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Gutter Cleaning: How to Do It Safely, and When to Pay Someone
Ladder falls send hundreds of thousands of people to hospital every year. Here is how to clean gutters without becoming one of them.
Dana Whitlock · Sep 18, 2026 · 6 min read · 5 steps
Gutters are the single most effective water-management system on a house. When they overflow, water pours down beside the foundation, soaks fascia boards, and in winter forms ice dams that push water back under shingles.
Cleaning them twice a year is enough for most homes. Doing it safely matters more than doing it fast.
Ladder basics
Use an extension ladder that reaches at least a metre above the gutter edge, set at roughly a 1-in-4 angle — one unit out from the wall for every four units up. Put it on firm, level ground, and never lean the ladder against the gutter itself; use a stand-off bracket that rests on the roof or wall.
- Keep three points of contact — two feet and a hand — at all times
- Move the ladder often rather than over-reaching sideways
- Do not work alone, and never on a wet or windy day
The cleaning itself
Scoop debris into a bucket hooked to the ladder with a gutter scoop or gloved hand. Start near a downspout and work away from it. Once the trough is clear, run a hose from the far end to check the water flows freely to the downspout.
If a downspout is blocked, try flushing it from the bottom up with a hose first. A plumber’s auger can clear stubborn clogs.
Signs of a bigger problem
While you are up there, look for:
- Standing water that will not drain — the gutter may need re-pitching
- Rust spots or seams that drip
- Soft or dark fascia boards behind the gutter
- Granules from shingles collecting in the trough, which can mean an ageing roof
When to hire it out
Two-storey homes, steep sites, and houses with gutters over a conservatory or deck are good candidates for a professional. The cost is usually modest compared with the risk, and many services include a downspout flush and a quick roof check.
Do gutter guards help?
Guards reduce how often you need to clean but do not eliminate it. Fine debris such as pine needles and seed pods still builds up on top of or inside many designs. Treat guards as a way to stretch the interval, not as a permanent fix.
This is general home-maintenance information, not professional advice. Building codes, permits, and safe practices vary by location — consult a licensed contractor, electrician, or plumber for work beyond your experience.