While it is true that most people make cleaning out their gutter system an autumn project, it is important to understand that – in order to prevent damage from occurring to your home – the gutter system or a component of the system – such as a downspout – may need to be cleaned throughout the year. This is especially true if you live in a home that is surrounded by trees and your home is at higher risk from having natural debris accumulate on the roof and make its way into the gutter system.
In this guide, we will provide you information on how to successfully clean out a downspout.
Tools Required
In order to successfully clean out a downspout on your gutter system, you should gather the following tools:
- Sturdy Ladder That Extends
- Thick Gloves
- Protective Eyewear
- Hand Auger
- Garden Trowel
- An Assistant
Steps to Cleaning Out the Downspout
Once you have gathered all of the tools that you will need and a person to assist you to ensure safety, complete the following steps to clean out the downspout of your gutter system:
- Remove the extension so that the bottom of the downspout is exposed.
- Put on the gloves and the eyewear and use the garden trowel to clean inside the downspout. Reach as far as you are able to and remove as many leaves and as much debris as possible.
- Take your water hose and spray water up the downspout to dislodge any remaining debris.
- Use the water hose to clean up the extension that you removed.
- If a clog is still present, you will need to climb to the top of the downspout and look inside. If you see debris, have your helper give you the water hose.
- Turn on the hose to a powerful setting and spray down into the downspout. Once the water runs from the bottom of the downspout and no more debris remains, you are finished getting the clog out.
- If water does not run out and the debris is being stubborn, use the hand auger and put it inside the downspout to try to dislodge the debris.
- Once the gutter is able to experience steady water flow through the bottom and it is all clean, you should place the extension back on. Be sure to install splash guards on the bottom. These will help keep water away from the foundation.
- Remove leaves, dirt, and any other debris that is around the bottom of the downspout.
- Finally, rinse the downspout one final time.
Contact Us
If you have an old gutter system on your home that is all clogged up, it may be in your best interest to completely replace the system. Oftentimes, this is much easier and much more beneficial that cleaning out downspouts as clogs occur. We here at Southern Industries Home Improvements can assist you. To learn more about our systems and the Ultimate Gutter Guards that come installed on our systems,contact us today at (833) 240-4900