Gutter cleaning isn’t everyone’s favorite task, but it can’t be ignored, or you risk serious water damage to your home’s foundation. Knowing how to clean gutters with a vacuum can make this chore not only easier but safer.
You don’t have to climb up a ladder and risk a nasty fall. You can clean gutters from the ground if you have the right equipment and know-how.
Choose the Right Gutter Vacuum
First thing’s first: You need the right vacuum cleaner to get the job done. Certain models are specially designed for cleaning gutters because they have greater suction power and include the attachments you need.
It’s also essential that the vacuum cleaner has a “cyclonic” waste inlet, so the dirt won’t be blocked. A motor of more than 3000 watts is recommended.
You might wonder if you can use any standard household vacuum for this task. No, you can’t. They are not powerful enough and will likely clog due to the small plastic elbow where the debris enters the waste tank.
So, if you want to save yourself a lot of hassle, it’s best to go with a wet-dry vacuum specifically designed for heavy-duty all-purpose cleaning. They come with powerful suction capabilities to scavenge dirt and debris efficiently. Plus, they have various accessory kits that make your job even easier.
Gutter Cleaning Shop Vacuum Attachments
Now let’s look at some of the vacuum accessories that make your DIY gutter vacuum cleaning a breeze. Some wet-dry vacuums come with these attachments and accessories, and some don’t. You might have to purchase them separately, but the cost will be worth it. Here is what you need:
- A telescoping wand to connect your hose handle and attachments
- Curved elbow attachment to access the inside of the gutter
- 1 or 2 vacuum hose extension wands
- Couplers for using aluminum or PVC pipes
- Gutter nozzle to suck debris into the hose
- A 2″ diameter central vacuum tube
You may also require an extension hose.
Additional Tools
The vacuum is the key, but you’ll need other tools to help you get the job done safely and easily.
- Ladder: To inspect and fix any damage to the gutters or check for blockages.
- Helmet: To protect you from any falling debris or attachments.
- Protective gloves: To keep your hands safe from dirt and injury.
- Safety Goggles: To protect your eyes from debris falling from the gutter as well as from dust and other irritants.
- Garbage bag: To collect and dispose of the debris once you’re done.
DIY Gutter Cleaning Process – Step by Step
1. Prep the area: Clear any obstructions around your house that may get in the way. Assemble all the necessary tools and place them conveniently near you.
2. Set up the vacuum: Attach the accessories, plug in the vacuum cleaner, and test its functionality. If the suction power is insufficient, you can try detaching the filter to increase the suction power.
3. Begin vacuuming: Start from one end of the gutter and direct the suction nozzle behind the gutter. Gently rock the open end back and forth while slowly moving toward the other end.
4. Inspect your work: Check each completed section of gutter to ensure it’s clear of debris before moving to the next section.
5. Move to the next section: Move on to the next portion of the gutter and repeat until you finish the entire set of rain gutters.
6. Finish up: Finally, clean up the surrounding area. Carefully disconnect and unplug the vacuum cleaner and any other attachments.
Safety Precautions and Tips
In order to stay safe and prevent any accidents, like electric shock or strain on the machine, follow these tips:
- Always observe the suction power of your shop vac. If the suction power is too low, it may be due to clogging or overworking the machine. If so, switch off the machine and unclog it.
- Assess the type of debris and modify your technique accordingly. For softer debris that can break apart easily, you can blow them away with the suction nozzle facing downward. For materials that clump, it’s best to angle the nozzle slightly to the side and vacuum them from there. In truth, you’ll probably have a combination of dry, lightweight material and wet, clumping material in your gutters, so you’ll likely have to use both approaches.
- Ensure the area is clear of any obstacles. To save yourself from any unhappy surprises, it is best to check for any objects that may get in the way.
- Wear safety gear. No matter how careful you are, it’s essential to have protective gear when cleaning the gutters. This includes safety goggles, gloves, a helmet or hat, and protective clothing.
- Steer clear of power lines
- Be careful of your gutter guards. If you have gutter guards, be careful not to damage them. Many gutter guards can be removed and replaced when the job is done.
Pros and Cons of Cleaning Gutters With a Vacuum
Now that you know how to clean gutters with a vacuum, let’s take a look at its pros and cons.
Pros of Cleaning Gutters With a Vacuum
- Safety: You can safely clean your gutters without risking a nasty fall from a ladder.
- Ease of operation: It’s an easy task that almost anyone can do, even the elderly.
- Time-saving: It only takes an average of 30 minutes to finish vacuuming the gutters.
- Mess-free: All the debris is sucked into the holding tank, so no mess remains in or around your gutter.
- Environmentally friendly: No cleaning chemicals or solutions are utilized in the process, so it is friendlier to the environment than other methods.
Cons of Cleaning Gutters With a Vacuum
- Not totally ladder free: You may still need to inspect the gutters with a ladder.
- Limited effectiveness on heavy debris: Vacuums are only able to suck up loose debris, not dirt or grime that is caked in the gutters.
- Can be inconvenient: Retail-grade vacuums are not as powerful as professional-grade models, and they may be unable to handle large amounts of debris.
- Strenuous: Long stretches of time spent holding the hose up can result in sore joints and muscles for the operator.
- Costly: Vacuum cleaners, particularly those designed for professional use, cost more than other gutter cleaning tools.
Other Methods to Clean Gutters From the Ground
Apart from using a gutter vac, you can still clean gutters without having to climb up the ladder. Here are some other methods that may work for you:
Telescoping Wand Tools
Telescopic wands come with adjustable poles that allow you to reach gutters up to three stories high and a wide scoop for removing debris. Just adjust the pole length of your wand to suit the height of your gutter, attach the cleaning head to the end of the pole, and position it in the gutter.
It can be a safe and easy way to clean gutters, but it may take time and some physical effort. Plus, it might not work so well for heavily clogged gutters.
Garden Hose
Every responsible homeowner knows the value of a good garden hose. From watering the lawn to cleaning driveways, our trusty garden friends come in handy for numerous household tasks.
You can even clean gutters using a garden hose by attaching a spray nozzle with an extended arm to your pipe and directing a high-pressure stream of water into the gutter. Just move along the gutter and repeat until all debris is removed.
Although convenient and free of physical effort, this method may be time-consuming, lead to some splashing onto your roof or ground, and not be suitable for very clogged gutters.
Leaf Blower Gutter Cleaner Kit
If you already own a leaf blower, you can purchase a gutter-cleaning attachment for it. This kit usually includes a nozzle attachment that fits into the end of your leaf blower and is designed to blow debris out of your gutters.
It produces fast and efficient results but might not be suitable for heavily clogged gutters or harder debris like wet leaves and mud. Additionally, it can be noisy, so you need to take into consideration the possible disturbance of your neighbors.
Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is another excellent tool for cleaning gutters. Before using it, however, make sure to double-check the manual for instructions on how to do it safely and accurately.
Pressure washers are especially effective for tougher debris or stubborn clogs, but there’s a risk of damaging gutters or your home’s roof if used improperly. Moreover, it can be quite dangerous and time-consuming.
Install a Gutter Filter
Want to save yourself all the hassle of having to clean gutters every now and then? Install a gutter filter, and you can prevent debris from accumulating in the first place.
Gutter guards come in various types and price points. Just make sure to clean out your gutters completely before installing your gutter guards, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
FAQ About Cleaning Gutters With a Vacuum
A shop vacuum (or wet/dry vac) is more powerful than a home vacuum, making it more suitable for gutter cleaning. Home vacuums typically don’t have the power to suction and collect heavier debris like leaves or small sticks. Plus, they’re more likely to clog due to the small plastic elbow where the debris enters the waste tank.
It typically takes just around 30 minutes for most homeowners to vacuum gutters. This is a remarkably fast process in comparison to other gutter cleaning methods and relatively easier too.
This is not recommended as without the bag, fine dust will blow back into your room. If you’re using a shop vacuum that comes with a HEPA cartridge filter, then you don’t need to use a collection bag as it is self-contained. But if your shop vac has a foam sleeve, then you must use the collection bag.
The gutter system redirects rainwater, melting snow, and sleet away from the foundation of a home through the downspouts. But when debris like leaves, branches, dirt, bird’s nests, and other objects enter the gutter system and is not cleared away, it can form clogs.
In addition, aging or sagging gutters can cause rainwater to pool in low spots and form clogs. In either case, the gutter system becomes blocked, inhibiting water flow and can lead to extensive damage to the property.
Vacuum Away Your Gutter Problems
Every homeowner has to face the problem of gutter cleaning sooner or later. Cleaning gutters with a vacuum is a safe, efficient, and affordable solution that spares you from taking any chances on ladders and risks bodily injury in the process.
With just a bit of preparation and the right techniques, you can take care of this chore quickly and easily. So, don’t put it off; get to vacuuming!
Don’t feel like you have to do it all alone. We can help you connect with a vetted gutter cleaner in your area that has the expertise and tools to get your gutters squeaky clean. All that is left for you to do is sit back and enjoy a safe and beautiful home.
Main Image Credit: Dennis Jarvis / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
6 comments
Comments are closed.