The main cause of gaps is leaves, flowers and small branches of trees growing nearby. The peak occurs in mid-autumn - the period of leaf fall. And since it occurs for several weeks, and during this time it often rains, you can clean the gutters and funnels several times during this time.

But the system can become clogged with large debris not only in the fall. In spring, the trees bloom and the flowers fly around. And during extreme heat and summer drought, shedding part of the crown is a protective reaction that reduces the area of ​​moisture evaporation. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the drain.

In addition to trees, there is also dust and sand, which the wind blows into the gutters. Heavy rain can wash away this dirt, but if it has not rained for a long time, the condensation flowing from the roof and forming on the surface of the drain leads to the formation of a solid and poorly soluble coating.

In winter, the cause of clogging of the drainage system is ice, which forms when snow melts during the day and freezes at night.

When should you clean your drain?

You need to clean it at least twice a year:

• in the spring, after the bud scales fall from the trees and the flowers fly around;
• in autumn, after leaf fall.

Cleaning methods

Manual cleaning. They literally collect large debris from gutters and funnels into a bag or throw it down with their hands. Smaller fragments can be removed with a soft brush or rag. You can also manually clean the drainpipe through the inspection hatch.

Purge. If you have a compressor, you can blow out the gutter and pipes by first removing large debris manually.

Flushing. Used for cleaning drainpipes and gutter cavities, as well as for external wet cleaning. To avoid damaging the paintwork or polymer coating metal gutter, do not use detergents or cleaners containing abrasives or solvents. The same restrictions apply to plastic gutters.

For internal flushing, water is supplied under pressure through a regular garden hose. External cleaning can be done using soft brushes or a cloth.

Protection from debris and ice

To avoid clogging the drain with large debris, you must use protective meshes for gutters and mesh filters for the drain holes of funnels.

To protect the drain from icing in winter period use a whole range of preventive measures:

• installed along the eaves;
• lay along eaves overhang, in gutters, funnels and pipes heating cable;
• clearing snow from the roof;
• manually remove ice and large pieces of ice.

Regardless of the chosen cleaning method, before starting it, you need to fill the gutters with water, feeding it through a hose. This is necessary for two reasons:

• to determine how efficiently the system operates during a rainstorm;
• to dissolve and soften dried dirt, making it easier to remove in the future.

To carry out the work they use special equipment, professional equipment and cleaning products. Next, we will consider the most common methods.

Robot. Modern device significantly reduces labor costs for cleaning and speeds up the process. The relatively compact mechanism, depending on the specific model, has the following parameters: length 40-50 cm, width 8-15 cm, height 5-8 cm, weight 1-1.5 kg. The average cleaning performance is 9 m of drainage in 5 minutes. His autonomous operation provides a battery lasting 30-40 minutes. Cleaning is carried out through the movement of blades, scraper attachments and a drill with tips. To calculate the number of passes up to complete cleaning The gutters are equipped with a function for determining the degree of contamination. It is possible to use the robot to remove wet blockages in gutters filled with storm or melt water.

Blowers. Designed to remove leaves, small branches and debris from gutters using powerful air flow. The method is also suitable for cleaning drainpipes with bends, where the use of brushes is not possible. However, hardened soil, sand and similar contaminants may not be treated well. Work should be carried out in dry weather, when the debris accumulated in the gutters has already dried. There are electric, battery, or gasoline blowers. The second option is the most popular due to its mobility, lightness and ease of use.

Hydraulic equipment. In this case, a device is used that supplies water under high pressure. It breaks down accumulated dirt and washes it away.

Brushes on telescopic handle. The tool is suitable for urgent or manual cleaning. If the building is low-rise, then you can carry out work directly from the ground, since the length of the handle reaches 5 m. To remove debris from drainage grids and from hard-to-reach areas of gutters, you can adjust the angle of the brush. When working on objects over 2 floors, work is carried out from a ladder or roof using a mounting belt, special fasteners and compliance with safety regulations.

Mechanical cleaning by hand. The following devices are used for it: a ladder (preferably with additional supports and fixation), wooden spatula or a dustpan corresponding to the size of the gutter, a brush, a garbage bag, gloves. It is important that cleaning equipment is made of silicone, plastic or thick rubber, and not metal, otherwise it can damage the surface. After removing debris, drain the gutters with a garden hose to completely remove fine debris and sand.

To prevent blockages, we recommend using canopies for drainage systems and removable grilles on pipe funnels. Effective cleaning gutters, gutters and related structures is only possible with the use of professional equipment and funds. The work must be carried out by experienced employees, especially since you will need special equipment to climb onto the roof.

What causes blockages in drains and gutters?

The precipitation drainage system serves to redirect excess precipitation into storm drains. When gutters are overfilled, water accumulates in them and then finds its way out in unintended places. A careless attitude towards cleaning drainage structures over time leads to the occurrence of serious problems, disrupting the operation of the entire system.

1. Dampening of facades, erosion of the foundation. Through a canal clogged with debris, the outflow of storm water is difficult or not possible at all, which is why the accumulated water flows in the wrong place. It hits the walls of the building, erodes its foundation, destroys the blind area, and penetrates into the premises. This causes wet spots, dampness, and fungus to form on the façade. Even if the water has not yet reached the walls of the building, it can seep through the roof covering. There is no need to explain what problems arise due to a leaking roof.
2. Breaking drainage system. Gutters filled with wet debris create excessive load on the structure and its individual components, which significantly increases the likelihood of their breakage and even collapse.
3. Spread of pests and mold. Damp foliage, saturated with storm or melt water, serves as a favorable environment for the growth of moss, lichen and mold development. Pathogenic bacteria, microorganisms and even larvae of insect pests will multiply there.
4. Dry leaves, blades of grass, bird feathers blown onto the roof by the wind hot weather may cause a fire.

To prevent problems from occurring in drainage structures and provide it uninterrupted operation, you should regularly inspect it and have your gutters and pipes professionally cleaned.

The functioning of the drain is extremely important for the entire house as a whole.

If it breaks or is not cleaned in a timely manner, water can seep out in the most unexpected place and over time damage the foundation, walls of the house or blind area.

To prevent the worst consequences, it is necessary to take a very serious approach not only to the choice of drainage system, but also to its planned prevention.

In this article, you will learn everything about cleaning gutters using available tools.

When building a house, try to choose not only a beautiful gutter, but also one that will match the type roofing material, will fit correctly into the overall design of the house.

Drains can be internal or external. And if increasingly are made of plastic, external ones can be made of plastic, metal or (homemade).

Plastic gutters

The advantages of galvanized gutters include:

• durability;
• frost resistance;
• impact resistance;
• do not deteriorate when exposed to sunlight.

But there are also a number of significant disadvantages:

• difficult to attach the drain to the wall of the house due to the heavy weight of the structure;
• the appearance of corrosion and rust on metal pipes without special polymer impregnation.

Metal drain

DIY plastic drain

The most economical, but not very technologically advanced type of drainage. Plastic bottles are connected to each other using sealant and plastic connectors. The design will be quite cheap, but temporary.

Depending on the quality of the bottles, such a drain will last you from one to several years. Whatever type of gutters you choose, if they are not maintained, cleaned and repaired on time, even a steel gutter will not last even a couple of seasons.

What is the most common way to clog a drainage system?

After winter, damage to the drain can be caused by the resulting ice or debris that has accumulated since the fall.

Even a small amount of autumn foliage may damage the integrity of the drain, break it or cause a leak.

The blockage can also serve as a source of active spread of moss and plants along the drainpipe, which will be quite difficult to remove when cleaning.

In summer, such blockages can form wasp nests, and then disinfestation will be added to simple cleaning.

To prevent blockages, you should regularly clean the drain, treat the drains from ice and carry out.

Cleaning drains using improvised means

1. First of all, choose a suitable staircase.
2. Since most gutters are installed under the roof of the house, the ladder must be sufficiently stable. If the height of your house is two or more floors, it is better to install scaffolding either use climbing equipment or use the services of an aerial platform.
3. Thoroughly clean all the upper pipes and funnels, put the garbage in a pre-prepared box or bag so as not to litter the local area.
4. Clean the pipes on both sides from layered sediment using special homemade scrapers and long sticks.
5. A clogged drain pipe can be cleared using a plumber's rope.
6. Rinse with water - from a bucket or hose, after placing it under drainer an empty bucket or barrel so that all the garbage is collected in one place.

Special brush for gutters

NOTE!

• Manual gutter cleaning is best done after it has rained - the debris will get wet and will be easier to clean.
• Never use a brush with metal bristles to avoid damaging the surface of the pipes.
• At manual cleaning drainage, you can completely inspect all areas for damage and carry out timely repairs.

Cleaning the drainage system using compressed air

You can clean the drain using a special technique - a blower. or a robot vacuum cleaner that can both suck in air and blow it out with great pressure.

A strong enough air flow can clear any accumulated debris from your roof and pipes and remove clogs, but it may not be enough if the clog is deep in the pipes.

If you work at heights, you can use a compact battery-powered blower rather than a gas or mains-powered blower.

The downside to cleaning a drain this way is that an air blower, and especially a robot vacuum cleaner, will not be cheap.

This type of pipe cleaning can only be used in dry weather, so as not to damage the equipment or injure yourself with an electric shock.

Cleaning with pressurized water

The third method of drain cleaning is to clean the pipes using pressurized water.

You can also use a simple garden hose, but as a cleaning method after self made, since low pressure will not allow you to remove all blockages entirely.

• How to increase water pressure? Plug the end of the hose with a rag and begin lowering it into the drainpipe, under the pressure of water, the hose will lower to the maximum possible distance, and after the rag falls out of the hose, the water under maximum pressure will completely clean the drainpipe.
• Use a special generator with a special nozzle that creates high water pressure. Connect a regular garden hose through it and clean the pipes. If you have pipes made of plastic or plastic bottles, this method is unacceptable, because strong pressure can damage the integrity of the pipe.

Very often, when you clean your drain with pressurized water, you only remove dirt and not plants, moss, or heavy clogs. Before starting work, install a grate at the outlet of the drainpipe, which will prevent the escaping debris from scattering throughout the local area.

How to clear ice from a drain

Very often, problems with drainpipes arise in the spring, when the frosts end. Water cannot pass through frozen pipes and blockages formed in them. Drainpipes become heavier and can collapse under their own weight.

• The easiest way to clean is to wait until it gets warm. The method is completely inexpensive, but can completely destroy the drainage system during prolonged thaw or rain.
• Heat the drain using a heating cable or a heat gun and carry out a quick anti-icing treatment. The method is expensive and not always effective.
• Heat the drain using the supply warm water manually, and removing pieces of ice again manually.

Cleaning the drainage system from ice

How to prevent blockages in the system and how to avoid icing

As we see, removing ice or complex blockages can be technologically difficult or financially expensive, so it is better to take preventive measures in advance to prevent severe consequences and protect yourself from unnecessary problems.

1. Clean the drainage system at least twice a year - in the spring, when the temperature is above zero, and in the fall, before the first frost. If your house is located close to a forest or a large cluster of trees, carry out extraordinary cleaning in the summer.
2. Carefully check the tightness of pipes at joints and connection areas. Seal the joints with special metal tapes or replace damaged areas.
3. Check the attachment points of the drainpipes, do not allow them to loosen or break.
4. If you have installed metal pipes, carry out anti-corrosion treatment in a timely manner.
5. To prevent leaves, falling fruit, or windblown debris from entering the pipe when installing downspouts it is necessary to “cover” them and all installed funnels with a special metal mesh , with the size of holes/cells no more than two by two centimeters. Larger diameter holes will not keep out feathers, dust and small debris.

If blockages in the drain pipe occur too often, check the slope of the pipes and gutter using building level. The permissible slope should be from two to five millimeters per linear meter.

Safety net

When cleaning pipes made from plastic bottles and plastic, do not use metal tools and brushes, which can damage the pipes themselves.

Treat pipes against icing in advance:

• When installing pipes, treat them with special impregnation;
• install a special heating cable (cheaper, but energy-intensive resistive or more expensive self-regulating) around the perimeter of the drain (this method can be expensive, but will save you from breaking the drainage system).
• Clean the roof and roof from snow and ice in a timely manner so that they do not damage the drainpipes.

CAREFULLY!

If you install heating cables in drainpipes, the possibility of blockages may become more frequent, so preventative cleaning and inspection must be done a little more often than usual. When clearing such blockages, there is a high probability of cable damage.

The service life of drainpipes varies, and sometimes it is not long enough, like homemade plastic. We have the power to increase this period - use only quality materials during construction, properly and systematically care for pipes, remove all blockages and debris in a timely manner, carry out timely processing from ice and rust.

Drainpipes and gutters perform important function to protect your home from rainwater and melting snow. If water simply drains from the roof, it can cause serious damage to the foundation of the building. The same applies to walls; moisture must not be allowed to get inside the walls in order to protect them from destruction.

Gutters are now a mandatory element of the design of any new home. Of course, good owners equip them in old houses as well.
Water flowing over the gutters can occur either when the flow of water from the entire roof area is incorrectly calculated, or when the gutters are clogged with debris.

Usually, most of debris ends up in gutters and pipes in the fall.
It's clear why, falling autumn leaves can fill drains quite quickly and prevent water from draining. In addition, dust and debris are caused by the wind, this is already during a wider warm period. The water begins to stagnate and flow onto the walls, falling on façade panels, for siding and sheathing boards.

Actually the main idea here is like this, the drainage is much larger important element protection than the vast majority of people think. Therefore, you should not delay cleaning the system; it is necessary to carry out preventive maintenance annually.
According to the rules, it is necessary to remove debris from gutters twice a year, although not everyone does this.

Safety.

Metal gutters have many sharp corners, so wear gloves and durable clothing. Be sure to wear a respirator when blowing debris out. To clean gutters manually, use special plastic buckets. Doing this with your hand or a garden shovel is not very convenient.

If your wall facades are covered with siding, then it would be more thoughtful to use a stepladder. A regular ladder rests on the wall and can damage the cladding.
The ladder must be of sufficient height; standing on the last step while working is quite risky.

Gutter cleaning.

Gutter cleaning must be done from the roof or stairs. There are two main options: Remove debris manually using buckets and brushes, or blow out leaves using a compressor.

The second method, although more technologically advanced, leads to the scattering of garbage over a large area.
Special blowers are sold in stores; they do not have a hose like a compressor; the tool is electric and connected via a light cable.

After removing debris, use a garden hose to wash away any remaining dust.
A hose can also help if drain pipes are clogged. It can be used to break through debris plugs by hand and then rinse off with pressurized water.

While flushing, pay attention to water leaks at the joints and through the gutters.
It is better to repair pipes and gutters immediately, without waiting for the start of autumn rains.

Each drainpipe must have a drainage point. In some cases, containers are placed under the pipes, but it is better to make additional channels on the ground and direct the water into the drainage basin. It’s bad when water flows under the foundation, even if there is a good blind area around the house.

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This is a rather tedious task, but homeowners should not neglect it, because a properly functioning gutter will help ensure that storm water does not flow down the walls, which means it will not undermine the foundation, destroy the blind area, or damage the walls.

When to clean your gutter and what to have

You should clean your gutter twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall. Experts recommend wearing latex gloves and clothes with long sleeves. Also invest in a good folding ladder, a small plastic dustpan to remove dirt, a shovel, and a plastic tarp on which you can dump debris without littering your lawn. Use a garden hose for cleaning.

Safety first

Do not attempt to clean gutters from your roof. This routine work will become too much dangerous event. There will be stairs best choice. Make sure the ladder is safe. Instead, invest in an articulated ladder that will allow you to maintain your balance on potentially unstable lawns. In addition, such a transforming staircase is universal auxiliary tool, allowing you to clean your gutter without damaging it.

Clear the gutter of leaves
Using a small garden trowel, spatula, or just your own hands With rubber gloves on, pick up leaves and dirt residue. In the experience of many homeowners, our hands are the most effective tool for this task. All this is done more maneuverably with your hands than with a spatula. You need to clear leaves after rain and start from the bottom edge of the gutter.

Flushing the gutter with water

Once you have cleared the gutter of leaves, you can rinse it with water using a soaker hose. You need to start washing from the end opposite gutter. Washing should be done under high pressure and until there is no flow through the drainpipe pure water. That's all. These may seem like very simple gutter cleaning steps. But this is only at first glance.
Use our tips:
. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning the gutter.
. Clean your gutter in the spring and fall.
. Clean the drainpipe as well. To do this, use a plumbing cable or hose, passing water through the pipe under high pressure.

How to keep your gutters from getting clogged

If you can't clean your gutter and downspout frequently, install special chain-link screens or mesh covers over your gutters. This will prevent leaves from getting caught in the gutter and allow water to flow into the gutter smoothly. Eat plastic lids with holes that will trap debris and leaves and let water through.