20 Tools That Will Make You Better At Downpipe Repairs
Recommended Studying to Avoid Downpipe Repairs
Downpipes are essential in directing rainwater away from the foundation of a house to prevent water damage and structural damage. By taking the proper precautions to check and maintain your downpipes, you can avoid expensive repairs.
A blocked downpipe can lead to leakage and overflow. Regular cleaning and inspections will keep the pipes from clogging.
Signs of a damaged Downpipe
Downpipes function as the hearthhorses of your roof's drainage system for rainwater and channel water away from foundations and shingles. They are exposed to the elements, and their continuous exposure to heavy rains and falling leaves could lead to damage, which could require repairs to the downpipe.
A blockage is among the most frequent problems that can develop in your downpipe. Over time, organic debris such as leaves, twigs, and other organic materials can accumulate and cause a blockage. This prevents the water from flowing freely. Cracks or holes in the downpipe can allow debris to enter, causing a clog.
Leaking downpipes are often caused by the onset of corrosion, however other factors can also cause this issue. Downpipes are often located in areas that are difficult to reach, such as on roofs that are high or at the corners of walls, which makes them susceptible to impact damage. Heavy winds, a ladder being leant against the pipe, or even children playing with it could cause leaks.
It is best to call a professional when you notice the possibility of a leak in your downpipe. This will minimize the damage and stop it from spreading. If a downpipe leak is left untreated, it can lead to water leaks throughout the home, causing costly repair bills in the future.
A blocked downpipe may be detected by puddles which form around the foundation following a rain. This can cause problems with moisture, mold growth and structural damage.
Installing gutter guards will protect your downpipes from obstructions. They are available in many styles to suit any home. It is also important to keep a safe distance from your downpipes in order to avoid overhanging trees that can clog the pipes and cause them to be infiltrated by roots. Regularly cleaning your downpipes and gutters is also essential, particularly in autumn when leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog up more quickly. It is better to employ a professional to reach these hard-toreach areas. A ladder can be risky. It is recommended to replace your downpipes before damage gets worse.
Repairing a Leaking Downpipe
The drainpipes and gutters at your house are designed to drain excess rainwater from the walls and foundations. This means that if they are damaged, it could cause damp problems inside your home. This can be a challenge and is often misdiagnosed as rising damp. This can result in costly injection damp treatment.
The good news is that if your downpipe is leaking, it can usually be easily repaired with a DIY kit. You can repair the leak temporarily by using the pipe repair tool or rubber patch or silicone sealant. Before starting, ensure the pipe is dry, and then carefully clean around the leak area to remove any debris or dirt that could hinder your repair. It is also important to make sure that power is shut off to the area and confirming that the area is safe to work using a non-contact electrical test.
Leaking downpipes are often caused by a blockage or damaged piece of pipe. Regularly cleaning and checking your downpipes and gutters will stop any issues from happening.
Cleaning the downpipe can assist in keeping the water flowing smoothly, preventing it from escaping through the gaps, cracks and holes in your guttering system. For more details on how to efficiently and safely clean and maintain your guttering system, see our How to Clean Your Guttering & Downpipes' blog.
A damaged or leaking drainpipe can lead to mould and damp issues in your home. If you do not fix this issue, it could affect the structure of your house and lead to structural damage.
You may need to replace your downpipe if it is damaged. A professional gutter and pipe installer will offer you the best advice regarding replacement materials, making sure that your home is weatherproof and long-lasting.
Unblocking a Blocked Downpipe
A downpipe performs exactly what it says - it directs the rainwater away from your roof and out to street, thereby avoiding flooding. However, it can become blocked by debris that hinders the flow of rainwater. This is not only an inconvenience, but it can also cause structural damage to your property and health problems for your family and you.
The clogged drains are usually the result of gutters that are overflowing and a build-up of debris. It's better to act and prevent this from happening rather than let it worsen and cause costly repairs and water damage in the future.
You can get rid of the issue of a blocked downpipe without professional assistance by using simple DIY methods. Put on some rubber gloves to look over the downpipe. If you can see the obstruction blocking the downpipe, you are able to remove it using wire. If you find a more impervious blockage higher up the pipe the drain rod or plumbing snake could be put into the downpipe to free it.
If you don't have a drain rod or plumbing snake handy or a garden hose that has a high-pressure nozzle can be used to flush out the downpipe. Start with a gentle pressure, and then gradually increase it until you ensure that the pipes aren't damaged. Alternately, you could try hitting the downpipe that is blocked with your fist or light mallet made of rubber to break up any compacted debris inside the pipe.
A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be pour down the drainpipe. The mixture will pop and fizz which can help break up greasy buildup. If the downpipe is still blocked, a good flush of hot water can also aid in clearing it.
A blocked downpipe can be a nightmare overcome however, it's crucial to act quickly. If you do not have the necessary tools or know-how to clear the drain, it's recommended to contact an authorized local plumber for assistance from a professional. They'll have the tools and know-how to tackle an obstruction to the downpipe safely and effectively, saving you time and money over the long run.
Replacing a clogged Downpipe
Blocked downpipes can cause drainage and gutter issues. They can block the flow of rainwater, which can cause damage to your home and property. Get it resolved immediately if you notice any of the warning signs of a clogged downpipe.
It's easy to recognize an obstruction if you notice water gushing out of your downpipes or gutters. You may also hear an unsettling sound as the water is trying to flow through, or you might smell a foul odour coming from your downpipes. If you're concerned, call an experienced plumber to clean your drain and for repairs to your downpipe.
If the problem is not too severe it is usually possible to resolve it with a few simple DIY steps. Put on gloves and perform a visual inspection. If you are able to identify a clear cause of the blockage, take out the downpipe clips and then remove any pipe pieces until you find the blockage. If the blockage is more in the downpipe, make use of drain clearing rods that are flexible to attempt to remove it.
After the blockage has been cleared, you can re-attach the downpipe sections and attach the wall clips. Pouring a strong stream of water down the downpipe will aid in flushing out any debris that has been clogging the pipe. You could also try tapping the downpipe along its length at intervals, and listen for a different tone - this is a sign that you're moving closer to the obstruction.
You should also regularly clean your downpipes and gutters to minimise the risk of obstructions. Be sure to ensure that the twigs and leaves aren't blocking the opening and cut back any trees that hang over the edge that could be causing trouble. You may also consider switching to larger diameter downpipes that are more efficient to carry rain and are less likely to be blocked by debris.
A clogged downpipe can be a huge inconvenience and cause a lot of damage to your home. If you're not comfortable working from high places or the issue is too significant for DIY solutions, you should to contact a professional.