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Precautionary Steps to Avoid Downpipe Repairs Downpipes are vital in directing rainwater away foundation of a house as well as preventing water damage and structural damage. By taking the proper precautions to inspect and maintain your downpipes, you will save money on repairs. Downpipes can easily become blocked by debris, which can cause excessive leaks and overflows. Regular cleaning and inspection can prevent clogging and damage. Signs of a damaged downpipe Downpipes function as the hearthhorses of your roof's drainage system for rainwater, channelling water away from shingles and foundations. They are exposed to the elements, and their continual exposure to heavy rains and falling leaves could cause damage that may require downpipe repairs. One of the most common issues that can affect your downpipe is obstruction. Debris such as 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 may let debris in creating a clog. The beginning of corrosion is usually the reason for leaks in downpipes, but other causes could also be at play. Downpipes can be located in places that are difficult to reach like high roofs, or in tight corners on walls. This makes them vulnerable to damage caused by impact. Leaks can be caused by heavy winds, a ladder leaned against the pipe, or children playing. If you notice that your downpipe is leaking It is best to seek professional assistance immediately. This will limit the damage, and prevent it from spreading. Leaving a leaking downpipe untreated could lead to water leaks in the house and can result in costly repairs in the future. A blocked downpipe can also be detected by puddles which form around the foundation following rain. This can lead to mold growth, moisture issues and structural damage. 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 the proper distance between trees and your downpipes to avoid branches hanging over the pipes that can block them and infiltrate the pipes by introducing roots. Regularly cleaning your downpipe and its guttering is also vital, particularly in the fall when leaves, twigs and other debris can clog them more quickly. Using a ladder to reach these difficult-to-access areas can be risky, so it's best to seek out a professional. You should also change your downpipes prior to the damage becomes more severe. Repairing a Leaking Downpipe The guttering and downpipes inside your home are there to drain excess rainwater away from your walls and foundations. Unfortunately, this means that if they become damaged, they can cause damp issues inside your home. It can be difficult to detect and is often misdiagnosed as rising damp, resulting in costly injection damp treatments. If your downpipe is leaking, you can fix it with DIY kits. Utilizing a pipe repair clamp or rubber patch, or even silicone sealant can help to temporarily stop the leak and avoid further damage. Before beginning, ensure that the pipe is dry and carefully clean around the leak area to remove any debris or dirt that could hinder the repair. Also, you should shut off the power to the area and use an electrical tester that is non-contact to verify that it is safe to work. A damaged or blocked section of pipe is usually the reason for a leaky downpipe. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your gutters and downpipes will prevent any problems from happening. Cleaning the downpipe can help to keep water flowing freely, and prevent it from being forced out through cracks, gaps and holes in your guttering system. For more details about how to effectively and safely clear and clean your guttering system, see our blog 'How to Clean Your Guttering & Downpipes' blog. A damaged or leaking drainpipe can cause mould and damp problems in your home. If this is not corrected it can impact the structure of your house and eventually result in structural damage. It is possible to replace your downpipe if it is damaged. A professional gutter and pipe installation expert can give you the best recommendations for replacement materials, and ensure that your home is weatherproof and durable. Unblocking a blocked Downpipe A downpipe does exactly what it's 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 block the flow of rainwater. This is not just a nuisance but can cause serious structural damage to your home and health issues for you and your family. Overflowing gutters can lead to clogged downpipes. It is recommended to take action to stop this from happening, rather than letting it get worse and result in costly repairs and water damage later on. It is possible to resolve an obstruction in the downpipe without need for professional help, employing a few DIY methods. The first step is to put on some rubber gloves and take an inspection of the downpipe. If you are able to identify what is blocking the downpipe, you can take it off with a piece of wire. If the blockage is more difficult to remove, you can put a drain rod in the downpipe and remove it. If you don't happen to have a drain snake or a drain rod on hand, a garden hose with a high pressure nozzle can work. To avoid damaging gutter and downpipe replacement Repair My Windows And Doors start with a gentle pressure and increase it gradually. You could also try slapping the blocked pipe with your fist or a light rubber mallet. This will help break the debris that has accumulated inside. A mixture of vinegar and baking soda can be poured into the drainpipe. The mixture will fizz and bubble, potentially breaking up greasy build-up. If the downpipe is blocked, a good flush with hot water can also help to clear it. A downpipe that is blocked can be a nightmare to manage, but it's important to act quickly. If you do not have the tools or skills required to clear a downpipe, it's advisable to call a licensed local plumber for expert assistance. They'll have the tools and know-how to tackle an obstruction to the downpipe safely and effectively, saving your time and money in the long run. Replacing a blocked Downpipe Blocked downpipes are one of the most frequent causes of gutter and drainage issues. They can block the water flow, causing damage to your property and home. If you observe any of the warning signs of a blocked downpipe be sure to act quickly to avoid serious issues. A visible flow of water in your downpipe and gutters is a sure sign that there's a blockage somewhere. You may also hear an gurgling sound when the water attempts to flow through, or smell a foul odour emanating from your downpipes. Get a plumber in to do cleaning and repair to your downpipe if you are concerned. If the problem is not too severe it is possible to fix it with a few simple DIY steps. Put on a pair of gloves and conduct a visual inspection. If you can see the root of the blockage, take out the downpipe clips and remove any sections of pipe until you locate the blockage. If the blockage is deep within the downpipe you can attempt to remove it using flexible drain clearing rods. After the blockage has been removed, you can reconnect any downpipe section. You can also repair the wall clips. Pouring a large stream of water down the pipe will help flush out any debris that may have been clogging it. You can also try tapping the downpipe along its length in intervals and listening for a different tone – this could indicate that you're getting closer to removing the obstruction. You should also regularly clean your gutters and downpipes to reduce the chance of blockages. Check that leaves and twigs aren't blocking the opening and trim any overhanging branches that could cause problems. Consider changing to bigger diameter pipes that can transport more rainwater and are less likely to be clogged with debris. A blocked drainpipe can cause a lot of problems and damage to your home. If you're not confident working from high heights or if the issue is too severe for DIY solutions, you should to seek out a professional.