How To Unclog A Gutter Downspout

Gutter hangers and spikes often slip free from the fascia landing in the gutter.

How to unclog a gutter downspout.

Step 2 take apart your gutter downspout. Specialty gutter cleaning attachments for your garden hose can make the job easier. Follow these suggestions to unclog your downspout starting with the easiest options first. Tips on how to unclog a gutter downspout.

Periodically rinsing your downspout in this manner is a good way to prevent the formation of clogs. Start by cleaning the bottom downspout opening. Install gutter covers so leaves can t get inside the downspout. Learning how to unclog a downspout is easy for any homeowner who is comfortable on a ladder.

Be sure that the area is clear at the end of the downspout. 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. Gutter cleaning by p j. Position the covers on top of your gutter system so there s a 1 2 in 1 3 cm opening between the edges.

Then climb back up and try rinsing the downspout with your garden hose again. The downspout cage a wire strainer designed to trap debris while allowing water to flow through is located where the downspout intersects the gutter. Turn on a garden hose to its most powerful setting and run water through the drain pipe. Late autumn or early winter or whenever the trees are bare is the right time to clean out your gutters.

Check to see if water and debris come out the other end of the pipe. Disconnect the gutter downspout from where it connects to the drain pipe. Then use a ladder to reach the top of the downspout insert a. Walk down the ladder one rung at a time gently knocking on the side of the downspout as you go.

If you wait until spring or summer the downspouts elbows and drop outlets are usually already clogged. Where s the gutter clogged. Flush out the gutter with water starting at the far end and moving toward the downspout. Remove the guard at the other end of the drain pipe if there is one.

Put the downspout extension back on. Use a strong stream of water and avoid spraying underneath the roof shingles. Tap the side of the downspout. Often this item is bent or out of place.

For maximum power when spraying gutters and downspouts use a pressure washer. If spraying the clog with your hose proves unsuccessful use a screwdriver to take apart your downspout at the bends. Once you ve located the source of the clog don a pair of rubber gloves and carefully. 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.

These obstructions catch leaves and twigs. Rinse the downspout from the top thoroughly to confirm that water is flowing freely.