Q & A - How to Unclog a Downspout

So, your rain gutters are overflowing and nothing is coming out of the downspout, what do you do?

Well, sounds like you have a clogged downspout. What do you do to fix this? Some will get a ladder and a garden hose and try shoving the hose down the spout in the hope to unclog it with water pressure. After getting drenched and having no success, some people will try using a close hanger to bend into shape and loosen the clog. After a while, most give up and will remove the downspout and turn it upside down to try and clear it. When these efforts fail to replace it seems to be the only solution.

Try this first.  Using a leaf blower insert the blower into the bottom end of the downspout and let’r blow. It will most likely blow the wedged debris upwards and out the top end of the downspout.

Down Spouts clog because debris gets wedged at the elbows.

The debris over a season or two as it travels downward will get clogged at the bends or elbows in the downspout. Leafs and twigs forced downward and get wedged and compressed. Having the blower forced air in the opposite direction loosens the wedged clog and blows it upwards – right out of the downspout. Wear goggles because there can be a lot of years of debris that comes flying out. This may even be wet, decomposing leaves that smell bad enough to make a skunk gag. I have used this trick many times for my own home or customers homes. It is a good idea to do this every winter.

Installing a good gutter screen will solve most of the problems and may stop any future clogs in the downspouts. Seek a local gutter contractor for advice.

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