5 symptoms of a clogged snow blower chute

Winter’s snow-covered landscapes may be beautiful, but they also mean it’s time to put your snow blower to work. If you’ve ever dealt with a clogged chute, you know how frustrating it can be. Recognizing the signs of a clog and knowing how to clear it safely will ensure your snow blower stays reliable all season long, making those winter chores a little easier.

A quick note: The tips in this article are designed to help with a variety of appliance models, but your specific setup may have unique troubleshooting steps, error codes, or part requirements. For the most accurate guidance, be sure to check your appliance’s manual. If you have any questions or need additional support, feel free to reach out, we’re here to help!

Safety tips for clearing a clogged chute

Keep these safety tips in mind to stay out of harm’s way:

• • If working indoors, make sure there is adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a serious risk.

• • Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.

• • Never attempt to service or repair while it is running or when the engine is still warm. Wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop.

• • Exercise extreme caution when working near blades, augers, or any other moving parts. Keep your hands, fingers, and clothing clear of these areas at all times.

• • If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any hot parts to cool down before working on it.

• • Empty the gas tank before beginning any work. Refill using fresh fuel.

• • When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

• • Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.

• • Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.

• • Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.

• • Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.

• • Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury.

• • When not in use, store the machine in a safe and dry location.

Read more: Snowblower won’t start: A troubleshooting guide

1. Snow is not being discharged properly

One of the most obvious signs of a clogged snow blower chute is when snow stops coming out the way it should. Snow barely trickles out or is being discharged inconsistently.

Why this happens:

• • Snow, ice, or debris has likely built up inside the chute, blocking the pathway for smooth discharge.

• • Wet or heavy snow is especially prone to sticking, creating frequent clogs.

What to do:

1. 1. Turn off the snow blower: Always power down and disengage all moving parts before inspecting the chute. For gas-powered models, disconnect the spark plug as an extra safety measure.

1. 1. Inspect the chute: Check the chute opening for visible obstructions like packed snow or ice.

1. 1. Use a clearing tool: Use a designated chute clearing tool or a stick to safely remove the blockage. Never use your hands, even if the machine is off.

1. 1. Test the discharge: Once the clog is cleared, turn the machine back on and test the chute to ensure it’s discharging snow properly.

Prevention tip: Apply a non-stick spray to the inside of the chute before use to reduce the chances of snow sticking.

2. Chute discharge direction is unpredictable

Another sign of a clogged chute is when snow sprays in random directions or doesn’t follow the set position of the chute. Instead of shooting snow exactly where you want it, it may sputter or veer off unexpectedly.

Why this happens:

• • Obstructions in the chute interfere with the smooth flow of snow, causing erratic discharge patterns.

• • The chute control mechanism might also be partially blocked or misaligned, adding to the problem.

What to do:

1. 1. Turn off the snow blower: Always power down the machine and disengage the auger. For extra safety, disconnect the spark plug if it’s a gas-powered model.

1. 1. Inspect the chute and controls: Look inside the chute for blockages like snow, ice, or debris, and check the chute control mechanism for proper alignment.

1. 1. Clear any obstructions: Use a chute-clearing tool or a stick to remove blockages. Check the pivot points of the chute control and ensure they move freely.

1. 1. Test the chute: Reconnect the power, adjust the chute, and test it to make sure snow is discharging smoothly in the desired direction.

Prevention tip: Regularly clean the chute and check that the chute controls are lubricated and functioning properly.

Read more: How to replace a snow blower auger belt

3. Reduced output but the engine is running smoothly

If your snow blower’s engine sounds fine, but it’s struggling to move snow effectively, a clogged chute might be the culprit. You’ll notice that the machine feels underpowered and snow isn’t being processed or discharged as it should be.

Why this happens:

• • Snow or ice buildup inside the chute can block the flow, even if the auger and impeller are working properly.

• • Wet, heavy snow or foreign debris may contribute to clogging.

What to do:

1. 1. Turn off the snow blower: Power down the machine, disengage the auger, and disconnect the spark plug for added safety.

1. 1. Inspect the chute: Look for snow packed tightly inside or any debris causing the blockage.

1. 1. Clear the blockage: Use a chute-clearing tool or a sturdy stick to dislodge snow and debris. Avoid using your hands, even when the machine is powered off.

1. 1. Check the auger and impeller: Ensure they are moving freely and not being slowed by additional blockages or mechanical issues.

Prevention tip: Run the snow blower at a steady pace to avoid overloading it with too much snow at once. Regularly inspect the chute and impeller area after clearing wet or heavy snow.

4. Unusual noises during operation

If you hear grinding, clunking, or other strange noises coming from the chute area, it’s a strong indicator that something is blocking the chute or has gotten stuck in the mechanism. These noises can also signal potential damage if not addressed quickly.

Why this happens:

• • Foreign objects like rocks, sticks, or compacted ice may have made their way into the chute.

• • Clogs in the auger or impeller can cause stress on the components, leading to unusual sounds.

What to do:

1. 1. Turn off the snow blower: Power down the machine completely and disconnect the spark plug for safety.

1. 1. Inspect the chute and surrounding areas: Check for any visible objects or compacted ice causing the noise.

1. 1. Clear blockages carefully: Use a clearing tool to remove any obstructions. Pay attention to the auger and impeller, as blockages here can contribute to the problem.

1. 1. Inspect for damage: Look for any visible signs of wear or damage to the chute, auger, or impeller. If necessary, replace damaged parts using your snow blower’s manual for guidance.

1. 1. Test the machine: Once everything is clear, turn the machine back on to ensure the noise is gone and that the chute is working properly.

Prevention tip: Always scan your work area for rocks, branches, or other debris before using your snow blower. Clearing snow with less debris minimizes the risk of jams and noise issues.

5. Snow blower becomes harder to push or pull

If your snow blower feels heavy or resistant while in operation, it could be due to a clogged chute creating back pressure. This added resistance makes the machine harder to maneuver and can strain other parts.

Why this happens:

• • A clogged chute prevents snow from being properly discharged, forcing it to build up and cause back pressure.

• • Wet, dense snow or debris can block the auger and chute, making the snow blower feel sluggish.

What to do:

1. 1. Turn off the snow blower: Always power off the machine and disconnect the spark plug to ensure safety before inspecting.

1. 1. Inspect the chute and auger area: Look for any snow, ice, or debris packed into the chute or surrounding parts.

1. 1. Clear the blockage: Use a chute-clearing tool or a sturdy stick to carefully remove obstructions. Avoid using your hands to prevent injuries.

1. 1. Check the auger and impeller: Make sure these components are spinning freely without any additional blockages or resistance.

1. 1. Test the machine: Once cleared, turn the snow blower back on and check if it’s easier to push or pull during operation.

Prevention tip: Avoid overloading the snow blower with too much snow at once. Take steady, manageable passes through deep snow to prevent clogs and reduce resistance.

Read more: Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Snowblower

When it’s time to call in reinforcements

If your snow blower is still giving you trouble after trying the usual fixes, it could be due to a bigger issue. Common culprits include worn belts, broken shear pins, or problems with the auger.

For more complex repairs, step-by-step guides and genuine replacement parts are available at  AppliancePartsPros.com. We’re here to help you get your snow blower back in top condition.

Don’t let a clogged chute or malfunctioning part disrupt your winter routine. By recognizing the signs of trouble and taking action, you can keep your snow blower performing at its best. For additional tips, resources, and high-quality parts, visit AppliancePartsPros.com.

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