Published 5 September 2024
How to keep your gutters clean
Especially during periods of heavy rain, a blocked drain or overflowing gutters can be a serious hazard to the health of your home. Luckily, a few simple home maintenance tips can help you solve the problem. Have you cleaned your gutters lately? Maybe it’s time you did…
- Clogged gutters can cause wet patches and damage your inside walls.
- You won’t always need a ladder to access a blocked drain.
- Stay safe! Some gutter-cleaning jobs call for professional help.
When should I clean my gutters?
Knowing when to clean your gutters shouldn’t be too difficult. Damaged or blocked drains tend to find a way of letting you know there’s a problem.
Do you have a wet patch?
The most obvious sign rain isn’t draining properly is the dreaded wet patch that appears on your wall. Apart from being unpleasant to look at, it could be a sign of bigger problems! A blocked gutter is a common cause of damp patches, which can lead to more serious damp or mould in your home – but it’s not necessarily the only cause.
Have your gutters started to sag
If some of the sections are looking at all uneven or showing signs of sagging, there’s a good chance it’s because of added weight caused by a blockage.
Is rainwater overflowing onto external walls?
The problem may already have started! When gutters get blocked, it’s easy for water to find a way inside. Next time it rains, have a look to make sure the water’s going where it’s meant to – into the gutter and down the drain. If it’s not, then it’s probably time to get the gutters cleared.
Is anything leaking?
The joints of your gutters (where the different sections connect) sometimes need to be repaired or replaced. Over time they can crack or come loose and may start to leak. Check to see if the rain’s running through any gaps in your gutters.
What do I need to clean my gutters?
If you’re confident you can safely investigate any potential gutter problems and want to have a go at clearing them yourself, here’s a list of things you’ll need before you get stuck in:
Keep your eyes, hands and feet protected with safety goggles, work gloves, and a suitable pair of shoes. Safety first!
Make sure your ladder’s an appropriate height, so you can comfortably reach the gutter and any blockages without stretching and losing your balance. You could ask someone to hold it for you or use a stabiliser bar or ladder mat at the base to stop it slipping. There’s also something called a ladder stay or ladder stand-off that can help keep it in place at the top. Mind your step!
Don’t forget you’ll need somewhere to chuck all the muck you find in your gutters, like twigs, dirt, leaves, moss and other waste material. Handle with care!
To clean blocked gutters efficiently, you may find a small garden trowel or a special gutter-clearing scoop helpful. It’s a bit like having a handheld shovel.
Once you’ve had a good clean of your gutters and cleared away everything you could get your hands on, tip some water down using a bucket or hose to flush out whatever’s left. This is also a good way of checking if you’ve successfully unblocked your gutter and making sure it’s draining properly again.
Is it time to clean your gutters?
1. Pick your moment
It’s best to clean your gutters when it’s dry and sunny out.
2. Are your gutters damaged?
Before you get your ladder out, have a good look to check for signs damage, like rust, sagging, something loose or leaking.
3. Remember your protective gear
Grab your bucket and don’t forget those safety specs and gloves!
4. Get your ladder good and ready
Check for potential hazards, keep it well secured and make sure it’s stable before you start your climb.
5. Drains first!
Unclog any blockages and clean where the rain drains down before working along the rest of the gutter.
6. Pour some water
Have a look down the pipes to check if there’s anything causing a blockage. Pour a jug of water down to see that it’s draining properly.
7. Use the hose
Once you’ve had a good clear out and lobbed the dirt, leaves and debris in your bucket, give your gutters a good hose down.
8. Keep an eye out for any problems
Now the water’s flowing, it’s the ideal time to see if you can spot any leaks where your gutter might be cracked or damaged.
9. Clear up
Tidy away your things, clean up any mess and take care to properly dispose of the contents of your bucket.
10. Think about future prevention
You may want to get something like a gutter cover installed to help keep your gutters clean.
How much will it cost to get my gutters cleaned?
It depends where you live, and how big the house is. It’ll cost more if the job requires specialist equipment or any other special requirements, like scaffolding, or something else relating to ease of access, for example.
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