Clean gutters

Remove leaves, twigs, and debris from roof gutters to ensure proper water drainage away from your home's foundation.

Why it matters#

Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and seep into your roof, walls, and foundation—leading to damage that can cost $2,000 to $30,000+ to repair. Regular cleaning prevents ice dams in winter, stops pest infestations, and extends the life of your entire gutter system by 20+ years.

What you'll need#

Tools#

• Extension ladder (13-26 ft depending on home height)
• Gutter scoop or garden trowel
• Bucket or trash bag
• Garden hose with spray nozzle
• Plumber's snake (for stubborn clogs)

Materials#

• Tarp to catch debris (optional)

Safety gear#

• Work gloves with cut protection
• Safety glasses
• Non-slip footwear

Steps#

1. Check Weather and Prepare Your Work Area#

Choose a dry, mild day with no wind—wet surfaces make ladders dangerous. Lay a tarp below your work area to catch falling debris and protect landscaping. Let someone know you'll be working on a ladder.

2. Position Your Ladder Safely#

Set your ladder on firm, level ground. For every 4 feet of height, the base should be 1 foot away from the wall. Never lean the ladder directly against the gutters—this can damage them and cause the ladder to slip. Use a ladder stabilizer or standoff bracket to rest the ladder against the wall instead.

3. Start Scooping From the Corners#

Begin at a corner of the gutter section and work toward the middle, scooping debris into your bucket. Then move to the opposite corner and work toward the middle again. This technique prevents pushing debris into the downspouts.

4. Clear the Downspouts#

Remove any visible debris from the downspout opening. Have a helper watch the bottom while you run water through—if it's not flowing freely or comes out dirty, there's a clog that needs clearing.

5. Flush With Water#

Use your garden hose to flush remaining debris toward the downspout. This also helps you spot leaks—watch for water dripping through seams or cracks in the gutter.

6. Clear Stubborn Downspout Clogs#

If water backs up, use a plumber's snake (a flexible auger) to break through the clog. Feed it into the downspout from the top and work it through. Follow up with high-pressure water.

7. Inspect for Damage#

While you're up there, check for sagging sections, loose brackets, rust spots, or separated seams. Note any issues for repair. Look for asphalt granules from shingles—lots of granules means your roof may be aging.

8. Move the Ladder and Repeat#

Reposition your ladder every few feet rather than overreaching. Leaning too far to either side is the #1 cause of ladder falls during gutter cleaning.

Pro tips#

• Clean your gutters at least twice yearly—once in late spring and once in late fall after leaves drop. Homes with many trees may need quarterly cleaning.
• An empty caulk tube cut at 45 degrees makes an excellent gutter scoop with a comfortable grip.
• Consider installing gutter guards to reduce cleaning frequency by up to 50-80%. You'll still need to clean, but much less often.

Warnings#

• Never climb higher than the third rung from the ladder top, and maintain three points of contact at all times. Over 100 ladder-related deaths occur annually in the U.S.
• Gutters can hide sharp metal edges, screws, and even wasp nests—always wear protective gloves and be alert for stinging insects.

When to call a pro#

If you have a multi-story home (two+ floors), a steep roof, limited safe ladder access, or feel uncomfortable at heights, hire a professional ($150-$350 for most homes). Also call a pro if you discover significant damage like sagging gutters, multiple leaks, or sections pulling away from the fascia.