Have you ever experienced a sudden downpour, only to realize that your gutter spouts are clogged and water is overflowing onto your lawn or basement? Clogged gutter spouts can lead to water damage, foundation issues, and even pest infestations. While climbing up a ladder to unclog the downspout is a common solution, it can be dangerous, especially for those uncomfortable with heights. However, leaving the downspout clogged is not an option.
Fortunately, unclogging a gutter downspout from the ground is a safe and practical solution that anyone can do. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on unclogging a gutter downspout from the ground using simple tools and materials found in most households. By following these steps, you can keep your gutters functioning properly and prevent costly damage to your home without climbing a ladder.
Precautions to Take While Cleaning Gutterspouts From the Ground
To ensure the highest level of safety when cleaning gutters and gutter spouts, prepare and equip yourself with the right gear. It’s highly advised to wear protective gloves to protect your hands from any sharp objects you might encounter.
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris or particles that may cause eye irritation or injury. Also, tackle this task during good weather when the ground is dry for optimal safety. Avoid doing this during a downpour for safety purposes.
Clean Your Gutters First
By cleaning the gutters first, you can remove the debris and prevent it from getting pushed into the downspout. Unclogging gutters first ensures the rainwater flows smoothly through the downspout and away from your home.
Use a Gutter Cleaning Tool
One of the easiest ways to clean your gutters without a ladder is using a specialized gutter cleaning tool. These tools are typically made of lightweight materials like aluminum and feature a long pole with a curved end to scoop out debris from your gutters. Using a gutter cleaning tool is an efficient way to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris.
Use a Leaf Blower
Leaf blowers can be an effective way to remove debris from your gutters, especially if you have a lot of leaves or small twigs. To use a leaf blower, you’ll need to attach a specialized nozzle that allows you to aim the airflow into your gutters. Using a leaf blower can take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to clear your gutters quickly and efficiently.
Use a Pressure Washer
If you have a pressure washer, you can also use it to clean your gutters from the ground. However, using a pressure washer to clean your gutters is not recommended unless you have experience using one. Pressure washers are powerful tools that can be dangerous if not used correctly. If you decide to use a pressure washer, wear appropriate safety gear and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Use a Garden Hose
Using a garden hose involves using a high-pressure nozzle attachment to blast out any debris in your gutters. This method can be messy, so wear appropriate clothing like a raincoat and eye protection to protect yourself from falling debris.
How to Clean Your Gutter Spouts
Now that the gutters are clean, it’s time to tackle the downspout. Here are the steps you’ll follow to clean your gutter spout using various methods. Pick what you feel is feasible for you and run with it. If that doesn’t work, you can use another method or call in help. Before you start, disconnect the downspout extension at the bottom to expose the vertical part of the spout.
If you have underground gutters, you’ll have more work on your hands as you may have to dig a trench first. When you remove the extension, some of the much might drop down. It could all come out, but if not, try using your fingers (gloved hands) or inserting a stick to see if that’s all it’ll take. Be prepared for a gush of water if it does come out. If not, try the steps below.
Cleaning Your Gutters Using A Hose/Pressure Washer
Cleaning gutters from the ground using a hose or pressure washer can be an effective method for removing debris and dirt from your gutter system, but there are some important details to keep in mind. A hose alone works best if your gutters are not too clogged or have minimal debris build-up. A pressure washer or sewer jetter will be more efficient if your gutters are heavily clogged with debris.
Step 1: Gather Equipment
You’ll need a garden hose or a pressure washing machine with a nozzle attachment. Be careful when handling a pressure washer, as it can be very powerful. Get the right machine with the right PSI for an effective cleaning experience.
Step 2: Insert the hose into the downspout
Insert the garden hose into the top of the downspout and turn on the water. Make sure to start with a low-pressure setting to avoid any damage to your gutter or downspout. Gradually increase the water pressure until the clog starts to break up. Move the pole or gutter cleaning tool around to ensure you’re cleaning the entire downspout.
Use a higher-pressure setting if the water pressure is insufficient to dislodge the clog. After you have finished cleaning, make sure to clean up any debris or mess that may have fallen on the ground.
Cleaning Your Gutterspout Using a Plumbing Snake
If the hose doesn’t work, a plumbing snake can come in handy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning a gutter spout with a plumbing snake.
Step 1: Assemble the Required Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools. These include a plumbing snake, a bucket, and a hose. The plumbing snake should be at least 25 feet long and have a diameter of 1/4 inch. Use the bucket to collect debris and the hose flush out any remaining debris.
Step 2: Position the Plumbing Snake
Position yourself near the downspout. Insert the plumbing snake into the downspout and gently push it up. Don’t apply too much force, as this may damage the gutter spout. Stop when you reach the point of the clog.
Step 3: Rotate the Plumbing Snake
Rotate the plumbing snake with gentle pressure to loosen and break up any debris causing the clog. Be careful not to over-rotate the snake, as this may cause it to become tangled or stuck in the gutter spout.
Step 4: Remove Debris
You will feel resistance when you rotate the plumbing snake when it encounters debris. Gently pull the snake out of the gutter spout, and remove any debris that comes out with it. Place the debris in the bucket, and continue until the gutter spout is clear.
Step 5: Flush the Gutterspout
Once you have removed all the debris, flush out the gutter spout using the hose. Water will remove any remaining debris and ensure the gutter spout is completely clear.
Unclogging Your Gutterspout Using An Auger
This method is an alternative to the plumbing snake. However, this works best for very tough clogs as an auger is stronger. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Position yourself:
Stand next to the downspout and insert the handheld drum auger into the opening at the bottom of the downspout. Slowly turn the auger clockwise to start breaking up any debris in the downspout.
Step 2: Use a back-and-forth motion
As you turn the auger, use a back-and-forth motion to help break up any blockages. Be careful not to force the auger too hard, or it may become stuck in the downspout.
Step 3: Pull out any debris
Once you have turned the auger several times, slowly pull it out of the downspout. Any debris that was caught by the auger will come out with it. Be prepared to catch the debris in a bucket or on a tarp. Repeat steps 2-4 until you’re confident the downspout is clean.
Step 4: Flush the downspout
Once you have removed all of the debris, use a garden hose to flush out the downspout. Turn on the water and let it run for several minutes to ensure all the debris has been removed. Once you have finished cleaning the downspout, dispose of any debris and put your tools away.
Call In A Professional Gutter Cleaning Company
If you feel like cleaning your gutters from the ground is too challenging or time-consuming, calling a professional team to do the job for you can save you a lot of time and effort. A qualified team will have access to specialized equipment designed for effective gutter and downspout cleaning that most homeowners lack.
These include ladders that extend up to two stories high and tools for removing built-up debris, clogs, and nests in hard-to-reach areas. Not only will they clear away any existing mess quickly and efficiently, but they can also inspect the area for any necessary repairs to prevent future blockages.
Conclusion
Unclogging a gutter downspout from the ground is easier than you think. By utilizing a hose and power washer or applying a product like a snake auger to clear away any stubborn blockages, you should be able to take care of your home’s gutter system with ease. If you find that you can’t successfully perform the job yourself or if you feel uncomfortable doing so, contact us today. Our experts are knowledgeable and experienced gutter systems and will be glad to clean your spouts for you.
