“Clogged drainage systems can lead to dry rot, insect damage and water damage that could easily be prevented,” says Chuck Eisenhower, owner of Mr. Fixit Inc. in San Rafael. “Take some time to walk around your house once a year, inspect the drainage systems and clean them out if necessary.” Here are a few tips to get started:
Gather cleaning supplies. If you don’t have the proper supplies and are thinking about simply rinsing the gutters with a hose, you might want to reconsider. Using a garden hose to rinse away accumulated debris might lead to a bigger mess than you started with. Avoiding the task altogether might result in unnecessary damage to your house. If you’re going to clean the gutters and downspouts, make a list of the tools you need but don’t already own. Here’s a list of the optimal tools to have: an extension ladder, work gloves, a narrow garden trowel or hand spade, trash bags or a bucket and s-hook, a plumber’s snake, and a garden hose of the correct length with a sprayer attachment.
Bring the tools to a location near your starting place. The corners of the house are good starting locations, since that’s where downspouts are typically located. It’s best to start near the downspout and work away from it to avoid pushing in additional debris.
Set the extension ladder on a level surface. Secure a trash bag or attach a bucket to the ladder with an s-hook to collect debris and minimize later cleaning. Wear work gloves to protect your hands from any sharp objects in the gutters and downspouts.
Begin at the part of the gutter closest to the downspout. Use the garden trowel or hand spade to scoop out the debris and place it into the bucket or trash bag. If any pieces resist being scooped up, remove them carefully by hand. If you’re planning to dispose of the debris in a compost pile, you need to have a separate trash receptacle for metal objects such as roofing nails.
Once you’ve removed all the larger debris, get the garden hose. Rinse the gutter in the direction of the downspout using the hose’s spraying attachment. Spray the gutter until no signs of debris remain. If the downspout is clogged, you’ll need to clear it. Three options are available: Use the hose’s spray attachment to direct water into the downspout from the bottom end to force any clogs loose; use the hose to direct water into the downspout from the upper end; or work a plumber’s snake into the downspout to loosen debris and draw it out.
Inspect the gutters and downspouts for any signs of damage. Look for holes, dents or cracks. If you discover any signs of damage, call a home repair company as soon as possible.
