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Leaking Downpipe Repair Strategies That Will Change Your Life
How to Deal With Leaking Downpipe Repair

If a downpipe is leaking it is essential to eliminate the obstruction and replace the damaged section of pipe as quickly as possible. Epoxy putty can be used to repair most types of downpipe.

First clean the area of leakage and get rid of any paint or rust. Cut the length of tape and wrap the joint with it, ensuring that the ends overlap.

Clean the area

The first thing to do following a leak is to get rid of any water and then clean the area. Use folkestone Downpipe Specialists to eliminate any remaining water and clean the floors and walls affected by the leak. This will also help to prevent the development of mildew and mould which can happen if the affected area is not properly dried.

The next step is to check for obstructions. A blocked downpipe can cause water to overflow and flow through the sides of your property which can cause damage to the walls, guttering, driveways and foundations. Blockages can be caused by twigs, leaves and other debris that are in your downpipe and guttering. Ice can cause blockages as well in colder temperatures.

In some instances the downpipe that is leaking may simply be blocked and you may be able to dislodge this using the help of a hose pipe and small amount of drain rod or wire. It is essential to clean your guttering and downpipe on a regular basis to avoid the accumulation of dirt which can cause blockages.


If you are unable to remove the obstruction, the section of the downpipe below the leak could be damaged and will need to be changed. This would mean taking the old pipe out and replacing it with a new one using connectors and fittings.

Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves prior to you begin the process of repairing the downpipe. Use a sturdy ladder when working at heights. Ask someone to help you. Have someone hold the hose at the base of the step ladder. Then switch on the water to full flow to clean the downpipe. This will let you work from the top downpipe, and ensure that you don't miss any areas that require repair. If the clog persists, it is best that you remove the hose from the downpipe and then use a plumber's snake to clear the obstruction.

Repair the joint

As with all plumbing repairs, it's always best to start by locating the source of the leak. The next step is to clean the area and ensure it's dry. This will ensure that the sealant adheres properly. Turn off the water supply close to the leaky part of the pipe before you begin.

This is particularly important in the event that the downpipe is supplying potable water, since you don't want to work with wet pipes!

Leaks in downpipes typically occur at the joins. The joints are usually exposed to extreme weather conditions, dirt and debris.

After you've cleaned your area and ensured it's dry, cut off a length of repair tape that is one centimetre larger than the width of the leak. Remove the paper backing from the tape and wrap it around the joint. When the tape is in place, apply a large amount of roof and gutter sealant on both sides of the joint. Press firmly to ensure a secure seal.

If the leak is in a cast iron downpipe, it could be because one of the fixing nails or screws have come loose. Replace the screw with a galvanised. It is also possible that the downpipe might be leaking because of a defective wall plug. If the downpipe that is leaking is plastic, it could be that the retaining clip has become loose and requires to be replaced.

PEX leaks are usually caused by the crimped connection which doesn't fully seal. A PEX crimping tool and an instrument for testing that is usually part of the tool are able to fix this problem.

Epoxy putty can also be used to repair the leaky downpipe. It can be made into a sausage-like shape that is a perfect fit for the pipe joint. Clean the pipe's surface to ensure it's dry, and then apply the putty to the affected area, making sure you completely fill in the crack or hole.

It is recommended to call a professional plumber if the leaky downpipe is causing extensive property damage or preventing rainwater to enter your home. This is a cost-effective and stress-free solution. It is also important to maintain your gutters on a regular basis to avoid future issues, like leaking downpipes.

Seal the joint

The joins around your downpipe can be a hotspot for leaks, particularly if they're made of different materials (like PVC and metal). Keep these joints clear of obstructions that could stop water from flowing freely, and can cause damage.

Regular cleaning will allow you to spot issues early and take preventative action But sometimes, things go wrong, and it is necessary to make a quick fix to stop the leak. You can create temporary seals with a range of different products.

Clean the area around the leak first to eliminate any loose paint and dirt. Dry the area, then score it with sandpaper in order to prepare it for the repair compound. Mix the components of the putty, and then knead it until it's malleable enough to mold to the damaged area. Press the putty tightly over the leak, overlapping the edges. Cover the area that has been repaired with a bandage and then wait several minutes or as directed by the product's instructions to allow the cast to harden.

Leaking downpipe joints can also be repaired using pipe repair clamps, which are available in a variety of sizes to match the width of your gutter. These clamps use the gasket of a metal with rubber bands to fix leaks along the length or end of a pipe. Unscrew the bolts that hold the clamp, then slide it over a leaking joint. Then tighten the bolts so that the gasket of rubber is pressed against the pipe.

A pipe connector made of rubber or repair sleeve is an alternative option to fix leaky downpipe joints. These sleeves are flexible enough to wrap around a leaky joint, and they work well on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. You can also try self-fusing pipe tape that creates a compression seal that resists water for up to three years if applied properly.

PEX (pressurised ethylene) leaks from pipes are usually caused by a faulty crimp at a connection. The leaks can be fixed with specialized tools. You'll require a specialized crimp tool with an assortment of test gauges, referred to as a "go/no-go" gauge, which matches the size of your PEX pipe. If the crimp is faulty, simply re-crimp it with the proper tool.

Clear the obstruction

Blocked downpipes are common causes of water damage to homes. They can cause flooding, damp walls and roof damage. To prevent further damage, it's important to clear any obstruction as fast as you can.

Shut off the water supply when you notice a clogged downpipe. Get rid of any debris in the area around the gutters that may be blocking the pipe. Also, wear rubber gloves and a dust mask to keep yourself safe from any corrosive substances.

A garden hose used to spray water down the downpipe will help clear any obstructions. If you're not successful, try using a plumbing snake. They can be bought from the internet or at a local hardware store. Certain are specifically designed for downpipes and come in different sizes. A drain snake is especially useful if there is lots of debris that is blocking water flow.

You can also use a wire or a metal rod to unblock a downpipe. Avoid sharp objects and make sure you're standing on a sturdy ladder. Before you begin, switch off any electrical fixtures, fittings or cables close to the downpipe. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and rubber gloves.

Another indication of a blocked downpipe is if there is a build-up of water at the bottom of the gutters and along the wall. This could cause dampness and mold growth. You can avoid this by cleaning your gutters, downpipes and gutters and trimming branches that hang overhanging.

Downpipes that are blocked can be extremely difficult to deal with, and it's essential to take care of them as soon as you can to avoid damage to your home. If you don't wish to or have the time to clean your own downpipe, it could be worth hiring an expert. They'll have the tools and experience necessary to deal with more complex obstructions and provide a viable solution. They can also provide advice on how to maintain downpipes to decrease the possibility of blockages occurring in the future.

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