How To Unclog A Gutter Downspout

If you wait until spring or summer the downspouts elbows and drop outlets are usually already clogged.

How to unclog a gutter downspout.

Rinse the downspout from the top thoroughly to confirm that water is flowing freely. Be sure that the area is clear at the end of the downspout. These obstructions catch leaves and twigs. 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.

Tips on how to unclog a gutter downspout. Use a strong stream of water and avoid spraying underneath the roof shingles. Gutter hangers and spikes often slip free from the fascia landing in the gutter. Often this item is bent or out of place.

Once you ve located the source of the clog don a pair of rubber gloves and carefully. If spraying the clog with your hose proves unsuccessful use a screwdriver to take apart your downspout at the bends. The downspout cage a wire strainer designed to trap debris while allowing water to flow through is located where the downspout intersects the gutter. Check to see if water and debris come out the other end of the pipe.

Install gutter covers so leaves can t get inside the downspout. Tap the side of the downspout. Start by cleaning the bottom downspout opening. Follow these suggestions to unclog your downspout starting with the easiest options first.

Periodically rinsing your downspout in this manner is a good way to prevent the formation of clogs. Disconnect the gutter downspout from where it connects to the drain pipe. Specialty gutter cleaning attachments for your garden hose can make the job easier. Where s the gutter clogged.

Screw the covers into the. Gutter cleaning by p j. Then use a ladder to reach the top of the downspout insert a. Remove the guard at the other end of the drain pipe if there is one.

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. 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. For maximum power when spraying gutters and downspouts use a pressure washer.

To unclog a gutter downspout try your easiest options first. Step 2 take apart your gutter downspout. Walk down the ladder one rung at a time gently knocking on the side of the downspout as you go. Learning how to unclog a downspout is easy for any homeowner who is comfortable on a ladder.

Position the covers on top of your gutter system so there s a 1 2 in 1 3 cm opening between the edges. Late autumn or early winter or whenever the trees are bare is the right time to clean out your gutters.