19/09/2026
Saturday morning job reminder: clear your gutters and gullies after the leaves fall but before the heavy autumn rain arrives.
After a dry summer the leaves are falling early - the first heavy rain finds every blocked hopper, downpipe and gully. Overflow can wet walls and contribute to damp and timber decay. Poor rain water disposal is a major cause of movement in buildings especially on West Kent and Weald clay soils.
Safety first. Never work at height alone. Use a sturdy platform or ladder on firm, level ground, not a chair or bin, with three points of contact. Have someone foot it and stay with you. Hook a bucket to the ladder, keep both hands free, move the ladder rather than overreaching, and wear gloves and eye protection. Watch for overhead cables. Never lean from an upstairs window. Stop in wet or windy weather, or if unsure. You can use a leaf blower with an attachment.
Clear gutters towards the outlet where possible, then flush gently with a hose. Check joints, brackets and the fall. For gullies, lift grates carefully, remove leaves and silt, check the trap and confirm water drains away. If it backs up, call a drainage contractor.
What autumn-maintenance job are you tackling this weekend?
