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Precautionary Steps to Avoid Downpipe Repairs Downpipes are essential in redirecting rainwater away from the foundation of a house, preventing water damage and structural damage. By taking the proper steps to maintain and inspect your downpipes, you can save money on repairs. Downpipes are prone to getting filled with debris, causing excessive leaks and overflows. Regular cleaning and inspections will stop the blockages. Signs of a Damaged Downpipe Downpipes are the mainstays of your roof's rainwater drainage system by channeling water away from foundations and shingles. Downpipes are exposed to the elements. Heavy rains, falling leaves and continuous exposure can cause damage. One of the most frequent issues that can affect your downpipe is obstruction. Over time, organic debris such as leaves, twigs and other organic materials can accumulate creating a clog. This prevents the water from flowing freely. Cracks or holes in the downpipe could allow debris to enter creating a clog. Leaking downpipes are typically caused by the onset of corrosion, although other factors may contribute to this issue. Downpipes can be located in areas that are difficult to access such as high roofs or corners on walls. They are therefore more susceptible to damage caused by impact. Leaks can result from high winds, a ladder that is leaning against the pipe, or children playing. If you suspect that your downpipe is leaky it is recommended to seek help from a professional as soon as possible. This will minimize the damage and prevent it from spreading. The downpipe leaks that aren't treated can cause water leaks to spread throughout the home, resulting in costly repairs. Puddles that form around the foundation of your home after rain is another indication of a blocked drain. This can cause moisture problems, mould growth and structural damage. Installing gutter guards can protect your downpipes from obstructions. They come in a variety of styles to fit any home. You should also maintain an appropriate distance from your downpipes to avoid trees that can clog the pipes and cause them to become infiltrated with roots. Regularly cleaning your downpipes and gutters is also important, especially during autumn when leaves, twigs and other debris can cause clogging faster. Using a ladder to reach these areas that are difficult to reach can be hazardous so it's recommended to consult an expert. Ideally, you should also consider replacing your downpipes in this instance, before any potential damage becomes more severe. Repairing a Leaking Downpipe The guttering and drainpipes at your house are designed to divert excess rainwater away from the walls and foundations. Unfortunately, this means that if they get damaged, it could cause damp issues within your home. This can be a challenge and is often misdiagnosed with rising damp. This leads to costly injection damp treatment. The good news is that if the downpipe is leaking, it can usually be repaired using a low-cost DIY kit. You can fix the leak temporarily using the pipe repair tool or rubber patch or silicone sealant. Before you begin, ensure that the pipe is completely dry and clean the area around the leak to get rid of any debris or dirt that could interfere with the repair. It is also recommended to shut off the power supply to the area, and use a non-contact electrical tester to ensure that the area is safe to work. Leaking downpipes are often the result of a blockage or damaged piece of pipe. It is important to check and clean your guttering and downpipe on a regular basis to prevent these from developing in the first place. Cleaning the downpipe can aid in keeping water flowing freely, and prevent it from being pushed out through the gaps, cracks and holes in your guttering system. For more details on how to effectively and safely clean and clear your guttering system, read our blog 'How to Clean Your Guttering & Downpipes' blog. A leaky or damaged drainpipe can lead to mould and damp issues in your home. If you do not fix this issue, it could alter the structure of your house and cause structural damage. You might need to replace your downpipe in the event that it is damaged. A professional gutter and pipe installer will provide you with the best advice regarding replacement materials, and ensure that your home is weatherproof and long-lasting. Unblocking a Blocked Downpipe A downpipe does exactly what it's name implies It directs rainwater away from your roof and out to the street, avoiding floods. However, it can be blocked by debris that blocks the flow of water. This is not only a nuisance but can cause structural damage to your property and health problems for you and your family. Clogged downpipes are often the result of overflowing gutters and the accumulation of debris. It is better to act and prevent this from happening rather than allow it to get worse and cause expensive repairs and water damages in the future. It is possible to resolve the issue of a blocked downpipe without the need for professional assistance employing a few DIY methods. Put on some rubber gloves to inspect the downpipe. If you can identify the obstruction blocking the downpipe, take it off with a piece of wire. If you find a more stubborn blockage further into the pipe then a drain rod or plumbing snake can be inserted into the downpipe to remove it manually. If you don't have a drain rod or plumbing snake on hand, a garden hose fitted with an nozzle that is high-pressure can be used to flush the downpipe. Begin with a gentle pressure and gradually increase it to 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 within the pipe. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be put down the drainpipe. The mixture will bubble and bubble, potentially breaking up the greasy build-up. If the downpipe remains blocked, an effective flush of hot water can also aid in clearing it. It is crucial to act quickly when dealing with blocked downpipes. If you do not have the tools or skills required to clear a downpipe, it's advisable to seek out a licensed local plumber for professional assistance. Downpipe Specialists redhill will have the tools and expertise to handle a downpipe obstruction efficiently and safely, thereby saving your time and money in the long term. Replacing a blocked Downpipe Blocked downpipes are one of the most frequent causes of drainage and gutter problems. They can impede the flow of rainwater, causing damage to your home and property. Take action immediately if you observe any of the warning signs of a clogged downpipe. A visible flow of water from your gutters and downpipe is a sure sign there's a blockage somewhere. You might also hear an unsettling sound as the water is trying to flow through, or you might smell a foul odour emanating from your downpipes. If you're worried, call an experienced plumber to clean your drain and for downpipe repairs. If the problem is not too serious, 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 you can clearly identify the root of the problem, remove the downpipe clips. Remove any section of pipe you need to until you locate it. If the blockage is deeper inside the downpipe, you could use flexible drain clearing rods to try to dislodge it. Once the blockage has been removed, you can reconnect any downpipe sections and fix the wall clips. Pouring a large stream of water down the downpipe should help flush out any debris that may have been stuck. You could also try tapping the downpipe at intervals, and listen for a different tone – this could indicate that you're getting closer to removing the obstruction. Cleaning your gutters regularly and downpipes can help reduce the risk of a blockage. Be sure to ensure that the leaves and twigs aren't clogging the drains and cut back any overhanging trees that could be causing issues. Consider switching to larger diameter pipes that can carry more rainwater and are less likely to be to get blocked by debris. A blocked downpipe could be a major hassle and cause a lot of damage to your home. If you're not at ease working at heights or the problem is too significant for DIY methods, it's always best to seek out a professional plumber.