Search guides

Fix a gutter that is clogged

We'll confirm the clog, clean the gutter and downspout, and tell you when to call a gutter professional.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
30–60 min
What you'll need
  • Gutter scoop or trowel
  • Hose
  • Ladder (sturdy, on level ground)
  • Bucket or tarp (optional, for debris)
Step 1 of 5

Quick triage — pick your path

Get started

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

Show full guide

Steps

Goal: Confirm the clog, clean the gutter and downspout, and restore flow.

  • Check during or after rain. Water pools or overflows when the gutter is clogged.
  • Good: You see pooled water or overflow—proceed to Clean gutter.
  • Bad: Gutter is clear but water still pools—check slope; see fix-gutter-overflows.

Clean gutter

Goal: Remove leaves and debris so water can flow.

  • Use a sturdy ladder on level ground. Have a spotter. Use a gutter scoop or trowel to remove debris. Work from the ends toward the downspout so you do not push debris into it.
  • Clear the downspout opening—debris often clogs where the gutter meets the downspout. Remove the strainer if present.
  • Good: Gutter channel is clear. Proceed to Clear downspout.
  • Bad: Cannot safely access or gutter is damaged—call a pro.

Clear downspout

Goal: Clear blockages in the downspout so water flows out.

  • Run a hose down the downspout from the top. If water backs up, flush from the bottom or use a drain snake.
  • When the downspout connects to an underground drain that is clogged, a plumber or drainage professional may need to snake it.
  • Good: Water flows freely out the bottom.
  • Bad: Downspout will not clear—snake it or call a plumber if it connects to an underground drain.

When to get help

Call a gutter professional if:

  • You cannot safely access the gutter (two stories or higher, or not comfortable on a ladder).
  • The gutter is damaged or pulling away from the fascia.
  • The downspout connects to an underground drain that will not clear.
  • Cleaning did not restore flow.

Verification

  • No pooled water in the gutter after rain or after running a hose.
  • Water flows toward the downspout and out the bottom.
  • No overflow during rain.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm clog Check for pooled water or overflow during rain.
  2. Clean gutter Remove leaves and debris with a scoop.
  3. Clear downspout Flush the downspout with a hose; snake if needed.
  4. Call gutter pro Cannot safely access, gutter damaged, or clog will not clear.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Gutter condition (pooling, overflow)
  • Downspout flow
  • Steps already tried

Is the gutter clogged?

Water pools in the gutter, overflows during rain, or does not drain to the downspout.

Check during or after rain. Clogged: water pools or overflows. Clear: if water still does not flow, check gutter slope or downspout placement—see fix-gutter-overflows.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Can you safely access the gutter?

Use a sturdy ladder and spotter. Two-story or higher gutters may need a pro.

If you can safely reach the gutter, clean it. Remove debris with a gutter scoop. Clear the downspout opening and flush with a hose. Good: water flows. Bad: cannot access or gutter damaged—call a pro.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Clog cleared

Cleaning should restore flow. Clean gutters at least twice a year—spring and fall. Consider gutter guards to reduce debris.

Done

Call a gutter professional

Call a gutter professional if: you cannot safely access the gutter, the gutter is damaged or pulling away, or the downspout connects to an underground drain that will not clear.

Done

Gutter is clear but still not draining

If the gutter is clear but water still pools, the issue may be slope or downspout placement. See fix-gutter-overflows for slope and capacity checks.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why do gutters get clogged?
Leaves, pine needles, twigs, and dirt accumulate in gutters. Downspout openings clog when debris washes toward them. Clean gutters at least twice a year—spring and fall—to prevent clogs.
Can I clean a clogged gutter myself?
Yes. Use a gutter scoop or trowel to remove debris. Flush the downspout with a hose. Use a sturdy ladder and have a spotter. If the gutter is high or you are not comfortable on a ladder, call a gutter professional.
When should I call a gutter professional?
Call a gutter professional if: you cannot safely access the gutter, the gutter is damaged or pulling away, the downspout connects to an underground drain that is clogged, or cleaning did not restore flow.

Rate this guide

Was this helpful?

Continue to