Home Maintenance Essentials

DIY Gutter Maintenance: What You Can Do and When to Call the Pros

June 5, 2025
Chris Ferguson

We love a good DIY spirit — the drive to fix, clean, or install something while watching a five-minute YouTube video that makes it look way too easy. But when it comes to gutter maintenance? Some things are better left to the pros (aka: us).

If you’re wondering what’s safe to tackle on your own — and what’s likely to end with a sore back, a broken ladder, or a flooded flower bed — we’ve got your back.

🧽 You Can: Clean Out Visible Debris

Got a ladder, gloves, and the will to scoop soggy leaf sludge out of your gutters? Go for it.

Just be sure to:

  • Use a ladder stabilizer (wobbling is not a flex)
  • Wear gloves (trust us — gutters are gross)
  • Drop debris on a tarp for easy cleanup

Pro Tip: If you find a small ecosystem living in your gutters… it’s time to skip to the pro section.

💧 You Can: Rinse and Test Water Flow

After cleaning, run a garden hose along the gutters to check for clogs and make sure water’s flowing smoothly through the downspouts.

Look for:

  • Standing water (bad pitch)
  • Overflowing at corners (possible clogs)
  • Leaks at joints (sealant time!)

Warning: If water’s gushing off the sides like a mini waterfall — your gutters are staging a protest.

🪛 You Can: Tighten Minor Hardware

Loose brackets? Sagging in one spot? You can usually tighten gutter screws or brackets with basic tools. But...

If you notice rusted hardware or the screws just spin in place, that’s a sign things are worse under the surface.

Rule of thumb: If it feels like DIY dentistry — stop immediately.

🚫 Call the Pros If: There’s Ladder Drama Involved

If your gutters are on the second story, over a sloped driveway, or anywhere that requires gymnastic-level balance — don’t risk it.

We’ve seen too many weekend warriors become Monday morning ER stories. Not worth it.

Fun fact: Rhino installers work in teams with the right safety gear (and actual training).

🚫 Call the Pros If: You’re Dealing with Overflow During Rain

If your gutters only misbehave when it rains — that’s not just a cleaning issue. It could be a pitch problem, a blockage in the downspouts, or a total system failure.

And let’s be honest: climbing a ladder in a storm is not a vibe.

Call us. We’ll deal with the rain. You stay dry.

🚫 Call the Pros If: Your Gutters Are Old Enough to Remember Dial-Up

If your gutter system looks like it’s been through several Florida hurricanes and one apocalypse, it’s probably time for an upgrade — not another cleaning.

Leaks, sagging, rust, and strange angles? Yeah… those aren’t character traits. They’re warning signs.

We’ll inspect it for free — and tell you if it’s salvageable or headed for retirement.

🦏 The Final Word

DIY gutter maintenance has its place. But if you want year-round performance, storm protection, and never having to touch slimy roof gunk again… that’s where Rhino steps in.

👉 Book Your Free Gutter Inspection Today — no pressure, no gimmicks, just clean-flowing peace of mind.

GET IN TOUCH

BOOK YOUR FREE estimate

CALL NOW
OUR TEAM HAVE RECEIVED YOUR REQUEST.
WE WILL BE IN CONTACT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form