The rains are coming soon and you know you need to clean your gutters and downspouts.  But it’s been a few years since you did it.  What is it I need to do?  How do I clean my gutters and downspouts?
The truth is, it is surprisingly easy.  Get a ladder, a bucket or bag, a scoop of some sort, and a garden hose with a spray nozzle.  And don’t forget the old clothes.  You don’t want to be cleaning out your gutters and downspouts in your Sunday best.
Put up the ladder, of course and start near the downspouts.  Scoop out the big pieces, then, using the garden hose, spray from the middle towards the downspouts.  If the downspouts themselves are plugged, you can use the spray nozzle, either blasting from the top or from the bottom until it is clear.  If that doesn’t work, a plumber’s snake is often used.
Cleaning gutters and downspouts is not a glamorous job, but if done regularly, it is much easier.

photo credit: DallasGutterMan