Cleaning or replacing?
Clearing leaves out of gutters is maintenance: a handyman, a gutter cleaning business or a roofer can do it. Installing, replacing or altering gutters, downpipes and the roof drainage they're part of is different. In Victoria that's roofing (stormwater) plumbing work, which needs a plumber registered or licensed in that class with the Building and Plumbing Commission.
The roofing (stormwater) class covers any part of a roof drainage system that collects or carries away stormwater, including connecting it to a below-ground drain or an on-site retention tank. Cleaning and painting are excluded, unless the work also connects, disconnects or alters something. See how to check a tradie's licence.
Why clean them: fire and water
CFA's advice for fire season is to remove leaves from gutters, and to keep clearing them through the season rather than once: leaf litter is where embers are likely to land. Its spring checklist also includes clearing leaves, twigs and rubbish from gutters, cutting back branches that overhang the house, and sealing gaps, vents and roof spaces.
Blocked gutters also overflow in heavy rain, and water can find its way under the roof or down the walls. If you're seeing water inside during storms, see roof leaks.
Signs they need repair or replacing
- Overflowing in rain even when they're clean, which can mean they're sagging or don't fall towards the downpipe
- Rust holes, split joins or gutters pulling away from the fascia
- Downpipes that are blocked, disconnected or emptying against the house
- Water stains on eaves or walls under the gutter
Asbestos and older homes
In homes built or renovated before 1990, gutters, downpipes, eaves and the lining under the eaves may contain asbestos. Don't let anyone cut, drill or water-blast them until you know. See asbestos.
Safety
Gutter work is work at height. Ask how the cleaner or plumber will work safely, especially on a two-storey home or a steep roof, and don't go up a ladder in wet or windy weather yourself.
Door-knockers and gutter guards
If someone comes to your door uninvited offering gutter cleaning, guards or replacement and you agree to a deal worth more than $100, you have 10 business days to change your mind, and they can't take payment or start work in that time. Get other quotes before deciding.
What the quote should cover
- Cleaning: the whole roof or gutters only, downpipes flushed, and the green waste taken away
- Replacement: the gutter profile, material and colour, downpipes, brackets and joins
- The connection to the stormwater drain or rainwater tank
- Safe access: ladders, edge protection or scaffolding
- Removing and disposing of the old gutters, including asbestos handling if it applies
- A compliance certificate for plumbing work worth more than $750
Example brief
“Single-storey house in Eltham with lots of trees nearby. Gutters overflow at the back corner in heavy rain, and one section has rust holes. Please quote cleaning all gutters and downpipes before summer, and separately, replacing the rusted section.”
Before booking gutter work
- A registered roof plumber for replacing gutters or downpipes
- Cleaned repeatedly through fire season
- Asbestos checked on a pre-1990 home
- Safe access for work at height
- Compliance certificate for plumbing over $750
Ready to describe it? Start a job request or browse roofing work. Availability depends on real postings, and registration must be enabled to submit.
Official information and further reading
Regulatory requirements can change. Check the relevant Victorian authority before arranging regulated work.