A clogged gutter downspout is often more difficult to deal with than a clogged gutter. While we covered ways to unclog your downspout when discussing how to clean your gutters , it’s sometimes better to simply prevent the problem in the first place.

Of course, we’ve also discussed “no-clog” gutters. We were able to demonstrate that these products just don’t produce the promised results.

We’ve also found another “no-clog” product worth taking a look at, one that is meant to keep downspouts from clogging instead of the gutters themselves. This product is called the gutter pump.

The gutter pump is a relatively simple piece of equipment. You drop the part that looks like a faucet into your downspout and put the box part in your gutter.

Here is a video that demonstrates how it works.

Leaves get trapped on top of the gutter pump. There’s also a side flap that lets the water push through into the downspout without (theoretically) allowing any debris to go through.

In truth the product isn’t terrible. It’s won many awards, and even reviewers say it’s good at keeping larger debris out.

However, smaller debris, like seeds and pine needles, still gets through. You can’t rely on this product to always keep your downspouts from getting clogged all the time. Your gutters will still need maintenance.

Industrial nylon gutter guards will be far more successful at preventing downspout clogs. That’s because they keep most of the debris out of the gutter in the first place, before they can ever get to your downspout.

Of course, if you’re not feeling ready to install gutter guards then the $25 gutter pump investment isn’t a bad one. The pump won’t hurt your gutters or downspouts, and as long as you have realistic expectations and continue to clean your gutters and downspouts every spring and fall then you may find them helpful enough.

Just don’t buy one thinking that it’s a magic bullet that will prevent all possible downspout clogs. They aren’t fix-it and forget-it solutions.

Just remember, the gutter pump won’t do anything to make the overall job of gutter cleaning any easier or faster, but gutter guards will!

If you are ready to enjoy the benefits of the leaf guards we offer and you live in Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, New Port Richey or anywhere else in the Tampa Bay area, then give us a call. We’ve got over 35 years of experience and we offer free estimates, too!