Related Sponsors

How Do I Clean Downspouts?

Home » Outdoor Decor » Downspouts » How Do I Clean Downspouts?

First and foremost, it is very important to keep your gutters and downspouts clean regularly. You do not want to have a big rainstorm come and your downspouts be too clogged up to be effective. This completely defeats their purpose, and can cause flooding outside of your home. If you really hate cleaning your downspouts, then a screen in between the gutter and the downspout can be effective. This way, only water is allowed to pass through to the downspout, which ultimately leads to your downspout never having clogs. If you do not have the screen, then it is greatly suggested to clean your downspouts often. So, how do you go about cleaning downspouts?

• Before you start, put on a protective pair of gloves. Your gutters and downspouts will generally not just consist of leaves. There could be sharp sticks or small branches, bugs, bird droppings, etc. The gloves will make the process much easier and cleanlier.
• Once you have on your gloves, take a while to scrape off any thick and coated dirt or mud. This can cause hinder your gutter and downspouts’ flow of water. Generally, using your hands will take too long and will not be as effective. If you do have dirt or anything else solid built up, scrape it out with a brush.
• Next, take your hose and spray it full force in the way the gutter is supposed to flow. This will clean the gutter and send the materials you just got out down the downspout.
• Next, point your hose on full force down the downspout. If the water comes out the bottom at a rapid and easy pace, then your downspout and gutters are working properly. If there is a delay or less water coming out, then your downspout has a clog.
• If a clog is found, point your hose down the downspout at full blast to try to release the clog of materials. If the clog still exists, get some sort of long material to send down the downspout. For instance, a plumber’s snake. Send the plumber’s snake down the downspout until you reach the clog. Then, pushing at full force, twist the snake around until the clog releases.
• Once the clog is gone, retest your downspouts’ flow of water. Once you get out all of the clogs, the downspouts should be effectively draining.

Next Page: How Do I Know What Size of Downspout to Purchase?

Related Downspouts Articles