Gutter clearing for local homes

Clear leaves and debris from gutters using a vacuum pole from the ground, for homeowners nearby.

Startup cost£1.5k to £5k
Monthly revenue£600 to £3.5k
Time needed10+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • £1.5k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.

Official data

6,083 UK companies in this field, 47% registered in the last 2 years

SIC 81229 “Other building and industrial cleaning activities”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.

What it is

Clearing blocked gutters and downpipes on houses, bungalows and small blocks using a gutter vacuum with a long pole, often with a camera so you can see the result from the ground. You can add a quick check for leaks and loose brackets.

Your first three steps

  1. Price up a gutter vacuum kit and compare local rates to set your prices
  2. Get public liability insurance and take before and after photos on your first few jobs
  3. Leaflet a few streets and post in local Facebook groups, offering a first-customer discount for a review
Who pays

Homeowners, landlords, letting agents and small property managers, often once or twice a year.

How it makes money

Fixed price per house based on size and height, with extra for difficult access, plus repeat yearly bookings and add-ons like fascia and soffit wipe-downs.

Skills that help
  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather
  • Reliable and tidy
  • Basic customer service and quoting
  • Safe use of poles and equipment
Watch out for
  • Public liability insurance, and check whether it covers working at height
  • Risk of damaging old or brittle guttering, so check condition before you start and note it on the quote
  • Disposing of debris: check how to handle waste properly, as waste carrying rules may apply
  • A van or large car to carry poles and equipment
  • Busy periods are often autumn and spring, so expect income to vary through the year

🔒 Full research report for UK

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a gutter cleaning business?

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £5,000, depending on the vacuum system, poles and camera you choose and the vehicle you already have. These are estimates, so compare equipment before buying.

How much can a gutter cleaning round earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around £600 to £3,500, depending on how many homes you clear and your prices. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week. Busy periods are often autumn and spring, so income may vary through the year.

What should I check before starting a gutter cleaning round?

Check public liability insurance and whether it covers working at height. Check the condition of old or brittle guttering before you start and note it on the quote. Also check how to dispose of debris properly, as waste carrying rules may apply.

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