9 Signs That You're A Downpipe Repairs Expert
Precautionary Steps to Avoid Downpipe Repairs
Downpipes are crucial in redirecting rainwater away from the foundation of a house to prevent structural damage and water damage. By taking the appropriate precautions to inspect and maintain your downpipes, you will avoid costly repairs.
Downpipes can easily become blocked by debris, which can cause unintentional leaks and overflows. Regular cleaning and inspection can help prevent damage and clogging.
Signs of a damaged or leaking downpipe
Downpipes form the backbone of your roof's drainage system. They channel water away from shingles and foundations. They are exposed to the elements, and their continual exposure to heavy rains and falling leaves could lead to damage, which may require downpipe repairs.
One of the most frequent issues that can affect your downpipe is obstruction. Debris, like leaves, twigs, and other organic materials can build up over time, creating a clog that prevents water from flowing freely. Cracks or holes in the downpipe could allow debris to get in, causing a clog.
Leaking downpipes are often caused by the onset of corrosion, however other factors may cause this issue. Downpipes can be found in areas that are difficult to access like high roofs, or tight corners on walls. They are therefore more susceptible to damage caused by impact. Leaks can result from heavy winds, a ladder leaned against the pipe, or even children playing.
If you notice that your downpipe is leaking, it's best to seek assistance from a professional as soon as you can. This will help to reduce the damage and stop it from spreading. Leaks that are not treated in the downpipe can cause water leaks to spread across the house, leading to expensive repair bills.
A blocked downpipe could be indicated by puddles that appear around the foundation after rain. This could cause moisture problems and mould growth and structural damage to the property.
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 trees that can clog the pipes and cause them to be infiltrated by roots. Regularly cleaning your downpipe and guttering is essential, especially in autumn when leaves, twigs and other debris could block them more quickly. Using a ladder to reach these areas that are difficult to reach could be dangerous, so it's best to consult an expert. It is recommended to think about replacing your downpipes now in order to prevent any damage that could occur before it becomes more severe.
Repairing a Leaking Downpipe
The guttering and downpipes inside your home are there to channel excess rainwater away from the walls and foundations. Unfortunately, this means that if they become damaged, they can cause damp issues within your house. This can be difficult to identify and is often misdiagnosed as rising damp, which results in costly injection damp treatments.
If your downpipe leaks, you can fix it using DIY kits. It is possible to fix the leak temporarily using a pipe repair tool such as a rubber patch or silicone sealant. Before you begin, make sure the pipe is dry and clean the area around the leak to remove any debris or dirt that could hinder the repair. It is also worth ensuring that there is no power to the area and verifying that it's safe using a non-contact electrical tester.
Leaking downpipes are often the result of a blockage or damaged piece of pipe. It is essential to inspect and clean your gutters and downpipes on a regular basis to stop them from developing in the first place.
Cleaning your downpipes can also stop water from being forced through cracks, gaps, and clogs in the guttering system. For more details about how to effectively and safely clean and clear your guttering system, read our blog 'How to Clean Your Guttering & Downpipes' blog.
A damaged or leaking downpipe can lead to damp and mould issues inside your home. If the problem is not addressed, it could also impact the structure of your home and could eventually cause structural damage.
Depending on the extent of the damage to your downpipe and the connections to it, you may need to replace it. A professional gutter and pipe installation expert can provide you with the best advice regarding replacement materials, and ensure that your home is weatherproof and durable.
Unblocking a blocked Downpipe
A downpipe does what its name implies - it directs the rainwater away from your roof and onto the street, thus preventing flooding. However, it could become blocked by debris that hinders the flow of rainwater. This is not just a nuisance but can cause serious structural damage to your property and health problems for you and your family members.
The clogged drains are usually caused by overflowing gutters and the accumulation of debris. It's better to act and stop this from happening than let it worsen and cause expensive repairs and water damages in the future.
It is possible to resolve a downpipe blockage without the need for professional assistance using some simple DIY methods. Put on some rubber gloves to look over the downpipe. If you can see what is blocking the downpipe, you are able to carefully remove it with a piece of wire. If there is a more impervious blockage higher in the pipe then a drain rod or plumbing snake can be placed into the downpipe in order to remove it manually.
If you don't have the drain snake or drain rod on hand, a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle can work. Start with a gentle pressure, and then gradually increase it until you not damage the pipes. Alternately, you could try hitting the downpipe that is clogged with your fist or light mallet made of rubber, to smash any debris that has been accumulated inside the pipe.
A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be put down the drainpipe. The mixture will pop and fizz and help dissolve the buildup of greasy material. If the downpipe is still blocked by a clogged drain, flushing it with hot water can aid in clearing it.
It's crucial to act swiftly when dealing with a blocked downpipe. If you don't have the tools and know-how to remove a downpipe, it's advisable to call a licensed local plumber for expert assistance. They'll have the knowledge and equipment to deal with the problem effectively and safely, saving you money and hassle in the long run.
Replace a blocked Downpipe
Blocked downpipes are one of the most common reasons for drainage and gutter problems. They can prevent rainwater from flowing correctly and cause water damage to your property and potentially the structure of your home. Take action immediately if you notice any of the warning signs of a clogged downpipe.
It's easy to recognize an obstruction if you notice water spilling out of your gutters or downpipes. You may be able to hear a gurgling sound when water is trying to flow through or smell a sour odour from your downpipes. Call a plumber to perform the cleaning of your drain and repair of your downpipe in case you are concerned.
If the problem is not too significant, you can often resolve it by following a few easy DIY steps. Start by putting on some hand gloves and doing a visual examination of your downpipes and gutters. If gutter and downpipe replacement are able to clearly identify the source of the obstruction take off the downpipe clips. Take out any pieces of pipe you need to until you find it. If the blockage is deep within the downpipe, use flexible drain clearing rods to try to dislodge it.
Once the blockage is cleared, you can attach the downpipe sections and attach the wall clips. Pouring a strong stream of water down the downpipe should help flush out any debris that may have been clogging the pipe. You can also try tapping the downpipe along its length at intervals, and listen for a different sound - this is a sign you're getting closer to the obstruction.
You should also regularly clean your gutters and downpipes to avoid obstructions. Make sure that the leaves and twigs aren't blocking the opening, and cut back any trees that are hanging overhanging and could be causing problems. Consider changing to bigger diameter pipes that can move more rainwater and are less prone to getting to get blocked by debris.
A clogged drainpipe can cause you a lot of inconvenience and damage to your house. If you're not at ease working at heights or the issue is too serious for DIY methods, it's always best to call in an experienced plumber.