Are you perturbed by your dirty gutters? Luckily, there is a simple solution to the problem of having gutters full of dirt and debris. Creating a DIY PVC gutter cleaner is a safe way to clean gutters because it eliminates the need for a ladder. Many home accidents occur while performing home maintenance activities like cleaning gutters. This is why people often hire a contractor to complete jobs like these. However, this easy-to-use PVC gutter cleaning tool enables you to remain safe while saving money from not having to hire a contractor.
Making a safe and affordable rain gutter cleaner with PVC is as simple as the following steps:
- Cut your PVC piping to appropriate sizes.
- Align your pieces in the correct order and then glue them together with PVC primer and cement.
- Attach your newly assembled gutter cleaner to your garden hose and turn on the water.
Keep reading to find detailed instructions of how to assemble a gutter cleaner.
Materials You Will Need
For this project, there are a number of different materials you will need:
• 3/4” PVC pipe (approximately 10’)
• 3/4” PVC cap
• 3/4” PVC 90-degree elbow
• 3/4” PVC 22-1/2-degree elbow
• 3/4” PVC ball valve
• 3/4” PVC coupling with female slip to female threaded
• 3/4” garden hose adaptor
• Can of PVC primer and cement
• PVC cutter or hacksaw
Assembling Your Gutter Cleaner
Step 1: The first step in this project is cutting your PVC pipe down into the correct lengths for the gutter cleaner. Using either a PVC cutter or a hacksaw, cut the 10’ of PVC pipe into lengths of 6’, 2’, 6”, and 4”. The lengths do not need to be precise but should be approximated to the best of your ability. The longest piece of PVC may need to change length depending on the length of your hose. You will need a length of pipe that allows you to stand comfortably on the ground while also being able to reach the gutters of your home. Next, drill a hole into the PVC cap for water to flow out of in a concentrated stream.
Image sourced from instructables.com
Step 2: Next, line up all the parts of your gutter cleaner before applying PVC glue to anything. This way you ensure everything is assembled correctly. First, grab the 6” and 4” pieces of 3⁄4” PVC pipe and the two elbows. These will be connected to form a U shape, which will reach down into the rain gutters around your home. The 6” length will fit between the two elbows with the 4” piece also connecting to the 90-degree elbow. The PVC cap will fit onto the end of the 90-degree elbow, which will then be the part of the cleaner that reaches into the gutter.
Step 3: Next, line up the 6’ length of PVC pipe with the other end of the 22-1/2 degree elbow, and wait to glue them together. Line up the ball valve to be connected to the 6’ length of PVC pipe. From there, the 2’ length of PVC pipe will be connected to the other end of the ball valve. Last but not least, line the coupling and the garden hose adaptor together to be connected to the end of the PVC pipes. Now your parts are all ready to be assembled.
Step 4: Using your PVC primer and cement, go through and connect all of your pieces. Make sure you use enough PVC glue, as this is what will ensure water does not leak or spray out of any unwanted spots of the gutter cleaner. Work slowly if needed and make sure all sections of PVC are connected as much as possible by applying firm pressure when putting the pieces together. Give the PVC glue ample time to cure before using your PVC gutter cleaner.
How to Use Your Gutter Cleaner
Step 1: Turn the handle on the ball valve that is located on your PVC gutter cleaner to the off position. Connect your garden hose to the garden hose adaptor that you glued to the end of your PVC gutter cleaner. Then turn on your hose. The correct amount of water pressure will have to be experimented with until you get a feel for how to use your gutter cleaner. Move the hook of your gutter cleaner into the first section of the rain gutter meant to be cleaned. Finally, when you are ready to start cleaning, turn the valve to the on position, which will allow water to flow through your PVC gutter cleaner.
Step 2: Now all you have to do is move the PVC gutter cleaner back and forth along the length of your rain gutter. Make sure to go back over each area a few times until the gutter is completely free of debris. (Note: Rain gutter systems often have clips located every few feet along the length of the gutter. Simply lift your PVC gutter cleaner over the clip and place it into the next gutter space.)
Step 3: Clear your gutter of debris by starting near the drain and slowly working your way outward so debris doesn’t build up. If your drain is clogged, this tool will be able to help unclog it. Simply start with the clog first so other materials from the gutter do not collect around it before it is taken care of.
Make it Your Own
There are a number of different ways to customize this tool to your liking. The PVC gutter cleaner’s length is dependent upon what is comfortable for you to hold while also being able to stand on the ground and safely reach your gutters with the tool. Pipe length can even vary depending on the number of levels the home has. If you are attempting to clean the gutters of a two-story home, consider adding a second 6’ length of pipe using threaded couplings (such as these). The couplings will allow you to remove the extra length of pipe for easier storage.
It is typically recommended to clean out your gutters at least two times per year: in the spring and in the fall. If need be, for example if debris fills up the space, gutters can be cleaned more often.