Why We Do We Love Downpipe Repairs (And You Should Too!)

Precautionary Steps to Avoid Downpipe Repairs Downpipes play an essential function in directing rainwater away from a house's foundation to prevent water damage and structural damage. By taking the necessary steps to check and maintain downpipes can avoid costly repairs. A blocked downpipe can lead to leakage and overflow. Regular cleaning and inspection will prevent blockages. Signs of a damaged downpipe Downpipes act as the workhorses of your roof's drainage system for rainwater by channeling water away from foundations and shingles. They are exposed to the elements, and their continual exposure to heavy rains and falling leaves may result in damage that could require repairs to the downpipe. One of the most frequent issues that can impact your downpipe is a blockage. Debris, like leaves, twigs, and various other organic material can accumulate over time, resulting in blockages that stop water from flowing freely. Cracks or holes in the downpipe may allow debris to get in, causing a clog. Leaking downpipes are often caused by the onset of corrosion, however other factors can also cause this issue. Downpipes are typically located in challenging-to-reach spots, such as on roofs that are high or at the corners of walls, which makes them vulnerable to damage caused by impact. Heavy winds, a ladder that is leaning against the pipe, or children playing with it may cause leaks. If you notice that your downpipe is leaky It is best to seek assistance from a professional immediately. This will help limit the damage, and also prevent it from spreading. If a downpipe leak is left untreated, it can result in water leaks throughout the home, causing costly repair bills in the future. Puddles that form around the foundation of your home after rain is another sign of a blocked drain. This can cause mold growth, moisture issues and structural damage. Installing gutter guards will shield your downpipes from obstructions. They come in many styles to suit any home. You should also maintain a safe distance from your downpipes in order to avoid overhanging trees that could block the pipes and cause them to be infiltrated by roots. Regularly cleaning the downpipes and gutters is crucial, particularly in the fall when leaves, twigs, and other debris could clog the pipes faster. It is better to employ professionals to get these difficult to reach areas. A ladder can be risky. It is recommended to replace your downpipes before the damage gets any worse. Repairing Downpipe Services Leaking Downpipe The drainpipes and guttering in your home are designed to drain excess rainwater away from walls and foundations. Unfortunately, this means that if they are damaged, it could cause damp issues inside your home. This is often difficult to spot and is often misdiagnosed as rising damp, resulting in costly injection damp treatments. The good news is that, if the downpipe is leaking, it can usually be repaired with a DIY kit. You can fix the leak temporarily using an instrument for pipe repair such as a rubber patch or silicone sealant. Before beginning, ensure that the pipe is dry and carefully clean around the leak area to get rid of any debris or dirt that could interfere with your repair. It is also recommended to shut off the power to the area, and then use a non-contact electrical tester to confirm that it is safe to work. Leaking downpipes can be the result of an obstruction or damaged section of pipe. It is important to check and clean your guttering and downpipe regularly to prevent these from developing in the first place. Cleaning your downpipes will keep water from leaking through cracks, gaps and holes in the guttering system. For more information on how to efficiently and safely clear and clean your guttering system, see our 'How to Clean Your Guttering & Downpipes' blog. A damaged or leaking downpipe can lead to mould and damp issues within your home. If you don't fix this problem, it can alter the structure of your house and cause structural damage. Depending on the extent of the damage to your downpipe and its connections, you might have to replace it. A professional gutter and pipe installer will provide you with the best recommendations for replacement materials, ensuring that your home is weatherproof and durable. Unblocking a blocked Downpipe A downpipe performs exactly as its name suggests – it directs rainwater away from your roof and out to the street, avoiding floods. However, it is prone to becoming blocked by debris that hinders the flow of rainwater. This can cause damage to your home's structure and health problems for you and your family. Overflowing gutters can result in obstructions in the drainpipes. It's better to act and prevent this than to let it worsen and cause costly repairs and water damage in the future. It is possible to tackle an obstruction in the downpipe without professional assistance by employing simple DIY techniques. Put on a pair of rubber gloves to inspect the downpipe. If you detect the offending material that is blocking the downpipe's opening, try fishing it out carefully with a length of wire. If the obstruction is more difficult to remove, you can insert a drain rod into the downpipe, and then manually remove it manually. If you don't have a drain rod or plumbing snake on hand or a garden hose that has an nozzle that is high-pressure can be used to flush out the downpipe. To ensure that the pipes aren't damaged begin with a low pressure and increase it gradually. Alternatively, you can try pounding the clogged downpipe with your fist or a light mallet made of rubber to break up any compacted debris within the pipe. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be put down the drainpipe. The mixture will bubble and then fizz and help break up greasy buildup. If the downpipe remains blocked, a good flush with hot water can also help to clear it. A blocked downpipe can be a major hassle to manage however, it's crucial to act swiftly. If you don't have the right tools or expertise to unblock a drain, it is recommended that you contact a licensed local plumber for assistance from a professional. They will have the tools and expertise to handle an obstruction to the downpipe safely and effectively, saving you time and money over the long run. Replacing a blocked Downpipe Blocked downpipes are one of the most common causes of gutter and drainage issues. They can prevent rainwater from flowing in a proper manner which can cause water damage to your property and potentially the structure of your home. Get it resolved immediately if you observe any of the warning symptoms of a blocked downpipe. It's easy to spot an obstruction if you notice water spilling out of your downpipes or gutters. You may also hear a gurgling sound as the water attempts to flow through or smell a foul smell coming from your downpipes. If you're concerned, call in a professional plumber for drain cleaning and repairs to your downpipe. If the problem is not too serious it is possible to fix it with a few DIY steps. Start by putting on some hand gloves and doing a visual inspection of your downpipes as well as gutters. If you are able to clearly identify the root of the problem take off the downpipe clips. Remove any sections of pipe until you can identify the issue. If the blockage is buried in the downpipe, you can attempt to get it out using flexible drain clearing rods. After the blockage has been cleared, you can reconnect the downpipe sections. You can also replace the wall clips. Pouring water in a powerful stream down the downpipe will help remove any debris. You can also try tapping the downpipe along its length in intervals and listening for a different sound – this could indicate that you're moving closer to the blockage. You should also clean your downpipes and gutters to reduce the chance of blockages. Be sure that leaves and twigs do not clog the opening, and trim any overhanging branches that could cause problems. You can even consider switching to larger diameter downpipes that are more efficient to carry rain and are less likely to be clogged by debris. A blocked downpipe can be a huge inconvenience and cause costly damage to your home. If you're not comfortable working from high heights or if the issue is too severe for DIY solutions, you should to contact a professional.