Clean the gutters and downspouts at invited older Bellflower homes before the rains (2026-07-19)

Bellflower's post-war bungalows carry decades-old gutters that clog with jacaranda and liquidambar litter, and the first winter storm sends overflow down the walls and into foundations. An annual pre-season cleanout at invited homes is cheap protection for the county's aging owner-occupied housing. Standard: Home maintenance best practice for storm readiness; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Proof: Cleared-run and flowing-downspout photos Method (Home maintenance best practice for storm readiness; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).): 1. Confirm reachable gutter runs with the occupant — single-story, ladder under six feet to eave height only. 2. Scoop debris from the reachable runs into a bucket and bag it as green waste. 3. Flush each run and downspout with a hose until water exits freely at the bottom. 4. Reset any loose downspout straps by hand. 5. Photograph each cleared run and free-flowing downspout with date and GPS. Done when: Cleared-run and flowing-downspout photos

Where

Occupant-invited single-story homes near Simms Park, Bellflower, CA 90706

Pay

$180 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

Cleared-run and flowing-downspout photos

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

entry

Open until

2026-08-19

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 30–120 minutes. Method of record: Existing-home envelope + drainage maintenance (gutter/downspout clearing, weep-screed and foundation-vent clearance, minor exterior envelope-crack sealing, dryer-vent lint clearance) — the entry-rung DIY-safe maintenance that keeps a home dry, pest-excluded and ready for the LBC Energy/Water petal work above it. DOE Weatherization Assistance Program envelope-maintenance practice + CPSC dryer-vent fire-safety guidance. SDG 11.1 (adequate, safe housing). assess->clear/patch->verify

Bring

• ladder rated for gutter-line access (or a ground-level gutter-cleaning wand) + gloves
• garden hose or gutter scoop + bucket for downspout flush
• exterior-grade caulk/sealant + putty knife for minor envelope-crack sealing
• flexible dryer-vent brush kit + shop vacuum for lint clearance
• camera + GPS + tape measure

Steps

1. 1. ASSESS: photograph each gutter run, downspout outlet, foundation weep screed/vent, exterior crack, and dryer-vent termination as found (debris, growth, buried screed, crack width, lint buildup).
2. 2. Clear gutters and downspouts by hand or scoop, working from a stable ladder or ground-level tool; flush each downspout with water and redirect any outlet that discharges against the foundation to daylight at least 3 ft away.
3. 3. Clear vegetation, mulch and debris from weep screeds and foundation vents so the wall assembly can drain and breathe; clean and prep any minor exterior envelope crack (non-structural, hairline to 1/4 in) and seal it with an exterior-grade sealant matched to the substrate.
4. 4. Clear the dryer-vent duct run with a flexible brush kit from both the machine end and the exterior termination, and vacuum out the accumulated lint.
5. 5. VERIFY: photograph each item from the matching before-vantage, pour a test cup of water down each cleared downspout to confirm flow, and confirm the dryer-vent damper opens and closes freely.

If it does not match the plan

• Crack is wider than 1/4 in, stepped, or shows active movement -> STOP, do not seal, route to a licensed structural inspector.
• Gutter-line access requires a ladder above 2 stories or a steep/wet roof -> route to a licensed/insured gutter contractor instead of DIY.
• Weep screed or vent is buried under hardscape/grade that would require digging to expose -> document and route to a contractor rather than disturbing it.

What counts as done

• Before/after photo pairs for every gutter run, weep screed/vent, crack and vent termination worked
• Downspout water-flow test showing clear discharge routed away from the foundation
• Dryer-vent damper opens/closes freely after clearing, with a lint-removal photo
• No structural crack (wider than 1/4 in, stepped, or actively growing) sealed over — those route to a licensed inspector instead

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.