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How to Repair a Blocked Downpipe Downpipes are a must for rainwater drainage system, since they help to divert water away from walls and roofs. If they leak or become blocked, however, major problems can occur. Leaks of water can infiltrate the home, causing damage and damp. It can also cause mould growth. If you suspect a downpipe blockage begin with a ladder and get rid of the debris. As you climb up the wall, remove sections of pipe using an adjustable drain probe. Clean the area A blocked downpipe can cause serious problems for your home, causing damp walls and even structural damage to the house. This is because the water that would normally drain from your roof and gutters, will instead overflow into your home. There are a few basic things you can to do keep your gutters clear and ensure your downpipes are flowing freely. First, remove any debris that may have been accumulating in your gutters. You can use a telescopic stepladder or ask someone to help. Then, run water through your downpipe. This can be done using a hose aimed directly into the downpipe, and increasing the pressure gradually. This will wash away any dirt that has accumulated and may even dislodge a blockage. If this isn't enough you, you can try a chemical degreaser. Follow the directions of the manufacturer because these products can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Installing mesh guards in your gutters is a different way to prevent obstructions. These guards function as sieves that separate larger dirt particles, such as leaves or twigs. They are especially useful if there are trees nearby because they are the primary reason behind obstructions to the downpipe. It is recommended to clean your downpipes regularly with the help of a garden hose. This will keep them clean and free of obstructions. It is important to clean around the downpipe if it's been damaged prior to applying sealant. This will stop leaks in the future. You can also paint your gutters using an impervious paint. This will prevent the rusting process and will make it easier to clean. It is recommended to clean your downpipes twice every year to keep them from becoming blocked. This will help keep them in good shape and will prevent costly damage from twigs or leaves. It's also a good idea to remove any ice off your downpipes during cold weather, as frozen water can lead to blockages. To keep yourself safe from dust, purchase a pair of gloves and a mask. Apply a sealant If a downpipe is damaged, it can be leaking into the house and cause undetectable damage. If this happens, it's important to act immediately. Fortunately, there are several ways to repair the damage and avoid further damage. One option is to use a silicone-based compound that adheres to wet surfaces. This is a simple option that can be utilized in many different areas of your home. Another option is to apply a PVC cement, which can be applied to the affected area of the pipe or joint. Before applying the cement, wash the area thoroughly and ensure that water does not get to the area that is damaged. Then, apply the cement according to the instructions of the manufacturer. Also, Guttering Specialist 's an excellent idea to clean the area around the downpipe. This will help prevent future issues and extend the life of your pipe. It is also crucial to reinstall the downpipe properly. Make sure to use bolts with anti-seize when installing the downpipe. If you don't do this the bolt could break or cross-thread, causing more problems. If the downpipe is leaky at its join, you can try sealing it with silicone or rubber repair tape. This kind of tape is sold in a variety of hardware stores and is simple to use. Wrap the tape around the damaged section of downpipe and cover the entire crack or hole. Another method of repairing a downpipe is to use epoxy resin. This versatile material can be used to seal cracks, bind materials, or fill holes. To make use of epoxy, first clean the area and let it dry completely. Then mix the epoxy according the instructions of the manufacturer. Once the epoxy is mixed, apply it to the area that requires repair. When you are repairing your downpipe it is crucial to keep in mind that blockages and leaks are the main causes of damage. By keeping your downpipes in good condition you can lower the risk of damage by preventing accumulation of bird's nests and debris. As part of your regular cleaning routine it is also recommended to consider replacing any damaged downpipe to ensure it's safe to use as the weather turns colder. Reinstall the downpipe Damage to your guttering, whether from heavy rain extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall, or even something as simple as leaning a ladder on the downpipe can cause serious issues. While cleaning can help to prevent a leak, it is also worth considering a more permanent solution like replacing the damaged section. If the downpipe leaks from the top, this is usually a sign that there is an obstruction. Try to clear it by covering the drain, turning on the water, then redirecting it upwards. It might require a few tries, but in the event that the water is held back by compacted debris, you'll be able to free it. A downpipe can become loose if the joints that connect it have worn themselves loose. This is a sign that the downpipes have become old particularly if they're made of PVC. To repair it clean the area around the joint and clean off any old paint or rust. Based on how well your guttering is maintained, you can repair the joints you have in place or replace them with galvanised joints. If you are replacing your downpipe it is an excellent idea to think about choosing aluminium rather than plastic. This material is more durable than plastic and doesn't suffer from the same issues like plastic, which is less durable alternatives. You should consider installing a gutter guard as well to prevent the possibility of future blockages. They are available at most DIY stores and they are simple to put in. They are designed to stop huge amounts of debris from getting into the guttering. You can get a variety of sizes to fit any home. As a rule, gutters should drain into an area of soakaway or surface water drain instead of the main drainage system. This will reduce the risk of flooding and keep your garden and driveway free of puddles. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the condition of your guttering, speak to an expert at your local Selleys branch. They can guide you on the best solution that is the best one for your needs. Their team of experts can visit your house to inspect and clean your downpipes giving you peace of mind that you are protected from elements. Repair the damaged section It is important to have a drainpipe in your plumbing system. However, if it leaks, it could be difficult to repair. Fortunately, there are several methods to repair your damaged downpipe. Sealant can be applied to the surface around the pipe. This will create a stronger connection and will prevent leaks from happening again. Another alternative is to repair the damaged section of the pipe. It is costly however it is worthwhile if there's an extensive leak. Cleaning the area is the initial step to fix the downpipe. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could be causing the leak. After the area has been cleaned, you can begin to apply a sealant to the damaged portion of the pipe. You should be careful to apply the sealant in a controlled manner and make sure that the pipe is covered. It can be difficult to pinpoint the source of the leak in your downpipe if it is leaking from the middle. This can be accomplished by running a wire that has an attached metal pipe through the downpipe to examine any areas that are blocked. You can dig up the downpipe to determine what's causing the blockage. Epoxy resin is a second option for fixing downpipes. This material can be used to fill joints or cracks in PVC pipes. It is important to make sure that the area affected is clean prior to applying the epoxy resin. You should also follow the instructions of the manufacturer when mixing and applying the epoxy. After the epoxy has dried, you can test for leaks. The final method of repairing a downpipe involves using fiberglass resin cloth. The material is similar in appearance to resin tape, but can be used for larger areas. To apply this product, you'll need to clean the pipe, sand it lightly, and create a more adhesive surface. Then, wrap the cloth around damaged area using a hose clip. This repair is long-lasting, but not as watertight as a new pipe.