Can I Hose Down My Gutters?

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Maintaining your gutters is one of those tasks that homeowners dread. After climbing what very well may be a precariously perched ladder, you must figure out how to remove whatever gross detritus you find lurking there. It can be a daunting challenge, especially if the gutters are very dirty. One question many homeowners wonder is whether they can hose down their gutters. The simple answer is: Yes. However, it's important to know when to use this method and when to avoid it. Plus, you should get in the habit of following everyday tips to keep your gutters unclogged, which can make hosing down your gutters even more effective.

Before hosing down your gutters, remember to follow simple safety guidelines. One option is to grab an extension tool, which allows you to hose down the gutters without getting on a ladder. For example, tools like this Orbit telescoping gutter-cleaning wand for $22.99 from Amazon attach to your garden hose and can reach up to your gutters from the ground. If you do use a garden hose while up on a ladder, it's sometimes a good idea to ask someone else to help you, too. It can be easy to become entangled in the hose, or to pull it accidentally and knock yourself off of the ladder. 

Typically, when it comes to your biannual gutter cleaning, don't reach for your hose first. You never know if the gutters have debris that will wash directly into the downspout. And if you already have a clogged downspout, hosing down the entire gutter system can just make it worse. A good way to avoid creating monster clogs is to always check your downspouts first before using your garden hose on your gutters. There are several obvious signs that gutters are clogged and need cleaning, such as plants growing in and out of them or overflowing water during a storm.

Before grabbing your garden hose, get rid of the big debris in the gutter. You can use your hands (preferably enclosed in protective gloves) or a special scoop designed to clean leaves and dirt from gutters. Breaking up the big messes first will mean you have less work in the long run, as you won't risk creating a nasty clog by washing it all into the downspout. Then take the hose and use it to wash away the rest for a job well done.

Hosing down your gutters can also be a good way to keep gutters cleaner in between your major clean-outs. Regularly hosing loose silt and small debris out of the gutters can help you avoid buildup and having a heavy-duty gutter maintenance task twice a year. And, again, using a tool, such as a telescoping extension pole, is a way to clean gutters without a ladder — especially if you're not very confident on one.