Household Hints & HELP!

Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts
submitted by Lorene Bartos, Extension Educator

This article appears in the November 7, 2004 Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper.

Fall is in the air. Leaves are falling and winter is just around the corner. Although it is hard to believe with the nice weather snow may be flying any day. With falling and blowing leaves, gutters and downspouts may be plugged. This can cause problems with moisture and/or drainage around your house. Now is the time to check for plugs and leaks.

Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts at least twice a year—once before the start of winter and again in late spring.

Check the gutter outlet opening where the water flows into the downspout.

Check all gutter hangers for tightness.

Check each downspout for leaks and water flow, by spouting water into each gutter, using a hose or pail of water. If there are leaks, repair them. Use a wire brush suitable for the gutter material to clean the area of the leak and to free loose metal, rust or other materials. Gutters and downspouts may be of steel, copper, plastic aluminum or wood. Wipe clean. Apply a “putty” or any of the materials such as asphalt roof cement, suited for the gutter repair and the type of gutter material you are repairing.

Safety is very important when you are cleaning gutters or working on the roof. Always use a sturdy ladder long enough to reach the highest gutter. If you cannot do the job safely or do not have the skills and tools to do so, consider having a professional clean and repair your gutters. It is best to have someone else around when you are doing the cleaning that requires climbing.

Not only is it time to clean the gutters, it is also time to winterize your home. Winterizing includes storing patio furniture, draining and putting away garden hoses, and other items used during the summer and fall. Also check the snow blower to see it is in working order. Do you have a good snow shovel? If you have not taken care of these items around your home, make it a top priority on your “to do” list. If you are considering decorating outside for the holidays now is the time to do it. Lights and other decorations that need to be put on the house can be put up now while the weather is nice and before there is ice and snow to contend with. Be sure to consider safety. Be careful with the number of light strings plugged into each other and the number of extension cords used. Be sure to check all cords for cracks or breaks.

Take a minute to check around your home. Are you ready for winter? If so, you can sit back and enjoy the weather and the season.

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