Now, if you recall, we last left our hero, slightly afraid of heights having to climb up on the front garage roof to once again unplug the drain. It seems the large redwood bark used by previous owners has an uncanny ability to fling itself upon the roof. While the first rain washes the nodules down off the roof, to the gutter where they promptly lodge in the opening for the downspout. This obviously causes a buildup of dirt, subsequently plugging the drain in it's entirety.

The drain was again unceremoniously flushed, normal flow returned and one could sleep without hearing the drip drip drip of a partly plugged drain. Alas, at the rear yard, the offending orifice is over 20 feet from ground level. Another approach was desired. But wait, you already know that we're moving, why worry? What are the odds the house inspection will occur during a storm? The inspector will see all the water pouring over the gutters? A negative issue? Possibly. You'll quickly recall how the minor leak in the water heater escalated to a major event. Occurring so quickly after the aluminum pan heat sensitivity test.

Quickly ascertain the roof approach is not a viable alternative. Jetting from below not an option due to the 2 sharp 90 degree bends in the design. But wait, a coat hanger, attached to a pole could probe the opening and hopefully, the stored water in the gutter would flush the offending debris. Caution exercised in making sure the probing was done away from the opening of the downspout, opened at the 10 foot mark. Alas, the probe finds no debris. The debris has firmly wedged itself in the pipe at the first 90 degree bend. Darn. But wait, our hero and the household start are moving so who will know? But wait, remember how the simple water heater repair turned into a nightmare?

Hey, look, the only thing holding the downspout on, it a single clamp at the 10 foot mark. If our hero removes this, can't the upper section be lowered to the ground and flushed out? Yes. This can be done and it appears to be God's will.

In order to do this, wouldn't our hero have to be directly under the drain from the roof. If the probe was correct that the downspout is plugged and not the gutter opening, one freed from the confines of the downspout, won't this water flow freely from the hole, directly upon my upturned face? Isn't this exactly what happened the last time our hero used air pressure to flush the pipe? He still remembers the grin of satisfaction knowing the pipe was clean and only seconds later realized, what goes up must come down. And water that has been stagnant for some time is not a pleasant thing to have upon ones self?

But your mirthful laughter shall be denied. Upon removing the upper section water did not cascade from the gutter upon our hero's head. The top section of the gutter was full of dirt and heavy. With one hand holding the downspout and the other holding on the ladder at the 8 foot level, it was precariously dangerous holding this 10 foot weighted section of the downspout. It did not crash into the house nor did our hero fall from the ladder.

Said plug was removed and downspout re-attached uneventfully.

Our hero didn't even track mud into the house upon his shoes. For this too, he is grateful.