Exterior

Clean gutters and downspouts safely

Water spilling over the front of a gutter during heavy rain usually points to a clog in the gutter or downspout. That overflow lands close to the foundation, where it can find its way into the basement. A spring and fall cleanout helps keep the water flowing where it belongs. Do it on a dry day with the debris a little crusty, since wet leaves are heavier and messier and turn every scoop into a slop.

A gloved hand scooping wet leaves out of a gutter with a plastic scoop from a ladder, with a bucket and tarp below
Work from a steady ladder and scoop debris into a bucket, not onto the roof.
Quick answerScoop from the downspout end outward, flush with a hose, and clear the downspout. Keep the ladder off the gutter itself.
Worth checking firstCheck the downspouts first. Run a hose into the top of each one; if water backs up, the downspout is clogged and clearing the gutter alone won't stop the overflow. And never set a ladder on wet or uneven ground to do it.

Good to knowWeekend projectSpring checklist

Mike TurnerWritten and reviewed byMike TurnerUpdated Sources and safety notes
Moderate2–4 hrs$0–40
Clogged gutter with leaves, downspout with extension, and a ladder with a stabilizer arm
How to clean gutters safely: scoop out leaves (1), clear the downspout (2), and send water 4 to 6 feet from the house with an extension (3). A stabilizer arm (4) keeps the ladder off the gutter.

Where overflow water ends up

Gutters only work if water can run freely to the downspouts and then away from the house. Leaves, seed pods and grit from the shingles block that path, and one clog at a downspout can back up the whole run. Clean gutters, with downspouts that empty a few feet from the foundation, keep that water where it belongs.

Why gutters overflow

Leaves and debris

Especially after fall, or from overhanging trees.

A clogged downspout

Debris can jam at the elbow where the gutter meets the downspout.

Wrong slope

Gutters need a slight slope toward the downspout. Sagging sections hold water.

Too much water for the gutter

Big roofs with small gutters can overflow in heavy storms even when clean.

Where is the water going?
What you see in the rainProblemFix
Spilling over the front in one spotClog or sag thereClear it, check the slope, tighten hangers.
Spilling everywhereDownspout cloggedFlush the downspout from the bottom.
Dripping behind the gutterGap between the roof edge and gutterAdd drip edge flashing, or have it adjusted.
Water pooling by the foundationDownspout outlet too closeAdd an extension to carry water 4 to 6 feet out.
Ladder safetyNever lean a ladder against the gutter itself, and never work near power lines. For two-story homes, hiring out is the safer call.

Clean them safely

0 of 5 done
  1. Set up the ladder rightUse a stabilizer arm so the ladder rests on the wall or roof, not the gutter. Set the base 1 foot out for every 4 feet of height, on firm, level ground. Have someone nearby.
    Something went wrong?
    • The ladder feels unsteady Get down and reset it on firm, level ground. On a two-story roof or steep slope, hire a pro.
    Extension ladder with a stabilizer arm resting on the roof, base one foot out for every four feet of height
  2. Scoop from the downspout end outwardStart near the downspout and work away, scooping debris into a hooked bucket. Move the ladder often rather than leaning out.
    Gloved hand with a plastic gutter scoop lifting wet leaves into a bucket hooked on the ladder
  3. Flush with a hoseRun water from the far end toward the downspout. Watch for spots where water pools, which means the gutter needs its slope adjusted.
    Something went wrong?
    • Water pools in one spot The gutter has lost its slope there. Adjust or add hangers so it drains toward the downspout.
    Garden hose rinsing the gutter toward the downspout, showing water pooling where the slope is off
  4. Clear the downspoutIf water backs up, spray the hose up from the bottom or push a plumber's snake down from the top.
    Hose sprayed up into the downspout from the bottom to push out a clog at the elbow
  5. Check where the water goesWater should exit at least 4 feet from the house, ideally 6. Add a downspout extension or splash block if it doesn't.
    Downspout extension carrying water four to six feet away from the house foundation

Watch it done

How to Clean GuttersBy The Home Depot on YouTube. Their method may vary a little from ours.
Watch on YouTube
How you'll know it's fixed
  • Hose water runs to the downspout without pooling
  • Water flows freely out the bottom of the downspout
  • Water exits at least 4 to 6 feet from the house
  • No water running behind the gutter

Still overflowing? The slope or hangers may need adjusting.

If water still spills over

If gutters still overflow after cleaning, run a hose into them and watch. Standing water means the slope is off; hangers may need adjusting.

Water running behind the gutter usually means it pulled away from the house, or there's no drip edge under the shingles.

When to do itDo it in late fall after most leaves drop, and again in spring. If you have a lot of trees, gutter guards cut the work down but still need checking once a year.
Call a pro ifGutters pulling away from the house, rotten fascia boards, or a house taller than one story if you're not comfortable on a tall ladder.Fix it yourself or call? Compare the cost →

What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): Professional gutter cleaning usually costs $120–$300 for a single-story home.

Find gutter cleaning near you

Something else going on?

Gutter questions

How often should gutters be cleaned?

Twice a year for most homes: late fall and spring. More often with overhanging pines.

Are gutter guards worth it?

They reduce cleaning but don't eliminate it. Fine debris still builds up and needs rinsing about once a year.

Why is water getting behind my gutter?

Usually the gutter has pulled away from the fascia, or there's no drip edge under the shingles. That needs repair, not just cleaning.

Can I clean gutters from the ground?

For single-story homes, a telescoping gutter wand attached to a hose or a leaf blower attachment works for light debris. Heavy, packed leaves usually still need a ladder.

Do I really need to clean them if I never see them overflow?

Overflow usually happens in heavy rain, when you're indoors. Check them at least once a year, especially after the leaves fall.

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About the authors

GrabTheHammer Team

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  • Safety first
  • Tells you when to call a pro

We're a small team of writers and editors who check every guide against manufacturer instructions and common code requirements. Our goal is to help you understand the problem, tackle what you safely can and know when to call a pro.

Checked against: Manufacturer instructions for the parts and products involved, OSHA ladder safety guidance.

How we write and review →
A helpful next stepGutter pulling away from the houseReplace loose spikes with screw-in hangers and check the slope.