How to Unclog a Downspout

Mother Nature provides us with endless beauty, but unfortunately, nature can also wreak havoc on our homes, especially the gutters and downspouts. Leaves, twigs and other debris that make their way in to your gutters can clog up the entire system, risking damage to both your home and your landscaping. In order to avoid this damage, and damage to the gutter system itself, it’s important to make sure you regularly unclog your downspouts in Pensacola, FL.

Here are some tips to successfully unclog your downspouts.

Be careful

Chances are, to make sure you are unclogging the entire system, you will have to use a ladder. It is best to make sure someone is holding the ladder and that the ladder you are using is a sturdy extension ladder. When possible, stay on the ladder to clean out the downspout—avoid getting on the roof, as this can be dangerous when it is not done by a professional.

Clean the opening at the bottom

Wearing thick gloves to protect your hands and goggles to protect your eyes from any debris, remove the extension at the bottom of the downspout and expose the opening. Make sure you do this first, especially if you have a downspout that is directly connected to an underground drain. Use a trowel to remove leaves and other debris, rinsing the extension with water as well.

Rinse from the top opening

After you clean out the gutters, use a garden hose to unclog your downspout in Pensacola, FL. When leaves and debris stop appearing at the bottom, this means your downspout is clear. If water backs up out the top, that means there is still a clog, and you might need to take a few more of these steps to remove it:

• Use a tool: If you have a leaf blower, power washer, shop vacuum or handheld auger, insert it into the downspout. These tools, used properly, will help loosen up the clog and help clear the downspout.
• Tap the side: Carefully walk down the ladder and gently tap on the side of the downspout before trying to rinse it out from the top again. The tapping will help loosen the debris, making it easier to rinse with the hose.
• Seal the top: Use a small towel to create a seal around the hose at the top of the downspout. The seal could help build up enough pressure to push the clog out the bottom of the downspout.

Make sure to rinse from the top again after trying these tips to ensure the clog is completely cleared out.

Schedule professional gutter cleaning

When the time comes to clean your gutters and unclog your downspouts in Pensacola, FL, call the professionals at Gutter Master. In addition to gutter installation, our family owned and operated business offers a variety of services, including gutter cleaning. Give Gutter Master a call today to learn more and schedule a consultation to determine your specific needs. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Categorised in: Downspouts

This post was written by Writer