Try a Gutter Vacuum
This is probably the easiest way to clear the blockage if you have a gutter vacuum. You simply attach the hose to the end of your downpipe and run it up through the gutter and out over the top of your roof.
Use a garden hose to flush the downspout with water, which can help push out the clog. For tougher blockages, a plumbing snake can be inserted into the downspout to break up the debris. If the clog remains, detach the downspout from the gutter or wall for a more thorough cleaning.
The clogged system is going to cause your gutters to overflow, hold too much water, and possibly fall down. If your gutters aren't adhered properly falling is a strong possibility since they get heavy from all the debris. This will lead to rotting fascia, foundation damage, and other structural problems.
A blocked gutter might seem like a trivial problem at first. But if left unchecked, blocked gutters can cause serious damage to your property. Blocked gutter damage can quickly turn into a huge and costly problem, leading to structural damage, leaking roofs and insect infestations.
If some objects block your downpipe, using a garden hose to clear it is best. A stream of water directly from the hose can help clear blocked downpipes immediately. Consider banging it with a soft rubber mullet if the downpipe fails.
Use Hot Water
Hot water can thaw any frozen liquid accumulated in your gutters. This is a relatively quick and easy solution, since you likely have access to hot water at home. However, this tactic may require you to carry several buckets of water up and down ladders in the cold—take great care not to fall.
An average-size home (approximately 2,000 square feet) on a roof maintenance program where gutters are cleaned every year should take about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how dirty they are. Gutters that haven't been maintained can take up to an hour or an hour and a half.
Homeowners often find silt, dirt and mud in their gutters. When dry dirt accumulates and gets wet in the rain, it becomes thick mud that weighs on the gutter and creates a barrier, preventing draining water from flowing away from the property.
Most downspout clogs loosen with enough water pressure, but sometimes additional steps are required. As you descend from the roof, come down the ladder one rung at a time, gently knocking on the side of the downspout as you go. Then, climb back up and try rinsing the downspout with your garden hose again.
To clean out gutters that can't be easily reached from the ground, try an extended pole system. By connecting poles, you can create a pole long enough to attach a gutter scoop or brush to clean from the ground.
Leaves. By far, the most common clogging culprits are the leaves that fall from neighborhood trees in autumn. To protect your gutters, prune away branches that overhang your house, or consider removing problem trees altogether. Adding a leaf guard to your most susceptible gutters will also help.
If you aren't comfortable on a ladder or your downspouts aren't working the way they should be, you may want to consider calling your local Roto-Rooter professional - Roto-Rooter offers several outdoor plumbing services, including downspout cleaning and repair.
Use a Drain Snake
This is probably the easiest method: get yourself a drain snake and use it to manually clean out the pipe after disconnecting the underground drain from the downspout. This method is best if you have a minor clog caused by leaves, twigs, and other organic material that is easy enough to push through.
Gutter cleaning costs between $200 and $300 on an average 2 story home.
Trim back trees and bushes that are close to your property. Scrape and debris including moss off the roof. Install downpipe filters to prevent blockages in the downpipes and drains. Clean out your gutters at the same time as your neighbours if you have a shared guttering system.
The number one sign that your gutters are clogged is that water is spilling over the sides or edges of your gutters. The next time it is raining, step outside for a minute and look at your gutters. Do you notice water sloshing over the edges of the gutter and falling out? If so, your gutters are likely clogged.
Use a Gutter Cleaning Tool: A gutter cleaning tool is an extension pole with a curved end that can be used to scoop debris out of your gutters. This tool can be used from the ground without the need for a ladder. Use a Leaf Blower: If you have a leaf blower, you can use it to blow debris out of your gutters.
Incorrect Pitch or Tilt
If your gutters are overflowing but not clogged, the next thing to check is the pitch and tilt of your gutters. As the rain collects in your gutters, it should run towards the downspout because gutters are installed with a slight pitch in that direction.