Precautionary Steps to Avoid Downpipe Repairs Downpipes play an important function in directing rainwater away from a house's foundation, thereby preventing structural damage and water damage. By taking the proper steps to maintain and inspect your downpipes, you can avoid costly repairs. Downpipes can easily become blocked by debris, which can cause excessive leaks and overflows. Regular cleaning and inspections can prevent obstruction. The signs of a damaged downpipe Downpipes form the backbone of the drainage system of your roof. They channel water away from shingles and foundations. Downpipes are always exposed to the elements. Heavy rains, falling leaves and constant exposure can cause damage to the pipes. A blockage is one of the most common problems that can occur in your downpipe. Over time organic debris like leaves, twigs and other organic materials may accumulate creating a clog. This blocks the water from flowing freely. The downpipe itself could be damaged, causing cracks or holes allowing debris to get in and create a blockage. The beginning of corrosion is usually the reason for leaks in downpipes, however other factors could also be at play. Downpipes can be located in areas that are difficult to access like high roofs, or tight corners on walls. This 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 recommended to contact a professional immediately you notice an issue with your downpipe. This will help to limit the damage and prevent it from spreading. If a downpipe leak is left untreated, it can lead to water leaks in the house and result in expensive repair costs in the future. Puddles that form around the foundation of your house after rain are another sign of a blocked drain. This can cause moisture problems, mould growth and structural damage. Downpipes can be easily protected from obstructions by installing gutter guards, that are available in a vast range of styles to suit your property. It is also important to keep an adequate distance from your downpipes to keep trees from overhanging which could block the pipes and cause them to become infiltrated with roots. Regularly cleaning the downpipes and gutters is important, especially during autumn when leaves, twigs and other debris could clog the pipes faster. Using a ladder to access these areas that are difficult to reach could be dangerous so it's recommended to seek out a professional. It is also 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 drain excess rainwater away to the walls and foundations. This means that if they are damaged, they can cause damp problems inside your home. This can be difficult to detect and is often misdiagnosed as rising damp, resulting in costly injection damp treatments. The good news is that if the downpipe is leaky, it can be easily repaired using a low-cost DIY kit. Utilizing a pipe repair clamp, rubber patch or even silicone sealant will help temporarily stop the leak and stop further damage. Before starting, ensure the pipe is dry, and then carefully clean around the leak area to get rid of any dirt or debris that could hinder the repair. Also, you should shut off the power supply to the area and use an electrical tester that is non-contact to confirm that it is safe to begin work. A damaged or blocked part of pipe can be the cause of a leaky downpipe. Regularly cleaning and checking your downpipes and gutters will prevent any problems from arising. Cleaning your downpipes will prevent water from being forced through gaps, cracks, and holes in the guttering system. For more information about how to effectively and safely clear and clean your guttering system, read our How to Clean Your Guttering & Downpipes' blog. A leaky or damaged downpipe can lead to mould and damp issues within your home. If this isn't addressed, it can affect the structure of your home and may eventually cause structural damage. You might need to replace your downpipe if it is damaged. A professional gutter and downpipe installer will give you the most appropriate advice regarding replacement materials for your home, which will ensure a long-lasting and weatherproof solution. Unblocking a Blocked Downpipe A downpipe performs exactly as it's name implies - it directs rainwater away from your roof and out towards the street, preventing floods. However, it can get blocked by debris that hinders the flow of water. This could cause damage to your home's structure and health problems for you and your family. Clogged downpipes are typically caused by overflowing gutters and a build-up of debris. It is recommended to take action to stop this from happening, rather than letting it get worse and causing expensive repairs and water damage later on. You can get rid of a blockage in a downpipe with no assistance from a professional employing simple DIY techniques. The first step is to put on some rubber gloves and conduct an examination of the downpipe. If you can see the obstruction blocking the downpipe, you can carefully remove it with a piece of wire. If the blockage is more difficult to remove, you can put a drain rod in the downpipe and manually remove it manually. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/chelmsford-guttering-and-downpipes-near-me/ don't have an drain snake or drain rod in your home, a garden-hose fitted with a high-pressure nozzle can be used. Start with a gentle pressure, and then gradually increase it until you ensure that the pipes aren't damaged. You can also try bashing on the downpipe that is clogged with your fist or light mallet made of rubber to break up any debris that has accumulated inside the pipe. Another option is to feed a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the downpipe that is causing trouble. The mixture will pop and fizz which can help break up greasy buildup. If the downpipe is still blocked then it is recommended to flush it with hot water will also help. It's important to act fast when dealing with an obstruction in the downpipe. If you do not have the necessary tools or the knowledge to unblock the drain, it's recommended that you contact a licensed plumber in your area for assistance from a professional. They'll have the knowledge and tools to resolve obstructions to the downpipe effectively and safely, saving you money and time in the long run. Replace a Clogged Downpipe Blocked downpipes are among the most common reasons for drainage and gutter issues. They can prevent rainwater from flowing correctly and cause water damage to your home and the structure of your home. Get it resolved immediately if you notice any of the warning symptoms of a blocked downpipe. It is easy to identify an obstruction if you notice water spilling out of your downpipes or gutters. You may be able to hear a gurgling sound when water is trying to flow through or smell a foul odour from your downpipes. Get a plumber in to do the cleaning of your drain and repair of your downpipe if you are concerned. If the issue isn't too significant, you can often resolve it with a few DIY steps. Put on gloves and perform an examination. If you see the root of the blockage, take out the downpipe clips and then remove any sections of pipe until you can identify the obstruction. If the blockage is more in the downpipe, you could employ drain clearing rods with flexible designs to attempt to remove it. After the blockage has been cleared, you can re-attach any downpipe sections and fix the wall clips. Pouring water in a strong stream down the downpipe will help remove any debris. You can also tap the downpipe in intervals along its length, and listen for a different sound - this will tell you that you are getting closer to the obstruction. Regularly cleaning your gutters and downpipes can help reduce the chance of obstruction. Make sure to check that the leaves and twigs aren't clogging the drains and trim any overhanging trees that could be causing problems. It is also possible to switch to larger diameter downpipes, that are more efficient to carry rain and are less likely to be clogged by debris. A blocked downpipe could be a major hassle and can cause significant damage to your home. If you don't feel comfortable working at heights, or the issue is too serious for DIY methods It is always recommended to call in a professional plumber.