How To Unclog A Gutter Downspout

Screw the covers into the.

How to unclog a gutter downspout.

Use a strong stream of water and avoid spraying underneath the roof shingles. Expose the bottom downspout opening divert the flow away from any landscape drain and then use a garden trowel to reach up into the opening and remove any clogged leaves and debris that could have accumulated there. Specialty gutter cleaning attachments for your garden hose can make the job easier. Many people wait until the spring but it s much better to clean out the leaves prior to all the winter snow melt and spring rains.

Put the downspout extension back on. Tap the side of the downspout. Rinse the downspout from the top thoroughly to confirm that water is flowing freely. Remove the guard at the other end of the drain pipe if there is one.

For maximum power when spraying gutters and downspouts use a pressure washer. Often this item is bent or out of place. Check to see if water and debris come out the other end of the pipe. Walk down the ladder one rung at a time gently knocking on the side of the downspout as you go.

The downspout cage a wire strainer designed to trap debris while allowing water to flow through is located where the downspout intersects the gutter. Then climb back up and try rinsing the downspout with your garden hose again. Gutter cleaning by p j. Install gutter covers so leaves can t get inside the downspout.

Late autumn or early winter or whenever the trees are bare is the right time to clean out your gutters. Turn on a garden hose to its most powerful setting and run water through the drain pipe. Measure the length of your gutter system with a tape measure and buy the same length of gutter covers from a hardware or outdoor care store. If spraying the clog with your hose proves unsuccessful use a screwdriver to take apart your downspout at the bends.

Step 2 take apart your gutter downspout. Once you ve located the source of the clog don a pair of rubber gloves and carefully. These obstructions catch leaves and twigs. Learning how to unclog a downspout is easy for any homeowner who is comfortable on a ladder.

Flush out the gutter with water starting at the far end and moving toward the downspout. Then use a ladder to reach the top of the downspout insert a. Position the covers on top of your gutter system so there s a 1 2 in 1 3 cm opening between the edges. Periodically rinsing your downspout in this manner is a good way to prevent the formation of clogs.

Tips on how to unclog a gutter downspout. Start by cleaning the bottom downspout opening. Be sure that the area is clear at the end of the downspout. Follow these suggestions to unclog your downspout starting with the easiest options first.

To unclog a gutter downspout try your easiest options first. If you wait until spring or summer the downspouts elbows and drop outlets are usually already clogged.