clear the downspouts. If a downspout is clogged, use a power washer nozzle pointed down the hole, or use a small plumber's snake to bust through the obstruction.
Debris clog Plumber's snake Downspout Push down to break clog Insert a plumber's snake into the downspout to break up obstructions.
5
Flush the gutters and downspouts with a garden hose. Start at the end furthest from the downspout, spray out the entire channel length, and work your way back toward the downspout.
Downspout Gutter channel Hose nozzle Spray toward downspout Flush gutter from the far end back toward the downspout.
6
Test the system for functionality. Run water from the hose into the gutter and verify that it flows freely through to the bottom of the downspout without backing up.

Pro Tips

  • Clean gutters once or twice per year, typically in the spring and fall.
  • For wet debris that has become muddy, manual removal by hand is recommended over blowing to avoid making a mess on the house.
  • If you are uncomfortable with heights or have a home over a single story, hire a professional gutter-cleaning company.

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