Home Care Challenge: Leaves, Twigs, and Trouble

Clean Gutters and Downspouts.

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Over the past month, we’ve started a new tradition in our house: Saturday night movie night. Our boys are finally old enough—especially our oldest—to sit through a full film, so we’ve been working our way through the Pixar and Disney classics. I’ve also decided this is my one and only chance to sneak in a rewatch of all the Disney princess movies before they’re totally uninterested in that genre. Last week? My all-time favorite: Beauty and the Beast.

Since then, our house has been filled with questions—Why was the Beast so mean? Why did Gaston want to hurt him? So. Many. Questions.

But you know what’s one thing we shouldn’t be questioning as homeowners?

Our gutters and downspouts.

When clogged with leaves, twigs, and general yard debris, gutters can’t do their job. That leads to water overflow, leaks, mold growth, and—worse—potential damage to your roof, siding, or even your home’s foundation.

Taking the time to regularly clean your gutters and downspouts not only protects your home from costly damage, but also extends the lifespan of your roofing and siding.

How to Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Before jumping in, the most important thing to evaluate is your comfort level and safety. If your gutters are tough to reach, packed with debris, or you’re simply not comfortable working from a ladder (hi, it's me 🙋‍♀️), then it’s time to hire a pro. No shame in calling in the experts—they’ve got the tools and the experience to get it done efficiently and safely.

But if you’re the DIY type, here’s how to go about it:

1. Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need:

• A sturdy ladder

• Work gloves

• A gutter scoop or small trowel

• A bucket or trash bag

• A garden hose with a spray nozzle

• Safety goggles

• Long sleeves (trust me—protect those arms)

2. Prioritize Safety

Place your ladder on a flat, stable surface. It helps to have someone nearby to hold it steady. Don’t overreach—move the ladder instead. And never climb onto your roof unless you’re experienced and properly equipped.

3. Remove Debris

Start by scooping out the big stuff—leaves, twigs, and all the mystery gunk—into your bucket or trash bag. A small trowel or gutter scoop makes this step easier (and less gross).

4. Flush the Gutters

Once the big debris is out of the way, use your hose to flush out the finer stuff. Start at the opposite end of the downspout so everything flows toward it. Watch to make sure water flows freely.

5. Check and Clear the Downspouts

If the water isn’t draining well, the downspouts may be clogged. Try flushing them from the bottom up. Still stuck? A plumber’s snake or downspout cleaning tool can help break up stubborn blockages.

6. Inspect for Damage

As you go, look for rust spots, leaks, sagging sections, or loose brackets. Catching minor damage now can save you a major headache later.

How Often Should You Clean Them?

Aim to do this at least twice a year—typically once in the spring and once in the fall. If you have a lot of trees nearby, you may need to do it more frequently.

Regular maintenance now = less stress (and less spending) later.

Whether you're tackling gutters, fielding Beauty and the Beast debates, or just trying to keep your home running smoothly—you're doing great.

Happy cleaning!

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