How To Make A Gutter Cleaner From A Leaf Blower

As a gardener, I spend most of my time outdoors. 

Consequently, I'm aware of the requirements of my flowers and trees that will help them flourish throughout the year. But I tend to ignore some common household chores, which I'm not particularly proud of. 

For instance, last autumn, the trees had shed their leaves, coloring the garden floor with myriad hues. So, I spent most of the day sweeping leaves and mulching them with my homemade tools. Once the garden was clean, I thought about running a hot shower after a tiring day. 

All was well until I got out of the shower and found the water draining slowly. I went outside to check the drainage line, and to my dismay, found leaves clogging the gutter. These leaves were filtering into the sewer, causing a blockage. 

There wasn't time to buy a new unit, compelling me to think differently. That's when it came to me: what if I learned how to make a gutter cleaner from a leaf blower? I gathered all the information and quickly built a new device to remove the debris. 

Hi! I'm Stacy Smith, and today I'll tell you how to do the same.

How To Make A Gutter Cleaner From A Leaf Blower?

There are several easy ways to make a homemade gutter cleaner. I've highlighted all the points below, but first, let me tell you about the materials required. You'll need a two-inch ABS pipe, a two-inch sink trap, and a rubber reducer. 

Without further ado, let's get started. 

1. Blowing The Leaves

A) Finding A Leaf Blower

You can use any leaf blower for the purpose. I used an electric leaf blower, but gas-powered models, battery leaf blowers, and backpack leaf blowers will also work well. 

Once you find the right model, start by attaching the pipeline with duct tape. Although glue holds the components together, it may trap debris inside the tube while you're blowing or vacuuming the leaves. This may clog the tubing, rendering the device ineffective. 

Also, by using tape, you can disassemble the unit anytime and put it back together. 

B) Extending The Length

To extend the length of the pipe, you need to use a PVC U-joint. The U-joint delivers great flexibility, allowing you to reach the bottom of the gutter and around corners to remove the leaves. 

It’s best to measure the length of the pipeline needed to reach the roof. This varies depending on the blueprint of your property, so take time to make accurate measurements. Then, proceed to attach a shorter 2-inch tube to the U-joint, followed by a longer 6-inch tube on the opposite side. 

C) Attaching The Rubber Reducer

Sometimes the diameter of the pipe may not match the diameter of the leaf blower. You can use a rubber reducer, ensuring that all the components form a snug-fit. Once the leaf blower and pipeline are firmly in place, secure the connection with a wrench. However, don't tighten the hose clamp too much as it might damage the plastic. 

And if the components are of the same diameter, you can use duct tape instead of a rubber reducer.  

D) Cutting The Pipe

Finally, remove the excess pipe material to make it easy to maneuver. Check whether the pipeline can access all gutter areas and fire it up for a test run. 

2. Vacuuming The Leaves

Another technique is to use the leaf blower like a vacuum. Rather than blowing the leaves away, the vacuum will suck them up. But what happens then? The leaves travel through the pipe, directed towards high-velocity blades that reduce them to mulch. 

Making a leaf blower vacuum is more intricate than traditional models. Firstly, you'll need to install wear-resistant blades inside the compeller to shred the leaves. Furthermore, attach a collection bag to the rear end of the device to store the mulch, emptying it when the time comes.

The major problem with vacuuming leaves is that you can't see what's inside the gutters. If there happens to be large debris, it will clog up the machine. You'll have to dismantle the device to remove it, which may seem like a hassle. 

3. Using A Mirror

In the last section, I mentioned the inability to see what's inside the gutters. Irrespective of whether you use a blower or vacuum, it would help to see what you're removing from the drainage line. Therefore, I recommend attaching a mirror to the U-joint. 

You can use any old mirror, from your car or bicycle, and fix it to the bend with duct tape or velcro tabs. However, don't drill holes into the tubing as it will affect the air pressure, causing the machine to malfunction. 

Once the mirror is firmly in position, you can tilt your hands to the correct angle, getting a clear view of what lies in the gutter. This reduces the need to climb up on ladders, making it highly efficient. Also, you'll get to see when the gutter is free of debris rather than working on assumptions.

Maintenance

Whatever homemade tool you use, remember to carry out regular maintenance. Suppose you cleaned the gutters after a storm; don't put the device back in storage once the pipeline is clear. 

Rather it's important to dismantle the unit and check for debris inside the tubing. It's easy enough to reinstall the components, so you need not worry. 

Also, ensure that you lubricate the blades if you're using a vacuum and clean the mirror to get a clear view.

Final Words