Precautionary Steps to Avoid Downpipe Repairs
Downpipes are vital in directing rainwater away foundation of a house to prevent water damage and structural damage. Making sure to check and maintain downpipes can avoid costly repairs.
Downpipes can be easily blocked by debris, which can cause unintentional leaks and overflows. Regular cleaning and inspections can prevent clogging and damage.
Signs of a damaged Downpipe
Downpipes are the backbone of the drainage system of your roof. They channel water away from foundations and shingles. They are exposed to the elements, and their continuous exposure to heavy rains and falling leaves can result in damage that may require downpipe repairs.
A blockage is among the most frequent issues that can develop in your downpipe. Debris like leaves, twigs, and various other organic materials can build up over time, creating blockages that stop water from flowing freely. The downpipe itself could become damaged, with cracks or holes that allow debris to get in and create a clog.
The first signs of corrosion are usually the reason for leaks in downpipes, but other factors may also be involved. Downpipes are often located in areas that are difficult to access like high roofs, or tight corners on walls. This makes them vulnerable to damage caused by impact. The force of the wind, a ladder that is leaning against the pipe, or even children playing with it could cause leaks.
It's best to contact a professional when you spot the possibility of a leak in your downpipe. This will help to minimize the damage and prevent it from spreading. The downpipe leaks that aren't treated can cause water leaks to spread throughout the home, resulting in expensive repair bills.
Puddles forming around the foundation of your home following rain is another sign of a blocked downpipe. This could cause moisture problems and mould growth, as well as structural damage to your property.
Downpipes can be protected from obstructions by installing gutter guards they are available in a broad variety of styles to fit your home. It's also important to maintain the proper distance between your downpipes and trees to prevent branches from hanging over which can block them and infiltrate the pipes by introducing roots. Regularly cleaning your downpipe and guttering is important, especially in autumn when leaves, twigs and other debris may clog them faster. It's better to hire an expert to access these difficult-to-access areas. Using a ladder can be dangerous. It is recommended to consider replacing your downpipes in this instance, before any potential damage gets worse.
Repairing a Leaking Downpipe
The guttering and downpipes inside your home serve to drain rainwater away from your walls and foundations. This can lead to damp problems in your home if they're damaged. This is often difficult to identify and often misinterpreted as rising damp, resulting in expensive injection damp treatments.
If your downpipe leaks you can fix it using DIY kits. Utilizing a pipe repair clamp or rubber patch, or even silicone sealant will help temporarily fix the leak and prevent further damage. Before you begin, ensure that the pipe is dry and clean the area around the leak to get rid of any debris or dirt which could hinder the repair. It is also important to make sure that any power is off to the area, and verifying that it's safe to work using a non-contact electrical tester.
Leaking downpipes can be the result of an obstruction or damaged section of pipe. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your downpipes and gutters will stop any issues from happening.
Cleaning your downpipes can also prevent water from being forced through gaps, cracks, and clogs in the guttering system. For more information on how to safely and effectively clean and maintain your guttering system, see our How to Clean Your Guttering & Downpipes' blog.
A leaky or damaged downpipe can cause damp and mould issues inside your home. If this is not corrected it can impact the structure of your home and may eventually lead to structural damage.
Depending on the extent of the damage to your downpipe and its connections, you might need to replace it. How much to repair a gutter joint and downpipe installer will provide you with the most effective advice on replacement materials for your home, providing longevity and weatherproofing.
Unblocking a blocked Downpipe
A downpipe performs exactly what its name suggests - it directs the rainwater away from your rooftop and to the street, avoiding flooding. However, it can become blocked by debris that block the flow of rainwater. This is not only an inconvenience, but it can also cause structural damage to your property and health issues for your family and you.
Clogged downpipes are typically the result of gutters that are overflowing and a build-up of debris. It is best to act to stop this from happening, rather than letting it get worse and causing expensive repairs and water damage in the future.
It is possible to solve a downpipe blockage without the need for professional assistance, using some simple DIY methods. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and examine the downpipe. If you can see the obstruction blocking the downpipe, you are able to remove it using wire. If you find a more difficult blockage further up the pipe, a drain rod or plumbing snake can be placed into the downpipe in order to remove it manually.
If you don't happen to have an drain snake or drain rod on hand, a garden hose fitted with a high pressure nozzle can be used. Start with a gentle pressure, and then gradually increase it until you not damage the pipes. Alternatively, you can try bashing on the clogged downpipe with your fist or light rubber mallet to smash any debris that has been accumulated within the pipe.
Another method that works is to put a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the offending downpipe. The mixture will pop and fizz which can help dissolve the buildup of greasy material. If the downpipe remains blocked and needs to be flushed, a good flush of hot water can help to clear it.
A downpipe that is blocked can be a major hassle to overcome and it's essential to act fast. If you don't have the tools or the knowledge to unblock the drain, it's best to call an authorized local plumber to seek professional assistance. They'll have the knowledge and tools to resolve a downpipe blockage effectively and safely, saving you money and time in the long run.
Replacing a Clogged Downpipe
Blocked downpipes can cause drainage and gutter problems. They can prevent rainwater from flowing correctly which can cause water damage to your property and possibly the structure of your house. Make sure you take action as soon as you notice any of the warning signs of a downpipe that is blocked.
It's easy to spot obstructions if you observe water spilling out of your downpipes or gutters. You might also hear a gurgling sound as the water attempts to flow through or smell a sour smell emanating from your downpipes. Get a plumber in to do cleaning and repair to your downpipe in case you are concerned.
If the issue isn't serious, you can usually solve it yourself by following a few easy DIY steps. Put on some gloves and do an inspection. If you are able to clearly identify the source of the obstruction take off the downpipe clips. Remove any sections of pipe until you can identify the issue. If the blockage is more within the downpipe, you can make use of drain clearing rods that are flexible to try to get rid of it.
After the blockage has been cleared, you can reconnect any downpipe section. You can also fix the wall clips. Pouring a large stream of water down the downpipe will help to flush out any debris that may have been clogging the pipe. You can also tap the downpipe at intervals along its length and then listen for a different sound - this will tell you that you are getting closer to the obstruction.
Cleaning your gutters regularly and downpipes will help to lessen the chance of blocking. Be sure to ensure that the leaves and twigs aren't blocking the opening, and cut back any trees that hang over the edge that could be causing trouble. Consider changing to bigger diameter pipes that can move more rainwater and are less prone to getting clogged with debris.
A blocked downpipe could be a major inconvenience and cause a lot of damage to your home. If you're not comfortable working at high heights or if the issue is too significant for DIY solutions, you should to call an expert.