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Joel Estrada

Oscar A and Brayan did a great job in cleaning my gutters and nailing any loose nails.

Colin Hendricks

Thomas and Oscar B. were prompt and efficient. Thanks!

Sharon Coan

Thomas and Oscar B were very helpful!!

LAWRENCE GOLD

Quick Professional.

Tyler Barnes-Wolf

I would highly recommend Advantage Pro Services. Jennifer came out to the house, quoted, and scheduled promptly. On the day of installation, Oscar A and Brayan were on time, communicated well, and did great work. The new gutters look wonderful! Highly recommend!

Jose Martinez

Great service by Tomas and Oscar B. Very professional and efficient. Will use again.

KS Wilson

Don and Luis were our technicians this morning and they did an excellent job while providing fast and thorough job!

Jeff Perryman

Ernesto, Leo and Frankie did an excellent job!

Satara Henry

Oscar A and Brayan did an awesome job. They showed up on time, my gutters are beautiful and they kept me updated! Excellent customer service.

Louise Crawford-Gately

Oscar A, Erick and Hector were great! They cleaned and put protection on my gutters in a timely manner and cleaned up beautifully. Good communication.

DMG

Tomas, Frankie and William did a great job today at my home. They were on time professional and the work is excellent. Highly recommend!

Edmond Haapaniemi

Cleaned the exterior to my satisfaction.

Article by Michael A / March 6th, 2023

How To Unclog A Gutter Downspout From The Ground

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.

A rain gutter downspout dripping water

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.

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