How to Keep Snowblower Chute From Clogging

Keeping a snowblower in good shape is no less important than using it regularly. 

Moreover, if your region often experiences heavy snowfall, preventing chute clogs constitutes a vital part of the maintenance routine. That’s because the snow clearing process might take longer if heavy snow gets stuck in the chute frequently. 

That’s why I’ve penned this simplified guide on how to keep snowblower chute from clogging. So, let’s begin! 

What Causes Snowblower Chutes To Clog?

Provided you’re not using the snowblower to remove anything apart from snow, its chute might get clogged due to any of these two reasons: 

1. Slow Clearing Action

Irrespective of the form of snow you’re dealing with, operating the snowblower at a slow drive setting can make the chute more prone to clogging. 

While many users assume that slow movement facilitates effective cleaning, it actually gives more time to the snow to bind together and form clogs within the chute. Simply put, if the snowblower doesn’t process the snow fast enough, its chute might get clogged. 

2. Heavy Snow

It’s no secret that heavy snow rich in moisture will clump more easily than fluffy and light snow. Remember the snow castles and snowballs you loved creating as a kid? 

It’s the same type of snow that can be troublesome to handle now, as it might stall the movement of the snowblower chute or auger. And the greater the difficulty of movement, the more is the likelihood of snow getting stuck in the chute. 

Preventing Clogs In A Snowblower Chute

By prepping up the snowblower to prevent such potential issues, you can ultimately save much of your snow-blowing time and ensure more effective snow removal. Here are some convenient tricks to maintain the chute and auger regularly so as to prevent clogs in the long run: 

1. Remove Foreign Objects From The Outdoors

You may not be able to figure out exactly when it’s going to snow, but you can usually form an idea. And surprising as it might sound, I’ve removed dozens of objects stuck in my snowblower several times after a snowstorm. 

That’s why I’d suggest being alert about weather forecasts of heavy snowfall. In case you get to know about any, don’t delay checking the outdoors for objects scattered here and there. 

Notably, such objects can range from garbage bags and kid’s toys to newspapers and cardboard boxes. And finding these stuck in snowblowers is more commonplace than you can imagine. 

2. Don’t Go Too Slow

Although I’d never tell you to rush during a snow-removal chore, it’s best to maintain the speed at a steady level that can prevent the snow from sticking. In case the machine goes too slow, the snow will also move slowly and might cause a clog in the chute, as I mentioned earlier. 

It might also be that the clogging problem is persisting even though you’re driving the snowblower at a good speed. In such cases, you will need a much stronger model that’s capable of taking on stubborn layers of snow. 

Note that single-stage snowblowers are suited for clearing occasional dry and light snow. But if the snow in your region is wet and heavy, you might need a two-stage snowblower. 

3. Use Non-Stick Sprays

A non-stick spray can be highly effective in preventing snow from sticking to the discharge chute. Also, it helps the snowblower throw snow farther. 

You can purchase a specific product for snowblowers from hardware shops or online. Alternatively, a cooking spray or WD40 will work equally well in this regard. These lubricants may also be effective in maintaining the impeller and auger. As such, they can keep snow from sticking with isolated objects such as a spray can. 

4. Avoid Clearing Snow In Bulk

Clearing too much snow in one go can also give rise to clogs in your snowblower chute. 

If you try using the machine to deal with more snow than it’s designed to remove, its chute will clog more easily. So, it’s best not to wait too long so that the snow cover doesn’t turn too deep with time. 

I’d suggest applying half of the total clearing width of the machine whenever you’re clearing packed snow. 

Final Words

By now, you are surely better equipped to prevent chute clogs in a snowblower. So, say goodbye to the hassles of servicing the machine now and then or trying out all the DIY tricks you know. Your snowblower will always be “work-ready” if you follow my tips!