Introduction
Keeping the gutters on your home clear of debris is important for them to function properly. It is recommended to clear home gutters at least two times per year. There is no need to hire a professional gutter cleaning service when you clear home gutters. It is easy to clear home gutters when you follow a few simple steps.
Step 1
Clear Home Gutters of Debris, Leaves and Dirt
Scoop and Drop Method
This is the fastest method to use when you clear home gutters. Place a tarp on the ground near your ladder. While wearing gloves scoop the dirt, debris and leaves out of the gutter and drop them onto the tarp. You can move the tarp as you move along with the ladder. Once the tarp is full, empty the accumulated grime into a trash bag.
Step 2
Bucket Method
Take a plastic bucket with a handle, cut the handle in half. Bend each half of the handle into hook shapes, so that you can hook the bucket to the edge of the gutter. Scoop the dirt, debris and leaves out of the gutter and into the bucket. Keep in mind that this will be a lot of going up and down the ladder to empty the bucket once it is full.
Step 3
Gutter Bag Method
Take a plastic bucket with a handle, cut the handle in half and cut out the bottom of the bucket. Bend each half of the handle into hook shapes to attach the bucket to the edge of the gutter. Fasten a trash bag to the bottom of the bucket using Velcro, a rubber band, or a strong tape. The bucket will act as a funnel, carrying the leaves into the trash bag easily. Remember not to fill the bag too full as to create a hazard for you on the ladder.
Step 4
Clear Home Gutters and Downspouts
Before rinsing the gutters, take the hose and place it in the downspout. Have someone on the ground that can check for water flow coming out of the downspout. If there is no water flow, the downspout may be clogged.
To Remove Clogs
The best way to clear home downspouts is to use a rag to pack the opening of the downspout around the hose creating a tight seal. Turn the water on as high as it will go, so that the water pressure will remove the clog. Always check for water flow from the bottom of the downspout. If the clog is persistent, remove the hose from the top of the downspout. Take a plumbing snake and feed it down the downspout until you hit the clog. Once you think that you have loosened the clog, test for water flow with the hose again.
Step 5
Rinse and Clear Home Gutters and Downspouts
Once you have cleared all the debris, leaves and dirt from the gutters, you need to take a hose and rinse one section of the gutter at a time. Start at the farthest section from the downspout and work forward. Repeat the above steps for each section to clear home gutters.
Tips
Cleaning gutters can be a dangerous job if you don't have the proper tools. Gutter cleaning companies will have the proper knowledge, along with proper tools like ladders and buckets. Does some research before you hire a company; most cleaning services should provide a free estimate. Ask people you know in your neighborhood for referrals.
