How to Clean Gutter Downspouts: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners and Pros

Cleaning gutter downspouts doesn’t require advanced skills—just the right tools, a methodical approach, and a bit of elbow grease. Follow these six steps to unclog your downspouts and restore proper drainage.

Step 1: Gather the Right Tools & Safety Gear

Preparation is key to a safe and efficient cleaning job. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ladder with Stabilizer: A sturdy ladder with a stabilizer bar keeps you secure while reaching high gutters. Opt for an extension ladder for two-story homes.
• Work Gloves & Safety Goggles: Heavy-duty gloves protect your hands from sharp edges and slimy debris, while goggles shield your eyes from falling dirt or water splashes.
• Garden Hose with High-Pressure Nozzle: A hose with adjustable pressure is ideal for flushing out loose debris and testing drainage.
• Plumber’s Snake or Auger: This flexible tool reaches deep into downspouts to break apart tough clogs. A 25-50-foot snake works best for most homes.
• Leaf Blower (Optional): Perfect for dry debris like leaves and twigs—use it to clear gutters quickly before flushing.
• Gutter Scoop or Trowel: A small plastic scoop or garden trowel makes debris removal easier and less messy.
• Bucket or Tarp: Collect debris in a bucket or spread a tarp below to simplify cleanup.

Tool Comparison: Which is Best?

• Garden Hose vs. Pressure Washer: A hose is affordable and sufficient for light clogs, but a pressure washer (1200-2000 PSI) tackles stubborn blockages with more power.
• Plumber’s Snake vs. Auger: A manual snake is budget-friendly and effective for small clogs; a motorized auger is faster for deep, compacted debris.
• Leaf Blower vs. Scoop: Blowers save time on dry debris, but scoops give you precision for wet, muddy buildup.

Safety First

• Secure your ladder on level ground and avoid leaning too far—move it as needed.
• Wear non-slip shoes to prevent falls, especially on wet surfaces.
• If working near power lines, use a fiberglass ladder to avoid electrical hazards.

With your toolkit ready, you’re set to start cleaning!

Step 2: Inspect the Gutter & Downspout for Clogs

Before you dive in, assess the situation:

• Look for Overflowing Water: If water spills over during rain or testing, the downspout is likely blocked.
• Check for Debris Buildup: Peek into the gutter near the downspout opening—piles of leaves, twigs, or mud are red flags.
• Test Drainage: Pour a small amount of water into the gutter and watch the downspout’s base. Slow trickling or no flow signals a clog.

Common Clog Locations

• Top of the Downspout: Leaves and debris often pile up where the gutter meets the downspout.
• Elbows and Bends: Tight curves in the pipe trap debris, creating bottlenecks.
• Base or Extension: Dirt and sediment can settle at the bottom, especially if the extension is too short.

Take note of problem areas—you’ll target them in the next steps.

Step 3: Remove Loose Debris from the Gutters

Clearing the gutters ensures debris doesn’t slide into the downspout during flushing:

1. Position your ladder near the downspout and climb up with your bucket or tarp ready.
2. Use a gutter scoop or gloved hand to remove leaves, twigs, pine needles, and dirt from the gutter channel.
3. Work outward from the downspout to avoid pushing debris into the pipe.
4. Drop debris into your bucket or onto the tarp below—keep it contained for easy disposal.

Handling Wet vs. Dry Debris

• Dry Debris: A leaf blower works wonders here. Set it to a low speed to avoid scattering leaves everywhere.
• Wet Debris: Wet leaves and mud stick to the gutter—use a scoop and rinse with a hose as you go.

Disposal Tip

Compost organic debris like leaves and twigs, but toss non-biodegradable items (shingle grit, plastic bits) in the trash.

Step 4: Flush the Downspout with Water

Now, test the downspout’s flow:

1. Attach your garden hose to the top of the downspout (remove any gutter guard temporarily).
2. Turn on the water and use a high-pressure nozzle to push it through.
3. Watch the base:
   • Free Flow: Water exits steadily—the downspout is clear. Skip to Step 6.
   • Backup or Trickle: Water pools or barely drips—there’s a clog. Move to Step 5.

Flushing Techniques

• Top-Down Flush: Start at the gutter opening to push debris downward.
• Bottom-Up Flush: If accessible, insert the hose at the base and work upward to dislodge clogs from below.

This step often clears minor blockages like small leaves or dirt. For tougher clogs, keep reading!

Step 5: Unclog Stubborn Blockages

When water won’t budge the clog, it’s time for heavy-duty tools:

Option 1: Use a Plumber’s Snake or Auger

1. Insert the snake into the downspout from the top or bottom (whichever is easier to access).
2. Twist and push it gently to break apart compacted debris—leaves, mud, or even small animal nests.
3. Pull it back and rinse the downspout with your hose to clear loosened material.

Option 2: Try a Pressure Washer

1. Attach a gutter cleaning wand or narrow nozzle to your pressure washer.
2. Blast water through the downspout at 1200-2000 PSI—start low to avoid damaging the pipe.
3. Work from the top down, letting the force dislodge deep clogs.

Option 3: Manual Removal

1. Detach the downspout by unscrewing or unclipping it from the gutter or elbow (use a screwdriver if needed).
2. Reach in with a gloved hand or small tool to pull out debris—wear goggles for this messy job!
3. Rinse the detached section with a hose before reassembling.

Troubleshooting Stubborn Clogs

• Clog Won’t Budge: Tap the downspout lightly with a rubber mallet to loosen compacted material, then retry the snake or washer.
• Multiple Blockages: Work section by section, detaching elbows or extensions as needed.
• Hidden Damage: If clogs persist, inspect for dents or crushed sections that trap debris—replace if necessary.

Patience is key—stubborn clogs might take a few tries to fully clear.

Step 6: Reassemble & Test the Downspout

Once the clog is gone, wrap up the job:

1. Reattach any detached downspout sections, securing them with screws or clips—ensure a watertight fit.
2. Run water through the system again with your hose to confirm smooth drainage.
3. Install a gutter guard or mesh filter over the gutter opening to block future debris.

Gutter Guard Options

• Mesh Screens: Affordable and easy to install—great for light debris.
• Reverse Curve Guards: Direct water in while keeping leaves out—ideal for heavy tree coverage.
• Brush Inserts: Trap debris inside the gutter for easy removal—perfect for DIYers.

A steady stream exiting the downspout means you’ve nailed it!