How to Unclog Your Gutters Downspout | Australian Roofing Group

Washing and cleaning your gutters can save you plenty of trouble down the line. Unfortunately, too many people leave their gutters untouched, resulting in them getting clogged up with gunk, leaves and debris.

But this is only going to put unnecessary pressure on your gutters and your roof in the process. That is why we recommend that if you notice your gutters or downspout getting clogged up; remove it as quick as possible.

This blog posts has the steps to help you with this annoying problem.

Signs You Have A Clogged Gutter

While we recommend that you clean your gutters regularly to avoid any clogging, we understand that it is not possible. So make sure that you keep your eyes open for the following signs for a clogged gutter:

The gutters are starting to break off (from increased pressure)
There are gaps in the gutters (again from increased pressure)
Water is constantly spilling over the edges of the gutters
There is a spot where the water is spilling over
No water is coming through the bottom of the downspout
The paint on the outside wall is starting to peel off

If you are noticing any of these signs, it is time to get your gutters cleaned. It is only a two-step process: cleaning your gutter and then cleaning your downspout.

How To Unclog Gutters

Step 1: Remove All The Debris By Your Hand
If you have a ladder, you will be able to clean out all the debris and gunk yourself. Grab yourself a pair of gloves, a small hand-shovel and begin scooping out all the debris from the gutter. Move along the gutter until you get rid of it all.

Step 2: Wash The Clog Away
We advise that you purchase or hire a high-pressure washer, as it will help you with this step (and with your downspout). Align the nozzle along the gutter and spray the water down the gutter. It should clear out all the remaining debris, make it cluster up so you can remove it manually, or force it down your downspout.

How To Unclog A Gutter Downspout

Now we move onto the cleaning the downspout. For those you don’t know, the downspout is the vertical pipe that extends down to the ground level that carries the rainwater from gutters and out away from the property’s foundation.

There are two ways to clean a downspout:

From The Top:
If you want to clean a downspout from the top, grab your pressure washer and place it at the top where it connects to the gutter. Fire the hose down the pipe at a rapid speed and it should push the clog through the bottom.

From The Bottom:
If you are cleaning the downspout from the bottom, use a plumbing snake. Remove the downspout before it touches the ground, put the snake up the pipe and fire it up. With a great amount of pressure it should dislodge any clogs in the pipe.

Are Your Gutters Damaged? We Can Help You

Sometimes there is nothing you can do if your gutters are in terrible condition. Wear and tear, bad weather and poor maintenance can damage your gutters to the point that replacement is the only option.

If this has happened to you, reach out and speak to Australian Roofing Group today. We can help you with all your gutter replacements and issues. Contact us directly on 03 9883 7719 or 0411 180 799.