How To Clean Gutters

[Kevin]

We use a very simple method when cleaning gutters, we never used a bendable high pressure wand method, from a friend though "its a piece of junk"

Tools needed: Small garden trowel, ladder, garden hose, garbage bag. maybe a screwdriver

Step 1- Position your ladder, Don't lean the ladder against the gutter, which can bend. Just on a solid portion of the house or business, on level ground.

Step 2- Remove the twigs, leafs branches from the gutter trap, as much as you can get using your hands and trowel.

Step 3- Working from one side place the garden hose in the gutter, then turn on the hose. Let the water do the work.

Step 4- Look at downspouts all water should be running freely (if there is a clog, place hose directly in downspout) If there is still a clog more than likely it is the elbow, keep on moving the hose around. If your clog does not break, there are usually 2 screws holding the elbow to the downspout. Loosen clean elbow and replace.

Step 5- Pick up all debris from downspout and place in garbage bag.

Avg price $55-$75 1200 sq. ft. ranch home
Add on services: Minor repair, adding gutter guards, new gutter spikes (tightening of gutter to house)

Note: I always offer the bag of debris to the home owner, makes great compost for gardens.

[jdinstl]

Hi Kevin!

If I may, I'd like to offer some additional items...

Oftentimes, the elbow is pop-riveted, so the cleaner may wish to inspect for that situation first. If found, a cordless drill will need to be employed. Once the downspouts are cleared and operating as they should, the elbows can either be screwed or riveted back into place. So the cleaner may wish to add cordless drill, bit, screws, or rivets and rivet gun to his or her kit for the job.

Invariably one will find the concrete dispersers under the elbow installed backward. As you probably know, these are small slabs of concrete or some other material, with three sides raised. From above, they look like a U.

Nine times out of ten, the short raised end (closed bottom of the U) is placed behind the elbow, causing the fluid to flow focused out of the open end.

This is incorrect. The open-end of the U should be under the elbow. The water should pool up and over the sides and bottom of the U, preventing gully formation as the fluid is fanned out instead of focused.

;D

Cheers,

John