Hometap Tip: Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Clean, unobstructed gutters and downspouts provide a clear pathway for water to run off your roof and away from your home’s exterior siding and foundation. Regularly cleared gutters eliminate the opportunity for pooling water, ice dams, debris buildup, and pests, so this simple task helps prevent water damage to preserve your roof and overall home’s structure. And the savings can be big: Taking an hour or two a few times a year to clean your gutters can save up to $14,000 in roof replacement costs!

What to Do

Remove any built-up leaves, dirt, and debris from your gutters and downspouts before winter storms.

What You’ll Need

The Basics

• Gloves
• Ladder
• Bucket with handle
• Drop cloth or tarp
• Scooper
• Garden hose
• Trash bag
• Yard waste bag or composter‍

The Works

• Plumbing snake

How to Do It

Set up your ladder so you can reach your gutters. To minimize mess, check your gutters to see if the debris is wet or dry. ‍

Dry debris‍

Scoop out dry debris into your bucket or trash bag until gutters are clear, emptying the bucket or getting new bags as needed as you progress the length of each gutter.

Wet debris

Scoop out wet debris into a bucket affixed to your gutter or toss to a streetside drop cloth or tarp. Empty bucket and/or relocate your tarp as needed.

Once your gutters are clear, dispose of all gathered debris in a yard waste bag or into your compost pile.

Then, make sure your downspouts are also unobstructed and directing water away from the house by testing them with a garden hose. Place a hose into your downspout and have a family member, friend, or neighbor turn on the water. Remove any clogs with increased water flow and/or a plumbing snake. Test and unclog all downspouts around the house.