1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Home Repair

Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts

By , About.com Guide

5 of 6

Clear the Downspouts

Once the gutters are cleared of debris you'll want to make sure the downspouts are cleared BEFORE you rinse the gutters.

Take a hose and place it into the downspout. Have a helper turn on the water and check for downspout flow. If it's clogged do the following to clear it out:

  • Pack the downspout opening around the hose with a rag sealing the hose tight.
  • Turn on the water pressure as hard as it will go, looking for the clog to clear and water to flow freely from the bottom of the downspout.
  • If the clog persists you'll have to clear it. Remove the hose and manually clear the clog using a plumbing snake. Feed the snake from the top of the downspout until it hits the obstruction which is usually at the point of a curve.
  • Once you think you have it cleared, test for flow with a hose.

Explore Home Repair

About.com Special Features

Storage Spaces You Didn't Know You Had

Get organized with these 10 overlooked storage spaces. More >

Make Your Own Scented Pine Cones

Bring a little of the winter season in your home with this easy-to-make craft. More >

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Home Repair
  4. Exterior Home Repair
  5. Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts - Clear the Downspouts

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.