How To Unclog A Gutter Downspout

Check to see if water and debris come out the other end of the pipe.

How to unclog a gutter downspout. 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. Turn on a garden hose to its most powerful setting and run water through the drain pipe. Start by cleaning the bottom downspout opening. Position the covers on top of your gutter system so there s a 1 2 in 1 3 cm opening between the edges.

Tap the side of the downspout. 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. Walk down the ladder one rung at a time gently knocking on the side of the downspout as you go. Where s the gutter clogged.

Tips on how to unclog a gutter downspout. Follow these suggestions to unclog your downspout starting with the easiest options first. Put the downspout extension back on. 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.

Late autumn or early winter or whenever the trees are bare is the right time to clean out your gutters. Screw the covers into the. Learning how to unclog a downspout is easy for any homeowner who is comfortable on a ladder. If spraying the clog with your hose proves unsuccessful use a screwdriver to take apart your downspout at the bends.

Be sure that the area is clear at the end of the downspout. For maximum power when spraying gutters and downspouts use a pressure washer. Often this item is bent or out of place. Gutter cleaning by p j.

These obstructions catch leaves and twigs. Use a strong stream of water and avoid spraying underneath the roof shingles. 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.

Remove the guard at the other end of the drain pipe if there is one. If you wait until spring or summer the downspouts elbows and drop outlets are usually already clogged. Install gutter covers so leaves can t get inside the downspout. Then climb back up and try rinsing the downspout with your garden hose again.

Rinse the downspout from the top thoroughly to confirm that water is flowing freely. 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. Then use a ladder to reach the top of the downspout insert a.

To unclog a gutter downspout try your easiest options first. Disconnect the gutter downspout from where it connects to the drain pipe.