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Gutter Cleaning in Surrey, BC: When to Clean, How to Do It Safely, and When to Hire Someone

Gutter cleaning in Surrey, BC: WorkSafeBC ladder safety rules, how Surrey says downspouts should drain, perimeter drain care and hiring questions.

Updated October 7, 20266 min readSources checked October 7, 2026

Quick answer

The City of Surrey says heavy rain is common on the west coast, particularly in the fall, and asks homeowners to keep gutters and storm drains clear of leaves, garbage and debris. Use a ladder on a firm, level surface, set at about 75°, and avoid ladder work in wind, rain or snow. Point downspouts onto splash pads so roof water soaks into your lawn or garden instead of overloading your foundation drains.

When gutters and downspouts can't move roof water away, it has to go somewhere else. Surrey notes that downspouts connected to your perimeter drains can send excessive flow to those drains and result in flooding of your house. Keeping gutters clear and downspouts directed well is a simple way to reduce that risk.

This guide covers keeping gutters and drains clear, how to set up a ladder safely, where your downspouts should drain, and what to think about if you'd rather hire someone. For the bigger picture on getting your house ready for the wet season, see our atmospheric river prep guide for BC.

When to clean your gutters

None of the official sources we checked sets a cleaning date or schedule, so we don't quote one here. What the City of Surrey does say:

  • Heavy rain is common on the west coast, particularly in the fall, so that is the season to have your gutters and drains in good shape.
  • Homeowners should keep the City gutters and storm drains (inlet drains) around their property clear of leaves, garbage and other debris. During a rainstorm, it can take several hours for City crews to remove debris blocking water from a storm drain.
  • To help prevent flooding in your neighbourhood, remove debris from nearby gutters.

BC Housing says that if you own a home with home warranty insurance, you could limit your coverage due to negligent or improper maintenance of your home. It also offers a series of Maintenance Matters videos on maintaining the building envelope, including one called "Maintaining Your Roof".

Ladder safety: this is the part that hurts people

Most of this job happens on a ladder, so set it up carefully. WorkSafeBC reports that in 2019 there were 1,077 accepted claims as a result of falls from ladders across all industries in B.C., including 325 serious injuries and four deaths. Its November 2020 news release lists cleaning gutters among the activities, often in cold and wet weather, when people are injured in falls from ladders.

WorkSafeBC's OHS Regulation Part 13 is written for workplaces, but it is the clearest published standard for ladder set-up. The relevant requirements:

  • Firm, level ground. Section 13.5 says a portable ladder must be placed on a firm and level surface.
  • About a 75° angle. Section 13.5 says a portable non-self-supporting ladder must lean against its support at an approximate angle of 75° measured from the horizontal.
  • Extend about 1 m (3 ft) above the upper landing when the ladder is used to get onto a roof or other upper level. WorkSafeBC's public tips say the ladder must be long enough to extend one metre above the upper landing.
  • Inspect before use. Section 13.3 requires ladders to be inspected before use on each shift. WorkSafeBC's public tips say to inspect the ladder to make sure it is in good working condition before each use.
  • Three points of contact. Two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot.
  • Slip-proof footwear, and don't carry heavy or bulky objects while climbing up or down a ladder.

Safety: WorkSafeBC advises checking for power lines before starting work and making sure a minimum distance of three metres can be maintained at all times. It also says wind, rain and snow pose additional hazards and to avoid ladder work in inclement weather. If the work can't be done safely from a ladder, don't do it from a ladder; consider hiring a professional.

How to clean gutters yourself

These are general practical steps, not an official procedure. Follow the ladder rules above for every one of them.

  1. Gear up. Wear gloves and slip-proof footwear.
  2. Set the ladder properly. Firm, level ground and about a 75° angle, as above. Move the ladder rather than reaching sideways.
  3. Remove debris. Scoop leaves and other debris out of the gutter and bag it. Don't rake or blow leaves onto the roadway; Surrey says this can cause flooding.
  4. Run water through. Once the debris is out, run a garden hose through the gutter and check that water flows out of the downspout.
  5. Check where each downspout empties. Surrey wants downspout water directed onto a splash pad so it can soak into your lawn and garden (see below).

Downspouts and drainage: where the water goes

The gutter is only half the system. The City of Surrey says that if your down pipes are connected to a hole near the house foundation, they are likely connected to your perimeter drains. To prevent excessive flow to those foundation drains, Surrey advises directing your home's down pipes onto splash pads, which lets rainfall from your roof soak into your lawn and garden. Metro Vancouver likewise lists "Consider disconnecting roof leaders (downspouts)" among its suggestions for a rain-friendly yard.

Surrey also explains that most homes have perimeter drains installed slightly below the house foundation. These drains are pipes and can become blocked by leaves, pine needles, silt, dirt or roots. They need to be periodically flushed or cleaned, and very old ones may need to be replaced. If they are not maintained, the amount of water they can handle is reduced, which can result in flooding inside the house. That is a separate job from gutter cleaning. If you are dealing with water in your basement, see basement leak after heavy rain.

Hiring someone to clean your gutters

If you are not comfortable working on a ladder, or the work can't be done safely from one, hiring a professional is a reasonable choice. We found no official source that sets rules or prices for residential gutter cleaning, so it is up to you to check a company out. Some sensible questions to ask:

  • Are you insured, and who is responsible if someone is hurt or something is damaged on the job?
  • What's included: removing debris, flushing the gutters, checking the downspouts?
  • Is the price a flat rate or hourly, and are there extra charges for height or heavy debris?
  • Can I have the quote in writing?

This is general information, not legal or financial advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my gutters in Surrey?

The official sources we checked do not give a schedule. The City of Surrey says heavy rain is common on the west coast, particularly in the fall, and asks homeowners to keep gutters and storm drains clear of leaves, garbage and debris.

Is it safe to clean gutters myself?

WorkSafeBC recorded 1,077 accepted claims for falls from ladders across all industries in B.C. in 2019, including 325 serious injuries and four deaths, and lists cleaning gutters among the activities where ladder falls happen. Follow the set-up rules above, avoid ladder work in wind, rain or snow, keep at least three metres from power lines, and hire a professional if the job can't be done safely from a ladder.

What's the right ladder angle for gutter cleaning?

WorkSafeBC's OHS Regulation Part 13 (section 13.5) says a portable non-self-supporting ladder must lean at an approximate angle of 75° measured from the horizontal, on a firm and level surface. If the ladder gives access to an upper landing, it must project approximately 1 m (3 ft) above that landing.

Where should my downspouts drain to?

The City of Surrey advises directing your home's down pipes onto splash pads so rainfall from your roof can soak into your lawn and garden, rather than overloading your perimeter drains.

How much does gutter cleaning cost in Surrey?

No official source sets a price, so this guide doesn't quote a dollar figure. Ask for a written quote and compare more than one.

Who do I call if a storm drain near my house is flooding?

For flooding of City property, the City of Surrey says to report it online or call 604-591-4152 on weekdays from 8:30am to 4pm. On weekends, call 604-591-4431.

Official sources

General information only, not professional advice. Rules and prices change, so check the official sources above before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.