How to clean your own gutters

5 signs it's time to clean your gutters

Gutter cleaning is something that’s probably not at the forefront of your mind. While you’ll remember to clean your windows and mow your lawn, your gutters are something you probably overlook. Looking for these five signs will help you identity when you need a gutter clean before problems start to arise.

1. Gutters look weighed down
2. You have plants growing in your gutters
3. Water overflows when its raining
4. Stain marks develop on the sides of your gutters
5. You haven’t cleaned your gutters in a year

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How to clean your own gutters

1. Get the right tools and equipment

Before you start cleaning your gutters, you will need to get a few essential tools. You will need a sturdy ladder that's the right size and length to reach past your gutters, a pair of thick gloves, a trowel and scoop, a bucket, a garden hose and safety glasses. You can also invest in a gutter cleaning attachment for your garden hose. We only recommend that people with the right experience, skills and working with heights certification attempt to climb a ladder.

2. Remove debris and build-up

Work your way along the gutters, removing any leaves, dirt and debris that has built up. Never lend out to the side of your ladder. You'll need to move your ladder multiple times during this process. You can use a trowel or scoop to remove the leaves, twigs, and other debris that have accumulated in your gutters. Make sure you start from a down pipe and work your way to the end of the gutter. Place all the debris in a bucket so that you don't have a mess to clean up later.‍

3. Check for damage

Once you have removed the debris you need to check for damage. Use your garden hose to check if water is flowing properly. If you notice any damage such as cracks, rust or holes, you will need to repair them as soon as possible.

4. Clean the downpipes

The down pipe, or downspout plays a vital part of your gutter system and ensures that water flows away from the gutters and your house. Make sure that each down pipe is clean and clear from any debris. Use your garden hose to flush out the down pipe and to ensure that water is flowing down correctly. In some circumstances you may need to use a plumber's snake or even dismantle a down pipe to clear out any blockages.

5. Rinse and repeat

Once you have completed the cleaning process, you need to rinse the gutters with your garden hose to remove any remaining debris or dirt. Run the water for a few minutes to make sure everything is clean and clear. If you notice any problems, go back and repeat the cleaning process.

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The risks of cleaning your own gutters

Cleaning your own gutters can be a dangerous task. Not only can falling off of the ladder result in serious injury but there are also other risks associated with gutter cleaning. For example, if you try to clean your gutters without the right tools or safety equipment – such as gloves and eye protection – it could lead to cuts and scrapes that become infected, as well as dust and debris getting into your eyes.

If your ladder must be the right type and suited for the job and you. A ladder must be set up properly on even ground and tied off at the top to prevent it from falling; and your ladder must be leaning against something that can support its weight otherwise it could collapse while you’re working. If you don’t know what you’re doing or aren’t familiar with the proper techniques for gutter cleaning, you could end up damaging the gutters or yourself.

We always recommend to hire a professional who knows how to safely and effectively clean your gutters. They’ll have all the right tools and safety equipment, working at heights certification, as well as the experience needed to get the job done quickly and correctly.