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Precautionary Steps to Avoid Downpipe Repairs Downpipes play an essential role in channeling rainwater away from a house's foundation, preventing structural damage and water damage. Taking precautionary steps to maintain and inspect downpipes can help avoid costly repairs. Downpipes that are blocked can cause leakage and overflow. Regular cleaning and inspections can stop the obstruction. Signs of a Damaged Downpipe The downpipes are the foundation of the drainage system of your roof. They channel water away from foundations and shingles. They are exposed to the elements, and their continuous exposure to heavy rains and falling leaves could cause damage that could require repairs to the downpipe. One of the most common problems that can affect your downpipe is a blockage. Over time, organic debris such as leaves, twigs, and other organic materials can build up and cause a blockage. This stops the water from flowing freely. The downpipe itself could be damaged, causing cracks or holes that allow debris to enter and cause a obstruction. The beginning of corrosion is usually the reason for leaks in downpipes, but other causes could also be at play. Downpipes can be found in areas that are difficult to access, such as high roofs, or tight corners on walls. They are therefore more susceptible to impact damage. The force of the wind, a ladder being pushed against the pipe, or even children playing with it could cause leaks. If you suspect that your downpipe has started to leak It is best to seek help from a professional immediately. This will limit the damage and stop it from spreading. If a downpipe leak is left untreated, it could lead to water leaks throughout the house and result in expensive repair costs in the future. A blocked downpipe could be identified by puddles that form around the foundation following a rain. This can result in mold growth and moisture issues, as well as structural damage to the structure. Downpipes can be protected from obstructions by installing gutter guards, that are available in a broad variety of styles to fit your property. It is also important to keep a safe distance between your downpipes and trees to avoid branches hanging over the pipes that could block them and infiltrate the pipes by introducing roots. Regular cleaning of the downpipes and gutters are crucial, particularly in the fall when leaves, twigs and other debris can clog up faster. Using a ladder to reach these hard-to-reach spots can be risky so it's recommended to contact a professional. Ideally, you should also consider replacing your downpipes at this stage, before any potential damage becomes more severe. Repairing a Leaking Downpipe The guttering and downpipes that are in your home are designed to drain rainwater away to the walls and foundations. This means that if they get damaged, it could cause damp issues inside your home. This can be difficult and is often misdiagnosed as rising damp. This results in expensive injection damp treatment. The good news is that if the downpipe is leaky, it can be easily fixed with an inexpensive DIY kit. A pipe repair clamp, rubber patch or even silicone sealant can help to temporarily fix the leak and prevent further damage. Before you begin, make sure the pipe is completely dry and clean the area around the leak to get rid of any dirt or debris that could interfere with the repair. It is also important to make sure that any power is off to the area, and verifying that the area is safe to work using a non-contact electrical tester. A damaged or blocked part of pipe is usually the cause of a leaky downpipe. It is important to check and clean your gutters and downpipes regularly to prevent these from developing in the first place. Cleaning the downpipe will also aid in keeping water flowing freely, preventing it from being pushed out through the gaps, cracks and holes in your guttering system. For more details on how to safely and effectively clear and clean your guttering system, read our 'How to Clean Your Guttering & Downpipes' blog. A damaged or leaking drainpipe could cause mould and damp problems in your home. If this isn't addressed, it can impact the structure of your house and eventually lead to structural damage. It is possible to replace your downpipe if it is damaged. A professional gutter and downpipe installer can give you the best advice on replacement materials for your home, providing an enduring and weatherproof solution. Unblocking a blocked Downpipe A downpipe does what its name implies – it directs the rainwater away from your rooftop and onto the street, thus preventing flooding. However, it could become blocked by debris that block the flow of rainwater. This is not just an inconvenience but could cause serious structural damage to your property and health issues for your family and you. The clogged drains are usually the result of overflowing gutters and a build-up of debris. It is best to act to prevent this from happening, instead of waiting for it to get worse and result in costly repairs and water damage later on. You can get rid of the issue of a blocked downpipe without the assistance of a professional by using simple DIY methods. The first step is to put on rubber gloves and make an examination of the downpipe. If you see the offending debris that blocks the downpipe's opening, try fishing it out carefully using a wire. If the obstruction is more stubborn, you can put a drain rod in the downpipe and manually remove it. If you don't have the drain rod or plumbing snake on hand, a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle could be used to flush the downpipe. To ensure that the pipes aren't damaged, start with a gentle pressure and increase it gradually. Alternately, you could try pounding the downpipe that is blocked with your fist or a light rubber mallet to break up any compacted debris within the pipe. A mixture of vinegar and baking soda can be poured down the drainpipe. Guttering and Downpipe Services witney RepairMyWindowsAndDoors will bubble and fizz which can help remove the greasy buildup. If the downpipe is still blocked then a good flush of hot water can also aid in clearing it. A downpipe that is blocked can be a nightmare deal with and it's essential to act fast. If you do not have the tools or expertise required to unblock downpipes, it's best to seek out 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 term. Replacing a Clogged Downpipe The blocked downpipes can create drainage and gutter problems. They can hinder the flow of rainwater, causing damage to your property and home. If you notice any of the warning indicators of a blocked drain, take action quickly to avoid major problems. A visible flow of water in your downpipes and gutters is a sure indication that there's a blockage somewhere. You may be able to hear a gurgling sound as the water tries flow through or smell a foul smell coming from your downpipes. Call a plumber to perform cleaning and repair to your downpipe If you are worried. If the issue isn't severe, you can fix it yourself with some simple DIY steps. Put on gloves and perform a visual inspection. If you can clearly see the cause of the obstruction then remove the downpipe clips. Remove any sections of pipe you need to until you locate it. If the blockage is more in the downpipe, you could use flexible drain clearing rods to try to dislodge it. After the blockage has been cleared, you can attach any downpipe sections, and then fix the wall clips. Pouring a steady stream of water down the downpipe should help to flush out any debris that may have been stuck. You can tap the downpipe in intervals along its length and listen for a different noise – this will indicate that you are getting closer to the obstruction. Regularly cleaning your gutters and downpipes can help lessen the chance of obstruction. Be sure to ensure that the leaves and twigs aren't blocking the opening and cut back any trees that hang over the edge that could be causing problems. Consider changing to bigger diameter pipes that can move more rainwater and are less prone to getting to be blocked by debris. A blocked drainpipe could cause a lot inconvenience and even damage to your home. If you're not comfortable working from high heights or if the issue is too serious for DIY solutions, it's recommended to contact an expert.