Precautionary Steps to Avoid Downpipe Repairs
Downpipes play a critical role in channeling rainwater away from the foundation of a home, thereby preventing water damage and structural damage. Making sure to maintain and inspect downpipes will help you avoid costly repairs.
Downpipes are prone to getting clogged with debris, causing excessive leaks and overflows. Regular cleaning and inspections will prevent clogging.
Signs of a Damaged Downpipe
Downpipes are the backbone of the drainage system of your roof. They channel water away from foundations and shingles. Downpipes are always exposed to the elements. Heavy rains, falling leaves and constant exposure can cause damage to the pipes.
One of the most common problems that can affect your downpipe is a blockage. Debris like leaves, twigs, and other organic materials can build up over time, resulting in obstruction that stops water from flowing freely. The downpipe itself could be damaged, causing cracks or holes allowing debris to get in and create a blockage.
Leaking downpipes are typically caused by the beginning of corrosion, although other factors can contribute to this issue. Downpipes are often located in difficult-to-reach places, such as high roofs or corners on walls. They are therefore more susceptible to impact damage. A ladder being pushed against the pipe, or children playing with it can cause leaks.
If you suspect that your downpipe is leaking It is best to seek assistance from a professional as soon as possible. This will help to reduce the damage and stop it from spreading. Untreated leaks in the downpipe can cause water leaks to spread across the house, leading to costly repairs.
Puddles forming around the foundation of your home following rain is another sign of a blocked downpipe. This can cause moisture problems and mould growth, as well as structural damage to the property.
Downpipes can be protected from obstructions by installing gutter guards, which are available in a vast selection of styles that will fit your property. It is also important to keep the proper distance between your downpipes and trees to avoid overhanging branches that can block them and contaminate the pipes by introducing roots. Regular cleaning of your downpipe and its guttering is vital, particularly in the fall when twigs, leaves, and other debris could block them faster. It is recommended to hire an expert to access these hard-toreach areas. Using a ladder can be risky. It is recommended to replace your downpipes before the damage gets any worse.
Repairing a Leaking Downpipe
The guttering and downpipes inside your home are designed to channel excess rainwater away from your walls and foundations. This can lead to damp problems in your home if they are damaged. This can be a challenge and is often misdiagnosed with rising damp. This leads to costly injection damp treatment.
If your downpipe leaks, you can fix it using DIY kits. It is possible to fix the leak temporarily using a pipe repair tool or rubber patch or silicone sealant. Before beginning, ensure that the pipe is dry and clean the area around the leak to remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with your repair. It is also worth ensuring that power is shut off to the area, and verifying that the area is safe to work using a non-contact electrical test.
Leaking downpipes are usually caused by a blockage or damaged section of pipe. Cleaning and checking regularly your gutters and downpipes will prevent any problems from happening.
Cleaning the downpipe can aid in keeping water flowing freely, and prevent it from escaping through the gaps, cracks and holes in your guttering system. For more information 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 downpipe can cause mould and damp issues within your house. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors don't fix this issue, it could alter the structure of your home and result in structural damage.
You may need to replace your downpipe in the event that it is damaged. A professional gutter and pipe installer will give you the best advice regarding replacement materials, ensuring that your home is weatherproof and long-lasting.
Unblocking a blocked Downpipe
A downpipe performs exactly as it's name implies - it directs rainwater away from your roof and out to the street, avoiding flooding. It can, however, become clogged by debris which can block the flow of water. This can cause structural damage to your house and health problems for you and your family.
The clogged drains are usually the result of gutters that are overflowing and a build-up of debris. It is recommended to take action to prevent this from happening, instead of waiting for it to get worse and result in costly repairs and water damage in the future.
It is possible to tackle an obstruction in the downpipe without the assistance of a professional by applying simple DIY methods. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and look over the downpipe. If you can detect the offending material that is blocking the downpipe's opening, try fishing it out carefully by using a length of wire. If you find a more impervious blockage higher into the pipe, a drain rod or plumbing snake can be inserted into the downpipe to remove it manually.
If you don't have an drain snake or drain rod in your home, a garden hose with a nozzle that is high pressure can work. Begin with a gentle pressure and then gradually increase it until you avoid damaging the pipes. You may also try slapping your blocked pipe using your fist or a light rubber mallet. This will help break any debris that has accumulated inside.
A mixture of vinegar and baking soda can be pour down the drainpipe. The mixture will bubble and then fizz, which could help to dissolve the buildup of greasy material. If the downpipe is still blocked and clogged, an effective flush of hot water can also aid in clearing it.
A downpipe that is blocked can be a major hassle to manage however, it's crucial to act quickly. If you don't have the tools or know-how to remove the downpipe, it's recommended to seek out a licensed local plumber for professional assistance. They'll have the knowledge and tools to resolve the problem effectively and safely, saving you time and money in the long run.
Replace a Clogged Downpipe
Blocked downpipes can cause drainage and gutter issues. They can prevent rainwater from flowing correctly, causing water damage to your property and possibly the structure of your home. If you spot any warning indications of a blocked downpipe be sure to act quickly to avoid serious issues.
It's easy to recognize an obstruction if you notice water overflowing from your downpipes or gutters. You might also hear a gurgling sound when water is trying to flow through or smell a sour smell emanating from your downpipes. If you're worried, call an experienced plumber for drain cleaning and repairs to your downpipe.
If the problem isn't too severe, you can fix it yourself using some simple DIY steps. Put on a pair of gloves and conduct an inspection. If you see the root of the blockage, pull out the downpipe clips and then remove any sections of pipe until you can identify the obstruction. If the blockage is buried within the downpipe you can attempt to remove it with the help of drain clearing rods that are flexible.
Once the blockage has been cleared, you can re-attach any downpipe sections and fix the wall clips. Pouring a large stream of water down the downpipe should help to flush out any debris that has been stuck. You can also tap the downpipe in intervals along its length and listen for a different noise - this indicates that you are getting closer to the obstruction.
You should also clean your gutters and downpipes to minimise the risk of blockages. Make sure that the twigs and leaves aren't blocking the opening and cut back any overhanging trees that could be causing problems. You can even consider switching to larger diameter downpipes, which are better suited to carry rain and are less likely to be clogged by debris.
A blocked drainpipe can cause a lot of trouble and damage to your house. If you're not confident working from high places or the issue is too serious for DIY solutions, it's best to seek out an expert.