How to Clean Downspouts and Gutters

Downspouts can become clogged with leaves and other debris over time. Clogged downspouts aren’t just a nuisance, however. If a downspout is clogged, then the water won’t be directed away from your home. Instead, it may pool by the walls of your house and even flood your basement. The water damage resulting from a clogged downspout can be costly.

Keeping your downspout clean is essential to avoid costly water damage. But how do you keep your downspout clean and working properly?

1. Start By Cleaning Your Gutters

Your gutters feed water into your downspout, but they can send leaves and other clogging debris into your downspout as well. It’s a good idea to thoroughly clean your gutters by hand-removing any leaves or sticks before you turn your attention to your downspout. This stops debris from getting into your downspout after you’ve cleaned it. You’ll need a ladder (on solid ground) and someone to steady it for you. Remove as much gunk as you can. Gloves are your friends not just because of the dirt but roof shingles can have sharp edges.

2. Clean the Bottom of the Downspout

The next step is to clean out the bottom of the downspout. If your downspout has an extension, you should remove it, especially if there’s an underground drain that it’s connected to. If you don’t remove the extension, then you might just push any clog further into the downspout or into the drain where it’s harder to reach. Use your trowel to remove any leaves or debris that you can reach from within the downspout. Then, rinse out the extension with your garden hose to clear out any debris that may have become lodged in it.

3. Clean Out the Entrance of the Downspout

Once you have the bottom of the downspout and the downspout extension cleaned out, it’s time to clean the top of the downspout. You’ll need a ladder and someone to help you. Climb up on the ladder with the garden hose and ask your helper to turn on the water. Use the hose to spray water down the downspout to clear out any debris. If the water flows out the bottom, carrying any leaves and debris with it, then you’ve finished. If the water comes back up, then your downspout is clogged.

4. Clear Clogs Inside the Downspout

If your downspout is clogged, there are a few different ways to clear it out. The first step is to try gently tapping on the side of the downspout as you climb down the ladder. This may dislodge any debris or leaves that are stuck inside. Then, try with the hose again. If the clog still exists, then you can try using a tool to unclog it. You may be able to repurpose a tool that you already have at home to dislodge the debris. If you have a leaf blower or a power washer, try sticking the tool into the top of the downspout. The pressure from the air or water might dislodge any clog.

4. Clean Up

After all clogs are free you will probably have some general clean up — dirt on the house and on the ground. Use your pressure washer starting up high and work down.

Or, Hire a Professional

Another option is to request that a professional clean out your gutters and downspouts. You may not feel confident climbing ladders or have all of the tools needed to do the job safely, but a professional will. Hiring someone else to clean out your gutters and downspout for you will save you time and ensure that the job is done properly.