How to clear gutters safely
Quick answer: Set a ladder firmly on level ground with a stabiliser or stand-off, wear gloves, scoop leaves and sludge from the gutter into a bucket, flush with a hose, check the downpipe flows freely and look for leaks. Do not work from the roof, and stop if you do not feel safe.
Gutters clog with leaves, moss and roof grit. A blocked gutter overflows and runs down the wall, which can cause damp inside, rot behind the fascia and dripping in the wrong places.
The main danger is the ladder. Falls from ladders cause serious injuries every year, so be honest about whether this is a job for you.
What you will need
- A sturdy ladder with a stabiliser, long enough to reach, or a gutter vacuum on extension poles from the ground
- Rubber gloves
- A bucket with a hook, or a bin bag
- A gutter scoop or a small trowel
- A garden hose
- A second person to hold the ladder
Step by step
Choose the day
Pick a dry, calm day. Do not work in rain, ice or high wind.
Set up the ladder safely
Place the ladder on firm, level ground at an angle of about 1 in 4 (for every 4 metres up, 1 metre out at the base). Extend it about 1 metre above the gutter. Fit a stabiliser or stand-off bar so it does not rest on the gutter itself. Ask someone to hold it.
Keep three points of contact
Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder. Do not overreach: move the ladder rather than lean.
Scoop out the debris
Wear gloves and use the scoop to take out leaves, moss and sludge from the gutter, working along it. Put it in the bucket and lower the bucket.
Flush the gutter
Use a hose to run water down the gutter towards the downpipe. Watch it flow. It should drain freely.
Check the downpipe
If water backs up, the downpipe may be blocked. Tap along it to find the blockage, and try flushing from below or using a drain rod.
Look for problems
Check for leaks at joints, sagging sections or cracked brackets. Look for plants growing in the gutter.
Tips
- A gutter-clearing kit that works from the ground is the safest option for most people.
- Do this in autumn once the leaves have fallen, and again in spring.
- Leave gutters on a garage or outbuilding with an old cement roof alone: old cement sheets may contain asbestos. Do not scrub them.
Stop and get help if
- The house is more than two storeys, or you cannot get safe ladder access.
- The roof is fragile, steep or wet. Never walk on it.
- There are overhead power lines near the gutter.
- You are elderly, unsteady or have been advised not to use ladders. Hire a professional.
Would you rather we did it?
We cover Sandwich and East Kent. Send us a quick message on WhatsApp, ideally with a photo, and we will come back with a price and a day.
Common questions
How often should I clear my gutters?
At least once a year, ideally in autumn. If you have overhanging trees, clear them twice a year.
Can I clear gutters without a ladder?
Yes, with a gutter vacuum or a long-pole tool from the ground. It is safer, though it does not give you a close look.
What happens if I do not clear my gutters?
Water overflows down the wall, which can cause damp, mould and rot to fascias, and make the garden path slippery or muddy.
More guides
Last reviewed 17 October 2026. This guide is general information for UK homes and is not a substitute for the manufacturer's instructions. If the job involves gas, mains wiring, asbestos, structural work or working at height, or you are unsure, ask a suitably qualified person.