Gutter Cleaning and Repair Costs in the UK
What gutter cleaning, joint resealing, bracket repair and section replacement typically cost in the UK, what affects the price and how to avoid paying twice.
Gutters are out of sight and out of mind until they overflow. The cost of putting them right depends less on the gutter itself than on how high it is, how easy it is to reach and how many problems are hiding under the leaves. Here is a realistic picture of what to budget.
Typical price ranges
These are rough UK figures, which move with region, access and condition. London and the South East are often higher.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Clear gutters, small flat or terrace | £40 to £90 |
| Clear gutters, semi-detached house | £60 to £120 |
| Clear gutters, large detached house | £100 to £200 |
| Reseal a leaking joint | £30 to £80 |
| Replace a bracket or re-fix a sagging run | £40 to £100 |
| Replace a short section of gutter | £60 to £150 |
| Clear a blocked downpipe | £50 to £120 |
Where a house is three storeys, has a conservatory roof or poor access, you are likely to pay more because of equipment and risk.
What drives the price
- Height. Single-storey work can be done from the ground or a short ladder. Two storeys and above need proper access equipment and more care. See working at height safety for why this is not a place to cut corners.
- Length and layout. More gutter, more corners, more downpipes.
- Condition. Heavy moss, silt and plants take longer, and ageing cast iron or brittle plastic may leak when disturbed.
- Access. Narrow side returns, extensions, conservatories and tight neighbours can add time.
- Method. Ground-level vacuum poles are quicker for some houses; hand clearing from a ladder or tower may be needed for others.
- Extras. Fascia cleaning, repainting and gutter guards add to the bill.
What is usually included
A typical clearing visit includes removing debris, flushing the gutter and checking the downpipes. Disposal of waste is normally included for ordinary quantities. Minor repairs, such as resealing a joint, are often extra. Ask whether photos of the gutter before and after are provided, which is a helpful way to see what was done.
Repair or replace?
Small leaks and loose brackets are cheaper to fix than to replace. However:
- If the gutter is cracked in several places, patching may not last.
- If most joints leak, or the run has lost its fall, replacement is more sensible.
- If the fascia behind is rotten, that has to be dealt with first and is typically a carpenter's job.
A handyman can repair joints, brackets and short sections. Roof, fascia and soffit replacement or lead work are normally for roofers or carpenters; see handyman or tradesperson.
How to avoid paying more than you need
- Combine jobs. Pair gutter clearing with other seasonal tasks such as draught-proofing or fence checks. Batching jobs cuts the fixed cost per visit.
- Share a visit. If neighbours in a terrace need clearing, ask whether a combined booking is cheaper.
- Prevent rebuilds. Trim overhanging branches and fit downpipe guards where leaves are an issue.
- Clear regularly. Annual cleaning is cheaper than repairing the damage from neglected overflow.
- Be clear in your request. Give the house type, number of storeys, access details and any known leaks.
Questions to ask
- Does the price include debris removal?
- Will you check the downpipes and gullies?
- Is a visual report or photos included?
- What happens if you find a leak or a broken bracket?
- What equipment do you use for the height?
Getting prices
On Compito, you can enter your postcode, send a request with the house type and photos, compare offers from ID-verified local providers and ask questions by message. You pay online when you accept an offer and can leave a review afterwards. See also how to clear gutters safely if you are weighing up doing it yourself.
A worked example
A semi-detached house with a short conservatory roof run has gutters that are full of silt. The quote is a typical £80 to £120 to clear the lot and flush the downpipes. During the visit the handyman spots one dripping joint and a loose bracket, which add perhaps £40 to £70 if done at the same time. Booked separately, the repair visit would be charged again with its own call-out. Asking for both together in the request saves a second trip.
Why the cheapest price can cost more
A very low flat fee can mean a quick scoop with no flush and no downpipe check. Water then still backs up in the next storm and you pay again. Compare like with like by asking what each price covers, and whether photos are provided.
Signs you need more than a clean
- Water running down the wall behind the gutter even after clearing.
- Green staining at the same point every year, which suggests a failed joint or incorrect fall.
- Gutters that bow when full, indicating weak brackets.
- Daylight showing between fascia and gutter, which can mean rot.
Planning the visit
Make sure the provider can reach side access, side gates and the rear of the house. Let neighbours know if a ladder will be near a shared boundary, and put pets indoors. If you rent, tell your landlord, as some gutter and roof repairs fall to them; see landlord repair responsibilities in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cheap flat-rate gutter clean a good sign?
A very low price may indicate a quick scoop with no flush or downpipe check. Ask what is included and compare like with like.
How often should I pay for gutter clearing?
Once a year is typical, and twice if trees overhang. After heavy storms, a quick check may be sensible.
Is gutter cleaning covered by home insurance?
Generally not; maintenance is the owner's responsibility. Check your policy wording if you are unsure.