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7 Things You've Never Knew About Leaking Downpipe Repair
How to Deal With Leaking Downpipe Repair

If a downpipe is leaking it is essential to eliminate the obstruction and replace the bad section of pipe as quickly as you can. Fortunately, most types of downpipe can be repaired with epoxy putty.

First clean the leaky area and clean off any paint or rust. Then cut a length of repair tape and wrap it around the joint, ensuring that the ends overlap.

Clean the area

After a leak, your first step is to remove any standing water and clean the area. Make use of a vacuum cleaner to eliminate any remaining water and wipe down the floors and walls affected by the leak. This will also prevent the growth and spread of mildew or mould that may occur if an area damaged by water isn't dried properly.

Then, look for obstructions. Downpipes that are blocked can cause water to overflow and run across the sides of your property which can cause damage to walls guttering, driveways, and foundations. Leaves, twigs and debris in your downpipe or guttering can cause blockages by preventing water from flowing freely and ice in colder temperatures can also impede the flow of water.

In certain instances, the downpipe that's leaking may be blocked. It may be possible to get it out using a hosepipe and a drain rod or wire. It is nevertheless recommended to regularly clean of your downpipe and guttering system to prevent the accumulation of dirt which can cause blockages.

If you cannot dislodge the obstruction, it is likely that the part of downpipe below the leak has been damaged and could require replacement. This would mean removal of the old pipe and replacing it with a brand new one with fittings and connectors.

Before you begin to repair the downpipe, ensure that you're safe by wearing a pair of rubber gloves and safety glasses. If you are working at high altitude, you must use a solid ladder and ask someone else to help you. Ask someone to hold the hose near the bottom of the ladder and switch on the water to full flow so that you can flush out the downpipe. This will allow 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 any plumbing repair it is best to begin by finding the source of the leak. The next step is to clean the area and ensure it's dry. This will ensure that the sealant is adhered properly. Switch off the water supply near the leaky section of pipe before you begin.

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


Leaks in downpipes typically occur around the joins. The joints are usually exposed to harsh conditions, dirt and debris.

After you've cleaned and dried the area, cut a piece of tape about one centimetre more than the length of the leak. Remove the backing paper from the tape and wrap it around the joint. Once the tape is in position Apply ample amounts of gutter and roof sealing compound to both sides of the joint. Press firmly to achieve a solid seal.

If the leak originates from a cast-iron downpipe or a fixation screws or nails may have become loose. Replace the screw with a galvanised one. Alternatively, the downpipe could be leaking due to a faulty wall plug. If the downpipe is constructed of plastic the retaining clip could be loose and will need to be replaced.

PEX leaks can be caused by a crimped connector that does not seal completely. A PEX Crimping Tool and a test gauge that is usually part of the tool are able to correct this issue.

Alternatively, epoxy putty is another option for leaky downpipes, since it can be made into a sausage shape to fit the pipe joint. Clean the pipe's surface to ensure that it is dry, and apply the putty to the affected area, making sure you fill the entire crack or hole.

If the downpipe that is leaking is causing extensive damage your property, or is preventing rainwater from entering your house it is worth calling an experienced plumber for a hassle-free and cost-effective solution. It is recommended that you conduct regular maintenance on your gutters to avoid issues such as downpipe leaks in the future.

Seal the joint

The joints around your downpipes can be a hot spot for leaks, especially in the case of pipes made of different materials (like metal and PVC). Cleanliness of these joints helps to prevent blockages that stop water from flowing freely and could cause damage.

Regular cleaning will aid in identifying problems early and take preventative action But sometimes, things go wrong, and you need a quick fix to stop the leak. You can make temporary seals using a variety of products.

Clean the area around the leak first to eliminate any paint or dirt that has escaped. Dry the area and then score it using sandpaper. This will prepare it for the repair compound. Mix the ingredients for the putty and knead until the mixture is pliable. Cover the edges with putty and press it firmly on the leak. Cover the repaired area and let it sit for a few minutes, or as directed in the instructions of the product, until the cast hardens.

Pipe repair clamps are used to fix leaky downpipe joints. They come in a variety of sizes based on gutter width. These devices use a metal band with an elastomer gasket that is secured by bolts to fix leaks temporarily at the pipe's end or along its length. Unscrew the bolts that hold the clamp and place it on a leaky joint. Then tighten the bolts to ensure that the rubber gasket is pressed against the pipe.

downpipe replacement near me made of rubber or repair sleeve is an alternative option for fixing leaky downpipe joints. They are flexible and can be wrapped around leaky joints. They are compatible with polyvinylchloride (PVC). You may also try self-fusing pipe tape that creates the appearance of a compression seal, which can withstand water for up to three years if it is applied correctly.

A faulty crimp is usually the reason for leaks in PEX (pressurised Ethylene) pipes. The leaks can be fixed with the help of specialized tools. You'll require a specialized Crimp tool that comes with a set of test gauges, referred to as a "go/no-go" gauge that is the same dimensions of your PEX pipe. If the crimping is not working, you can simply change the crimping method using the appropriate tool.

Clear the obstruction

Damage to homes from water is often caused by blocked downpipes. They can lead to flooding, damp walls and roof damage. To prevent further damage, it is essential to clear a blockage as quickly as you can.

Switch off the water source when you notice a clogged downpipe. Clean any debris from the downpipe or around it that could block the pipe. Wear rubber gloves and dust masks to protect yourself from any corrosive substances.

Using a garden hose to spray water over the downpipe will help clear any obstructions. If this doesn't help you, try using a plumber's snake. These are available from the internet or at a local hardware store. Some are specifically designed for downpipes and are available in various sizes. Drain snakes are particularly useful if there is an abundance of debris obstructing the flow of water.

You can also deblock the downpipe by using a rod or wire. Also, be careful to avoid any sharp objects and make sure that you're standing on a stable ladder. Before you begin, switch off any electrical fixtures, fittings, or cables that are near the downpipe. It is also recommended to wear safety glasses and rubber gloves.

Another indication of an obstruction to the downpipe is when there is a build-up water around the gutters' bottom and along the wall. This can lead to dampness and the growth of mould. You can stop this from happening by regularly cleaning your gutters and downpipes and keeping overhanging tree branches kept tidy.

It isn't easy to tackle an obstruction in your downpipe. It is essential to take action immediately to prevent any further damage to your house. If you don't want to or have the time to clean your own downpipe, it might be worth hiring a professional. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to deal with more complex blockages and can provide a quick and efficient solution. They can also provide advice on how to keep downpipes clean to decrease the possibility of blockages occurring in the future.

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