How To Unclog A Gutter Downspout

Gutter cleaning by p j.

How to unclog a gutter downspout.

If spraying the clog with your hose proves unsuccessful use a screwdriver to take apart your downspout at the bends. 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. Once you ve located the source of the clog don a pair of rubber gloves and carefully. 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.

Follow these suggestions to unclog your downspout starting with the easiest options first. Rinse the downspout from the top thoroughly to confirm that water is flowing freely. Screw the covers into the. Be sure that the area is clear at the end of the downspout.

Use a strong stream of water and avoid spraying underneath the roof shingles. Position the covers on top of your gutter system so there s a 1 2 in 1 3 cm opening between the edges. Tips on how to unclog a gutter downspout. Where s the gutter clogged.

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. Periodically rinsing your downspout in this manner is a good way to prevent the formation of clogs. Gutter hangers and spikes often slip free from the fascia landing in the gutter. Disconnect the gutter downspout from where it connects to the drain pipe.

Late autumn or early winter or whenever the trees are bare is the right time to clean out your gutters. Flush out the gutter with water starting at the far end and moving toward the downspout. Walk down the ladder one rung at a time gently knocking on the side of the downspout as you go. These obstructions catch leaves and twigs.

Install gutter covers so leaves can t get inside the downspout. Turn on a garden hose to its most powerful setting and run water through the drain pipe. Remove the guard at the other end of the drain pipe if there is one. The downspout cage a wire strainer designed to trap debris while allowing water to flow through is located where the downspout intersects the gutter.

Specialty gutter cleaning attachments for your garden hose can make the job easier. Often this item is bent or out of place. If you wait until spring or summer the downspouts elbows and drop outlets are usually already clogged. Start by cleaning the bottom downspout opening.

Check to see if water and debris come out the other end of the pipe. Then climb back up and try rinsing the downspout with your garden hose again. For maximum power when spraying gutters and downspouts use a pressure washer. Learning how to unclog a downspout is easy for any homeowner who is comfortable on a ladder.

Then use a ladder to reach the top of the downspout insert a. Step 2 take apart your gutter downspout.