You also need to clean your downspouts regularly, not just the gutters. Downspouts help direct water away from your roof and home, so it’s important to know how to clean them as a homeowner.
What Are Gutter Downspouts?
Downspouts are an essential part of your gutter system. They are lightweight tubes that run vertically from the gutters down to the ground, guiding rainwater away from your home. Usually placed along the sides of the house, they’re also installed at any low point in the gutter system that leads to a proper drainage area.
When rainwater gathers on your roof, it flows into the gutters, which channel it through the downspouts.
Downspouts help prevent water damage to your home. Without them, water would build up in the gutters, eventually overflowing and causing damage to your siding, roof, and foundation.
Signs You Have Clogged Gutter Downspouts
Here are some signs that your gutter downspouts might be clogged:
- More birds and pests hanging around your roof
- Water overflowing from the gutters
- Gutters sagging due to the weight of water and debris
- Water stains on your siding
- Plants growing along your gutters because of built-up soil
If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your gutters, it’s definitely time to grab a ladder and get started right away.
Tools Needed to Clean Your Downspouts
To clean your downspouts properly, you’ll need the right tools, such as:
- Extension ladder
- Stepladder
- Garden trowel
- Work gloves
- Garden hose
- Auger
- Leaf blower
- Pressure washer
- Plumber’s snake
- Bucket
- Garbage bags
- Rags
You might not need all of these, but it’s smart to have them ready, especially if there’s a lot of buildup in your downspouts.
How to Clean Your Gutter Downspouts
Homeowners should clean their downspouts at least twice a year to avoid clogs. Clean them in the spring before heavy rain starts and again in the fall to prevent ice dams from forming during winter.
Step 1. Position Your Ladder
Ladder safety should be your top priority! For a one-story house, make sure your step ladder is on flat, stable ground, avoiding any wet areas that could cause it to sink.
If you’re working on a two-story house, you’ll need an extension ladder to reach the higher gutters. Make sure the ladder rests firmly on the gutter at the right angle on dry, flat ground. If your ladder isn’t long enough, consider renting or borrowing one.
No matter what ladder you use, never climb above the top level. There should be a manufacturer sticker indicating how high you can go.
Always have someone with you to steady the ladder and hand you tools. Keep your phone with you in case you need to call for help.
Step 2. Clean the Bottom Opening
To clean the bottom opening of your downspout, start by removing the downspout extension if your system has one. If your downspout connects to an underground drain, be careful not to push a clog further down where it would be harder to remove.
Put on your work gloves, and use a garden trowel to scrape away any debris from the bottom opening. Then, rinse the downspout with a garden hose to clear out any remaining debris.
Step 3. Clean Your Gutters
There are three common methods for cleaning gutters:
Scoop and drop: Scoop out the debris and drop it onto a plastic tarp or drop cloth placed on the ground below.
Bucket: Cut the handle of a plastic bucket in half, hook it to the edge of the gutter, and scoop the debris into the bucket.
Bag: For dry debris, cut the bottom of a plastic bucket and attach a trash bag around it with tape or a rubber band. Hook the bucket over the gutter edge and collect the debris in the bag.
Choose your method and work your way along the gutters, keeping your body upright. Use a garden trowel or your gloved hands to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris. If your downspout has a mesh strainer, take it off and clear any gunk from the top.
You’ll need to move the ladder frequently. Avoid extending your reach too far, as leaning away from the ladder can cause a fall.
This is also a great time to check your gutters for leaks and fix any damage using waterproof sealing tape or spray sealant.
Step 4. Push Out Debris
At the top of your downspout, insert a garden hose and seal the space around it by packing the top of the downspout with a rag. Turn on the water to build up pressure. Watch the bottom of the downspout until the clog is pushed out and the water flows freely.
If the clog is stubborn or stuck in a bend, use an auger, power washer, or plumbing snake at the top of the downspout to help loosen and remove the debris.
Step 5. Rinse Your Gutters and Downspouts
After clearing the clog, it’s time to rinse your downspout. Keep the hose at the top of the downspout and let the water run. Make sure to rinse all sides of the downspout thoroughly to flush out any leftover debris.
Why Are Clogged Downspouts a Problem?
Clogged downspouts can lead to serious problems for homeowners, whether they have an underground or above-ground drain. These issues include:
- Gutters not draining properly
- Water damage to your home’s foundation
- Ice dams forming in the winter
- Basement flooding
- Soil erosion
- Roof collapse
- Roof leaks
- Damage to the gutter system
- Damage to fascia boards and soffit
- Sagging gutters
FAQs
How long does it take to clean gutters?
The time it takes to clean your gutters depends on the size of your home and how much debris is in them. For a small home, it might take 20 to 90 minutes, while larger homes could take two to three hours.
Can you use chemicals to clean your gutters?
No, chemical gutter cleaners are meant for cleaning the outside of the gutters and shouldn’t be used inside the downspouts.
Do downspout strainers actually work?
Yes, downspout strainers help keep debris from entering the top of the downspout. However, they can cause debris to pile up around them, so you’ll need to check them regularly.
Downspout strainers are like gutter guards because both keep out leaves and debris. The difference is that a gutter guard is a long flat mesh that covers the gutter, while a strainer is a cork-shaped, webbed structure that fits into the hole connecting the gutter to the downspout.