Tools & materials
- Sturdy extension ladder with a stabilizer
- Work gloves
- Gutter scoop or trowel
- Bucket with a hook
- Garden hose with a spray nozzle
Step by step
- Step 1
Set the ladder on firm, level ground and keep three points of contact. Never lean over the side.
- Step 2
Start at a downspout and scoop debris into a bucket, working away from the downspout.
- Step 3
Flush the gutter with a hose toward the downspout and watch for leaks at seams.
- Step 4
If the downspout is clogged, spray water up from the bottom or down from the top to clear it.
- Step 5
Check that downspouts discharge at least 4–6 feet from the foundation.
When to stop and call ProFix
If you see any of these, stop and call us:
- Gutters are more than one story up or on a steep roof
- Gutters sag, pull away or overflow even when clean
- There's damaged fascia or rot behind the gutter
Not in the mood to DIY? A ProFix pro can handle it for you in Chicago Metro and Dallas–Fort Worth, with a written price before work starts.
Related guides
These guides are general information for simple repairs. You're responsible for your own safety and for following local codes and your lease or HOA rules. When in doubt, stop and call a licensed professional. All DIY guides