Clear gutters and downpipes before winter

Use this guide in autumn once most leaves have fallen, or whenever you see water spilling over a gutter in the rain. You need a sound ladder, a helper to foot it, gloves, a bucket, a small trowel or gutter scoop and a hose or watering can.

Step by step

1. Decide if it is safe to do yourself

   Gutters on a bungalow or a low single-storey extension are usually manageable from a ladder. If the gutter is two or more storeys up, over a conservatory or above a steep drop, use a long-reach gutter vacuum from the ground or book a gutter cleaning firm. Never work on a ladder in wind, rain or ice.