Cleaning out the gutters isn’t exactly a fun weekend activity, so, it’s understandable that you might want to speed up the task with a pressure washer to blast away all the dirt, grime, and clumps of leaves. However, this isn’t a great idea. Pressure washers can be too powerful and may end up pulling the gutter off the house or damaging the downspout. It’s actually better to clean the debris out of the gutters by hand and then use a garden hose to rinse them out. Here’s why and how to do it safely and effectively.
The Dangers of Using a Pressure Washer on Gutters
1. Too Much Force
Pressure washers are great for heavy-duty cleaning, but they can be a bit too harsh for gutters. The high-pressure stream can:
- Dislodge Gutters: The force can loosen the brackets and fasteners, causing the gutters to pull away from the house.
- Damage Gutters: Aluminum and vinyl gutters can easily get dented or cracked.
- Harm Downspouts: Downspouts might get dented or even separated from the gutter system, leading to costly repairs.
2. Risk of Injury
Using a pressure washer while on a ladder can be risky. The powerful stream can cause you to lose balance, increasing the chance of falls and injuries.
A Better Approach: Hand Cleaning and Garden Hose Rinsing
Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Cleaning Your Gutters
- Gather Your Tools
- Ladder
- Work gloves
- Gutter scoop or small garden trowel
- Bucket or tarp (to collect debris)
- Garden hose with a spray nozzle
- Ensure Safety
- Make sure your ladder is stable and placed on a flat surface.
- Consider using a ladder stabilizer to avoid damaging the gutters and for added stability.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp debris and potential pests.
- Remove Large Debris by Hand
- Use a gutter scoop or small garden trowel to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the gutters.
- Collect the debris in a bucket or let it fall onto a tarp placed below for easy cleanup.
- Rinse with a Garden Hose
- After removing the bulk of the debris, use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to rinse the inside of the gutters.
- Start at the end opposite the downspout and work your way toward it, ensuring the water flows freely.
- This will help wash away any remaining dirt and small debris.
- Check the Downspouts
- Ensure that the water is flowing freely through the downspouts.
- If you notice a blockage, use the hose to spray water directly into the downspout or use a plumber’s snake to clear it.
Benefits of the Hand Cleaning Method
1. Protects Your Gutters
Cleaning your gutters by hand and using a garden hose ensures that your gutters aren’t subjected to the excessive force of a pressure washer, preventing damage to the gutters and downspouts.
2. Comprehensive Cleaning
Manually removing debris allows for a more thorough inspection of the gutters. You can spot and address potential issues like loose brackets, rust spots, or small cracks early on.
3. Safety
Using a garden hose significantly reduces the risk of accidents compared to using a pressure washer. The hose is easier to control and doesn’t produce the same recoil force.
While it might seem like a quick fix to use a pressure washer for cleaning your gutters, it’s not worth the risk of damaging your gutter system and putting yourself in danger. Instead, opt for the trusty method of hand-cleaning followed by a gentle rinse with a garden hose. This approach keeps your gutters in good shape and ensures they do their job of channeling water away from your home, protecting your property from water damage.
ABU Gutters is on hand with their team of skilled professionals who are fully qualified to perform maintenance works and damage repair to your gutters. The customer service team at ABU Gutters would be more than happy to get in touch with you and see how they are able to help get your gutters back into tip-top shape so get in touch with ABU Gutters today!