Who should clean my gutters?
Last reviewed November 1, 2026 by Jordan Reeves
A gutter cleaning service. It's ladder work, and we don't publish steps for jobs that need a ladder. NC State Extension says to inspect gutters yearly and after major weather, and you can do much of that from the ground.
How often: Inspect yearly and after major weather, according to NC State Extension. FEMA's regional guide says clean yearly. We suggest more often with trees nearby.
This one is for a pro
Who to call: a gutter cleaning service
It's ladder work, and a fall from a ladder can be serious.
Stop and call
Call a gutter cleaning service: at least once a year, or if you see water spilling over the edge when it rains, sagging runs, or plants growing out of a gutter.
Why it matters
- CPSC counted about 273,000 emergency-treated injuries related to ladders and stools in 2024. That figure covers all ladder and stool use, not gutter work alone.
- NC State Extension treats gutters as part of keeping moisture away from the house, which is why it suggests a yearly look.
Sources
Never forget this one.
Thrively keeps track of the jobs your home needs and tells you when each one is due.
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See the full home maintenance schedule, with sources
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Thrively says no: call a licensed plumber. Rheem and A.O. Smith both call for flushing about once a year, but the job means draining very hot water around gas or electrical parts, so we don't publish steps for it.
How to clean dryer lint, and when the vent needs a pro
Clear the lint screen before or after every load, and check that the outside vent flap opens while the dryer runs. NFPA says to clean the vent pipe at least once a year. That part means moving the dryer, so leave it to a dryer vent cleaning service.
