How to Clean the Inside of Your Gutters and Keep Them Flowing

Out of all the home projects, gutter cleaning may be the most dreaded, dirtiest yet significant task. When the vibrant autumn leaves fall, they not only fill your yard with scenic views but also clog the inside of your gutters. If not cleaned, they can cause serious problems that can lead to structural damage to your home and costly repairs that you weren’t ready for.

But we are here to help you. In this guide, we will walk you through the detailed steps of inside gutter cleaning. We will also discuss tell-tale signs of clogged gutters and answer some frequently asked questions.

Why Inside Gutter Cleaning Matters?

Gutters have a simple but important job – to protect your home. But when debris, grime, twigs, and leaves accumulate on the roof, they clog your gutters and do not allow rainwater to flow through them efficiently. This results in overflowing water and flooding in your basement.

When winters hit, these clogged gutters do not drain melting snow properly, resulting in the formation of ice dams. Soon enough the water buildup behind these ice dams finds its way under the roof and through the walls causing structural damage. For this reason, it is important to clean your gutters at least twice a year – once in the spring and again in the fall - to keep them flowing properly.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Inside Gutters Like a Pro

Let’s learn how to clean your gutters thoroughly

1. Set up the work area

Before you begin, create a safe and efficient work area to avoid any accidents. First, gather all the necessary cleaning tools including a ladder, bucket, garden hose, plastic scoop, and a small brush for scrubbing. Make sure to clear any obstacles around and place your ladder on solid, level ground to keep it stable.

2. Scoop Out the Debris

Starting at the corners and downspouts, clear large chunks of debris with your hands (don’t forget to wear rubber gloves). Then use a plastic gutter scoop or a trowel to remove any tough clogs from the straight sections of the gutter. You can attach a bucket to the ladder with an extension hook and collect all the scooped gunk into the bucket to protect your lawn.

3. Flush the Gutters with Water

Once most of the debris is cleared, use your garden hose with a spray nozzle to flush the gutters. From the far end, flush with high-pressure water and move towards the downspouts to wash away any remaining debris. If the water runs smoothly and drains out completely, your gutters are good to go. But if the water is not draining properly, there is a clog around the downspout that needs to be removed manually.

4. Clean the Downspouts

If a downspout is clogged, remove its bottom end to see where the clog is located and clean it out manually. Then reattach the bottom piece, feed the hose up the downspout, and flush at full pressure to break the clog. If it still doesn’t clear, try using the plumber’s snake to remove any blockage.

Signs That Show Your Gutters Need to Be Cleaned

The best way to protect your house from structural damage is to check your gutters frequently. Here are some tell-tale signs of clogged gutters that should not be ignored.

• Overflowing Water

The most obvious sign your gutters need cleaning is water overflowing during rain or in winter. This indicates that the guttering system is blocked and water cannot flow properly.

• Pests Or Animals Around the Gutters

Clogged, dirty gutters are often home to pests and animals. Birds, squirrels, possums, and more are clear signs of debris inside your gutters.

• Staining on Your Home’s Exterior

If you spot any stains, discoloration, or deterioration on the sides of your house, check your gutters immediately. Standing water in the gutters can seriously damage your roof shingles leading to costly repairs.

• Plants Inside the Gutters

Another sign of clogged gutters is the presence of plants, weeds, or flowers growing in your gutters. This is because the dirt and debris buildup in the gutters create a suitable environment for plants to thrive.

• Sagging Gutters

When leaves and other debris are left uncleared for too long, their weight bends and sags the gutters, detaching the guttering system from the roofline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these frequently asked questions about inside gutter cleaning.

How Much Does Professional Gutter Cleaning Cost?

Professional gutter cleaning costs depend on several factors including your house location, dimensions, conditions,n and accessibility of the gutters. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 - $400.

What is the Quickest Way to Clean Gutters?

The fastest way to clean your gutters is by using a gutter scoop to remove dirt, leaves, sticks, and other debris quickly. But if you want better results, use a pressure washer or contact a professional pressure washing company to clean your gutters effectively.

How Often Should You Clean Gutters?

We recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. And the best time is mid-spring and mid-fall when the gutters are filled with falling leaves and debris. If you live near a lot of trees, you might need to do it a bit more frequently.

Clean Your Gutters Today and Protect Your House

Ready to clean your gutters? We get it, gutter cleaning isn’t exactly an exciting job. But it sure is a necessary one. After all, clean gutters prevent water damage, protect your roof, and even enhance your overall home appearance. If you are still uncomfortable, hiring a professional gutter cleaning service like TN Wash is a good idea to give your house the care it deserves.