A method and apparatus for preventing blockage of a water flow path from a gutter of a building through a downspout includes a receptacle which is rotatably supported beneath the gutter. The receptacle is movable between a collecting orientation and an emptying orientation under the influence of the weight of water and debris conducted from the gutter to the receptacle when the receptacle is in the collecting orientation. The receptacle includes a compartment having an outlet through which water passes prior to collection of debris in the compartment. As debris collects in the compartment and at least partially blocks the outlet so that water also collects in the compartment, the combined center of gravity of the receptacle and the water and debris in the compartment moves from one side of a vertical plane containing the axis about which the receptacle rotates to the opposite side of the plane. As this occurs, the receptacle is rotated from the collecting orientation to the emptying orientation. It is contemplated that the receptacle may be constructed with either a single compartment or a plurality of compartments.