A clogged snowblower chute is often a fact of life for those who clean up after every snowstorm. Clogs can occur in the top chute where the snow blows out, or in the auger, where the snow first enters the machine. While they’re usually not difficult to unclog, you can save yourself a lot of time and energy by taking some simple steps to prevent a clogged snowblower in the first place.

The Cause

A clogged snowblower is caused by ice or sticky snow building up either around your machine’s auger or in the discharge chute and not allowing snow to flow through as it normally would. Particularly icy snow will often cause more frequent clogs than soft, lightweight snow, but they are always a possibility in any conditions. Clogs can also be caused if the machine is not moving forward fast enough. The slower the machine moves, the slower the snow moves through it. And slow-moving snow is more likely to stick to surfaces.

Prevention

One way to prevent snow clogs in your snowblower is to use a non-stick snow blower spray. Like cooking spray, it keeps surfaces slippery and makes it very difficult for snow to stick. Simply spray the aerosol liquid on your snowblower’s auger and inside the discharge chute. Non-stick snow blower spray can be found at most hardware stores. Another option is to simply move faster as you use your snowblower. The faster you move, the faster the snow flows through the machine, and the less likely you are to get clogs.

Unclogging

If you do get a clog while snow blowing, DO NOT attempt to unclog it with your hands or feet. Trust us, you will not like the result. Instead, turn your machine off and wait at least 10 seconds for it to fully stop. Then, use a broom handle or other long, stiff object to clear the blockage. Most snow blowers come with a tool for unclogging the machine as needed, and some even have a clip to attach it to the machine so it’s with you at all times. This is the best way to clear a clog.