Skip to Content

Proven Methods to Keep Your Rain Gutters Clean

Close up of man’s hands cleaning large leaves out of the rain gutter.Rain gutters are the MVPs of your home’s drainage system because they capture and direct rainwater away from the roof and foundation. However, they can quickly clog up with leaves, other dirt, and other things, making it difficult for them to function properly.

If the proper water channeling is not followed, things turn unpleasant. An all-too-common occurrence is cracks, changes, and foundation settling. Not to mention the dreaded cellar flooding and the unwanted invasion of mold, which can cause an array of health problems. Expensive repairs or replacements are required when fascia boards and soffits are damaged by water.

It is essential to care for and perform routine maintenance on rain gutters to ensure that they continue to function properly. By adhering to a few fundamental rules, you may make cleaning your rental’s gutter system easier:

Gather Necessary Cleaning Tools

Assemble necessary tools such as a stable ladder, work gloves, a shovel, a bucket or bag, a hose with a spray nozzle, and a plumber’s snake or wire brush to clear rain gutters properly and safely. Prioritize safety by ensuring the ladder is in excellent condition, placing it on a stable surface, and wearing non-slip footwear.

Protect your hands from debris and sharp edges by putting on a pair of gloves Prepare a bucket or bag for refuse collection, as well as a small scoop or shovel for heavy debris. For cleaning and testing water flow, get a garden hose ready with a spray nozzle.

Use a plumber’s snake or a wire brush to remove difficult clogs from downspouts. With this equipment, you will be well-equipped to begin cleansing gutters and managing your home’s drainage.

Ensure Safety When Cleaning Gutters

Safety is not something to take lightly when cleaning gutters. We must avoid incidents and injuries, so purchase a sturdy ladder that won’t fall apart. Verify that everything against the house is level and adequately supported.

By keeping an eye on the ladder’s stability, a spotter can provide additional security. For a firm hold on ladder rungs, traction-enhancing, non-slip shoes are necessary. Sharp edges and debris in downspouts may lead to injuries.

The hands are shielded by work gloves from chemical exposure, wounds, and scratches. Protecting your eyes from debris is important. Safety should always come first when it comes to gutter cleansing. The likelihood of accidents can be significantly reduced by taking the time to follow safety rules, which also makes the overall experience safer. So, don’t skimp on safety.

Inspect and Remove Large Debris

Look for debris in the gutters, such as leaves, twigs, or mud, as well as any areas where water may collect or overflow. Start at one end of the gutter and work your way down its length, clearing out the debris with a trowel or small scoop, then dispose of it in a pail or bag. Use extreme caution near downspouts, where clogs are more prevalent.

To release heavy material gently while being careful not to damage the gutter system itself, try using a trowel or gloves. Check for debris that may be obstructing the water flow and remove it. Everything that is in the way of the water’s ability to flow freely must be removed. The chance of water damage to your home’s foundation, roof, and other vulnerable parts can be reduced by routinely inspecting your rain gutters and removing any heavy debris.

Clear and Flush Gutters

Once the majority of the debris has been removed, use a hose with a spray nozzle to flush away the remainder of the debris, commencing at the opposite end of the downspout. This high-pressure water stream helps to remove stubborn particles and provides a thorough cleansing.

In areas with impeded water flow, look for obstructions or obstacles. With a plumber’s snake or wire brush, check the water flow and remove any obstructions. Be sure to repeat the flushing process until water flows smoothly through the gutters and downspouts.

Make it a routine to clean and discharge your rain gutters frequently. It’s essential for keeping them in good working order, avoiding water damage, and making sure your drainage system is effective. Therefore, give attention to your gutters and treat them with care.

Final Inspection and Rinse

Gutters should be visually inspected for damage, such as cracks, rust, or loose hangers, after being cleaned and flushed. Examine the alignment and blockage of the connections between gutter sections and downspouts. Check to make sure downspouts are diverting water away from the home’s foundation.

Run water through the gutters and downspouts to check for leaks, overflows, or obstructions while also examining the water’s flow. Resolve any problems immediately to prevent further damage. A thorough inspection may assist identify and fix potential issues, guaranteeing the best rain gutter conditions and preventing water damage to your home.

Maintain a Regular Cleaning Schedule

Check the gutters visually for damage, such as cracks, rust, or loose hangers, after they have been cleaned and drained. Don’t let your gutter issues fester any longer! Make sure to take immediate action if you notice any issues.

Look for good alignment and any obstructions at the connecting points between gutter segments and downspouts. Verify that downspouts are diverting water away from the house’s foundation. Make a note of the spots that need gutter maintenance or repair if any problems occur.

Watch the water flow as you run water through the gutters and downspouts. Immediately address any issues with the gutters that may exist. A thorough inspection aids in the detection and correction of defects, protecting your property from water damage and preventing water infiltration.

Last but not least, to make cleaning your downspouts easier the next time, think about installing gutter screens across the downspout holes. Or, you could have Real Property Management Three Bridges take care of your property’s gutter maintenance and never have to bother about it again! To learn more about our property management services, contact us today!

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details