How to Deal With Leaking Downpipe Repair
If you have a leaking downpipe, it is important to get rid of the blockage as quickly as possible and then replace the damaged part of pipe. Fortunately, most types of downpipes can be fixed with epoxy putty.
First, clean the leaky area and get rid of any paint or rust. Cut the length of tape and wrap the joint in it, making sure that the ends are in line.
Clean the area
After a leak, your first thing to do is to get rid of any standing water and then clean the area. Use a wet vac to remove any standing water and then clean the walls and floors that were affected by the leak. This will also help prevent the growth and spread of mildew or mould that can develop when an area has been damaged by water is not dried properly.
The next step is to look for obstructions. Downpipes that are blocked result in water overflowing which causes damage to your walls, guttering and foundations. Blockages can be caused by leaves, twigs and other debris that are in your guttering and downpipe. Ice can also cause blockages in colder temperatures.
In some cases the downpipe that's leaking may simply be blocked. It is possible to remove it using a hosepipe and a drain rod or wire. It is nevertheless recommended to carry out regular cleaning of your guttering system and downpipe to prevent the accumulation of dirt that can cause obstructions.
If you are unable to remove the blockage, it is likely that the section of downpipe below the leak has been damaged and may require replacement. This would mean removing the old pipe and replacing it with a brand new one, using fittings and connectors.
Before you begin the process of repairing the downpipe, ensure that you're safe by wearing rubber gloves and safety glasses. If you're working at height, always make use of a sturdy ladder and have someone support you. Request someone to hold the hose at the bottom of the ladder and switch on the water to full flow so that you can clean the downpipe. This will allow you to work from the top of the downpipe and to ensure that you don't miss any areas that require repair. If the blockage persists it is recommended to take the hose off the downpipe and use a plumber's snake to clear the obstruction.
Repair the joint
Like any plumbing repair it is always recommended to begin 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 to the pipe in a proper manner. Before beginning, shut off the water supply at the valve nearest the pipe that is leaking.
This is especially important when the downpipe is providing potable water. You do not want to work with wet pipes!
Leaks in downpipes often occur at the joints. This is because the joins are exposed to harsh weather and the build-up of dirt and debris.
After you have cleaned and dried the area, cut a piece of tape about one centimetre more than the width of the leak. Remove the paper backing and wrap the tape around the joint. Once the tape is in position Apply generous amounts of gutter and roof sealing compound to both sides of the joint. Press the joint firmly to ensure a good seal.
If the leak is located on a cast iron downpipe, it could be because one of the fixing screws or nails have come loose. Easily remedied by replacing the screw with a brand new galvanised screw. The downpipe may also be loose because of an ineffective wall connector. If the downpipe is made of plastic, the retaining clip may be loose and will need to be replaced.
PEX leaks can be caused by the connector being crimped, but isn't sealed completely. This can be fixed by using a PEX Crimp tool and test gauge, which are typically included with the crimp tool.
Epoxy putty can also be used to repair leaky downpipes. It can be molded into a sausage-like shape that fits the joint of the pipe. Apply the putty after wiping the pipe surface dry. Make sure to fill the entire crack or hole.
didcot Downpipe Specialists is recommended to call an experienced plumber if the leaky downpipe is causing extensive damage to property or hindering rainwater from entering your home. This is a cost-effective and stress-free solution. You should also check your guttering regularly to avoid any future issues like leaking downpipes.
Seal the joint
Leaks can develop at joints of your downpipe, particularly when it's constructed of different materials. Make sure these joints are free of blockages that could block water flow freely, and cause damage.
Regular cleaning can allow you to spot issues early and take preventative actions, but sometimes things go wrong and it is necessary to make a quick fix to stop the leak. There are several products that can be used to make an interim seal.
First clean the area around the leak to remove dirt and loose paint. 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 it is pliable. Apply the putty with a firm pressure over the leak, covering the edges. Cover the repaired area with a bandage, and wait several minutes or as suggested by the manufacturer's instructions for the casting to set.
Leaking downpipe joints can be repaired using pipe repair clamps, which are available in a variety of sizes to fit your gutter's width. These devices make use of an aluminum band and rubber gasket, which is secured with bolts to fix leaks temporarily at the pipe's end or along its length. Simply loosen the bolts that secure the clamp and slide it over the leaking joint and then tighten the bolts to force the gasket of rubber against the pipe.
Rubber pipe connectors or repair sleeves are another option to fix leaky downpipe joints. These sleeves are flexible enough to wrap around a leaking joint and are able to work on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. You can also try self-fusing tape that forms an impermeable seal that can withstand water for up to three years if applied correctly.
A faulty crimp is usually the cause of leaks in PEX (pressurised Ethylene) pipes. These leaks are more difficult to repair, but they are able to be fixed with special tools. You'll require an instrument that is specifically designed to have an array of test gauges (also called "go/no go" gauges) that are the same size of your PEX pipes. If the crimping tool isn't working, you'll need to change the crimping method using the appropriate tool.
Clear the blockage
Blocked downpipes are the most common cause of water damage to homes. They can cause a range of issues, including flooding, damp walls and roof damage. To avoid further damage, it is essential to remove the obstruction as soon as possible.
If you have a blocked downpipe, the first step to do is turn off the water supply. Then, carefully remove any debris that is blocking the pipe from the gutters and surrounding area. Wear rubber gloves and dust masks to shield yourself against any gunky substances.
A garden hose can be used to spray water down the drainpipe in order to remove any obstructions. If this doesn't work, try using a plumbing snake. These can be purchased from the internet or at a local hardware store. Certain are specifically designed for downpipes and come in different sizes. A drain snake is particularly beneficial if there is an abundance of debris obstructing the flow of water.
You can also deblock a downpipe using a metal rod or wire. Also, be aware of sharp objects and make sure that you are standing on a sturdy ladder. Before you begin, turn off any electrical fixtures, fittings, or cables that are close to the downpipe. Wearing rubber gloves, safety goggles and safety glasses are recommended.
Another sign 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 mould growth. You can prevent this by regularly cleaning your gutters and downpipes and keeping branches that hang overhanging kept tidy.
Downpipes that are blocked can be difficult to clear, and it's essential to tackle them as soon as you can to avoid further destruction to your home. If you don't have the time or desire to clean your downpipe yourself it might be a good idea to call an expert. They'll have the tools and expertise required to tackle more complicated obstructions, and will be able to provide an effective solution. They will also provide advice on how to maintain your downpipes and reduce the likelihood of future blockages.