On Snow Blower Guides I like to make sure I cover everything and knowing how to keep a snowblower from clogging makes for much less stressful snow removal. I show you how to unclog it, and most importantly, how to prevent it.
It doesn’t matter whether you have the best snow blower money can buy, or a cheap $200 one from Lowes, a clogged snowblower discharge chute and impeller is actually quite a simple task and I’ll be giving you tips on how to keep snow from sticking to snowblower parts and how to stop snowblower clogging.
Firstly, safety when using a snow blower is paramount. I want to be very clear, NEVER USE YOUR HANDS OR FEET to clear a snowblower. Even when the snowblower is turned OFF, chances are that the moving parts are under tension. When this is the case they can suddenly start turning again when the blockage is cleared.
How To Keep A Snowblower From Clogging: Tips From A Pro
There are actually several things you can do to avoid clogging in snow blowers constantly having a snow-clogged chute.
Using A Non-Stick Cooking Spray
Using non-stick sprays is one of the best solutions for how to keep snow from sticking to your discharge chute, it also helps your snow blower throw farther. Although you can buy a specific non-stick spray for snow blowers from hardware stores and online, spraying WD40 or cooking spray will work just as well.
These lubricants can also work for the auger and impeller. Therefore allowing you to prevent snow from sticking with a single spray can.
I know some people will recommend using vegetable oil, but remember only ever apply using a spray bottle. If I was to tell you 1000 times, DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS where they don’t belong it would not be enough times. It can be extremely dangerous and is a serious accident just waiting to happen.
Clearing Your Driveway Of Foreign Objects
Although we may not know exactly when it is going to snow, we usually have an idea. You’d be surprised how many objects I’ve had to remove from snowblowers. The best piece of advice I can give you is when the forecast calls for heavy snow. Get outside and check your driveway.
Finding children’s toys, garbage bags, and even the daily newspaper stuck in a snowblower is more common than you think.
There Is Such A Thing As Going ‘Too Slow’
I never tell people to rush while snow clearing but there is such a thing as going too slow. Try to keep a steady speed and one that is fast enough to avoid snow sticking. If the machine is going slow then the snow is also moving slowly.
There are different types of snow, and wet heavy snow is much harder to clear than the lighter more fluffy snow. If you think this may be the reason for your clogged snowblower it might mean that you need a more powerful model.
Although a single-stage snowblower is a great option for occasional light dry snow, they are not good for deep or wet snow. Therefore, if you live up north, the chances are you need at least a two-stage snowblower.
Don’t Do Too Much Too Late
Although different from moving too slow, moving too much snow has the same result, clogs in the chute.
When you try to deal with more snow than the machine is designed for it, will clog easier. It comes down to the same problem, the machine is not powerful enough. If power isn’t the issue, and you have a two-stage snow blower that should deal with it. Then it might be the method.
Don’t wait for the snow to be too deep before you clear it. Try using just half of the actual clearing width especially to clear packed snow.
Check For Mechanical Problems
If after trying all of the above your snowblower clogs regularly then you may have a mechanical problem. For those that are not mechanically minded, I always recommend that snowblowers are taken to a professional for a full service and tune-up.
If you don’t mind DIY mechanics then grab your operator’s manual to find causes and solutions for clogs
How To Clear A Clogged Snow Blower Chute Safely
Here I go again, NEVER EVER go inside a snow blower with your hands or feet, even when it is turned off. First, turn off the machine and wait about 10-20 seconds for all the inner parts to come to a complete standstill.
Then and only then either the clean-out tool that most snow blowers are supplied with. If this is on the shorter side, or if you’ve lost it, use a broom handle. These are longer and narrower allowing you to get safely into the auger area as well as the discharge chute.
Then it is just a simple case of carefully pushing the snow to losen it, at which time it will become loose.
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
Clogging, fortunately, is often a quick fix. But you need to be able to recognize the problem so I hope these final tips help you do that. Happy snow blowing it beats using snow shovels any day!
How do you lubricate a snowblower chute?
To lubricate a snow blower chute, after cleaning the parts, spray snowblower chute lubricant inside the chute and around the auger housing. NEVER PUTTING HANDS OR FEET in harms way.
Why is my snow blower pushing snow?
There can be several reasons that a snowblower is pushing snow rather than throwing it. It may be that it is clogged snow slowing the auger, in which case use the clean-out tool provided.
There may be something stuck in the workings or even a buildup of dirt along with mechanical issues.
Can you use a snowblower on heavy wet snow?
You can use a snowblower on heavy wet snow but only a more powerful snow blower. Both a two-stage and three-stage snow blower are able to clear heavy snowfall and wet snow. Whereas a single stage machine is only really suitable for dry lightweight snow.
Final Thoughts
Prevention is better than cure as they say, and there is nothing worse than a snow blower clogging when clearing snow. By using a non stick spray or even ski wax, you can help avoid snow from sticking therefore avoiding the problem.
It is also important to remember general maintenance is also necessary, especially before storing off-season. If you look after your machine it should look after you.
