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How to Deal With Leaking Downpipe Repair If a downpipe has begun to leak it is essential to eliminate the obstruction and replace the damaged part of pipe as quickly as you can. Epoxy putty can be used to fix most types of downpipe. Clean the area first and remove any loose paint or rust, as well as any other debris. Cut a length of repair tape and wrap it around the joint, ensuring that the ends overlap. Clean the area The first thing you should do following a leak is to remove any water and then clean the area. Make use of a wet vacuum to remove any standing water, and wipe down walls and floors that were affected by the leak. This will also help prevent the development of mildew and mould which can happen if a water-damaged area is not properly dried. Next, you must look for obstructions. Blocked downpipes 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 cases the downpipe that is leaking could simply be blocked. You might be able to clear this using a hose pipe and a small amount of drain rod or wire. However, it is recommended to regularly clean of your downpipe and guttering system to prevent the accumulation of dirt which can cause blockages. If you can't remove the blockage, the part of the downpipe below the leak may have been damaged and must be changed. This requires removal of the old pipe and replacing it with a new one using connectors and fittings. Before you begin to repair the downpipe, make sure that you're safe by wearing a pair of rubber gloves and safety glasses. If you're working from a height, always utilize a sturdy ladder and ask someone to support you. If you are unable reach the downpipe without assistance, it is recommended to have someone stand at the bottom of the ladder to hold the hose while turning it on full flow to flush the downpipe and clear the obstruction. This will allow you work from the top downpipe, and ensure that you don't miss any areas that require repair. If the blockage persists then it is recommended to take the hose off the downpipe, and then use a plumber's snake to clear the obstruction. Repair the joint As with all plumbing repairs it is best to begin by finding the source of the leak. The next step is to clean the area and make sure it's dry. This will ensure that the sealant adheres properly. Before commencing, turn off the water supply at the valve closest to the pipe that is leaking. This is especially important if the downpipe is supplying potable water. You don't want to work with pipes that are wet! Leaks in downpipes usually occur around the joins. The joins are typically exposed to extreme conditions, dirt and debris. After you've cleaned your area and checked that it's dry, cut the repair tape that is one centimetre larger than the length of the leak. Remove the paper backing from the tape and wrap it around the joint. Once the tape is secure then apply a generous amount of roof and gutter sealant to both sides of the joint. Press with a firm pressure to create an effective seal. If the leak is coming from a cast iron downpipe, one of the fixing screws or nails may have slipped out. Replace the screw with a galvanised one. The downpipe could also be loose because of a faulty wall connector. If the downpipe is constructed of plastic the retaining clip might be loose and require to be replaced. PEX leaks are normally caused by the crimped connection which doesn't fully seal. This can be fixed with the PEX Crimp Tool and a test gauge that is usually included with the Crimp tool. Epoxy putty can be used to repair leaky downpipes. It can be formed into a sausage shape that is a perfect fit for the joint of the pipe. Apply the putty following a wipe of the pipe surface dry. Make sure to fill the entire crack or hole. If the leaky downpipe is causing significant damage to your home, or blocking rainwater from entering your house It is worth calling an experienced plumber for a quick and cost-effective solution. In the ideal scenario, you'll need to carry out regular maintenance of your guttering to prevent issues such as downpipe leaks in the future. Seal the joint The joints around your downpipe can be a hotspot for leaks, especially in the case of pipes made of different materials (like metal and PVC). Make sure these joints are clear of obstructions that could block water flow freely and causing damage. Regular cleaning can help you spot problems earlier and preventive measures are essential. But sometimes, things go wrong and a swift fix will be needed to stop leaking. You can make 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 and then score it with sandpaper. This will prepare it for the repair compound. Mix the ingredients for the putty and knead until it is malleable. Cover the edges with putty and then press it on the leak. Cover the repaired area with a bandage and wait for a few minutes or as instructed by product instructions to allow the cast to harden. Leaking downpipe joints may also be fixed with clamps for pipe repair, which are available in various sizes to fit the width of your gutter. These devices use a metal band with an elastomer gasket that is secured by bolts to temporarily fix leaks at the end of a pipe or along its length. Simply remove the bolts that secure the clamp and slide it over the joint that is leaking, then tighten the bolts until they compress the rubber gasket against the pipe. A rubber pipe connector or repair sleeve is a different option to fix leaky downpipe joints. These sleeves are flexible enough to wrap around a leaking joint, and they work well on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. Self-fusing tape is a great option to create a compression seal which will withstand water for as long as three years if applied correctly. PEX (pressurised ethylene) pipe leaks are usually caused by a defective the crimp on a connection. These leaks can be repaired by using specialized tools. You'll require a specialized Crimp tool and an assortment of test gauges, known as a “go/no-go” gauge that is the same size of your PEX pipe. If the crimp has failed, simply re-crimp it with the correct tool. Clear the blockage Blocked downpipes are a common cause of water damage to homes. They can cause a range of issues, including flooding, damp walls, and roof damage. To prevent further damage, it is important to remove a blockage as quickly as you can. If you've got a clogged downpipe, the initial thing to do is turn off the water supply. Clean Downpipe Specialists from the area around the gutters that could be blocking the pipe. Also, wear rubber gloves and a dust mask in order to protect yourself from any gunky materials. A garden hose used to spray water over the downpipe can help to clear any obstructions. If this doesn't work, you can try using a plumber's snake. You can purchase them online or at your local hardware store. Certain are designed specifically for downpipes, and they are available in various sizes. A drain snake can be especially useful in the event that you have a substantial amount of debris that is blocking the flow of water. You can also make use of a wire or metal rod to unblock a downpipe. Avoid sharp objects and make sure you are standing on an stable ladder. Before beginning, turn off any electrical fittings, fixtures, or cables that are near the downpipe. Wearing safety goggles, rubber gloves and safety glasses is also recommended. A accumulation of water along the walls and at the bottom of gutters is another indication of a downpipe that is blocked. This could cause dampness and lead to mould growth. You can prevent this from happening by cleaning your gutters, downpipes and gutters, and trimming overhanging branches. Downpipes that are blocked can be difficult to clear and it's important to tackle them as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home. If you don't want or aren't able to clean your own downpipe, it might be worth hiring a professional. They'll have the equipment and expertise to tackle more complicated blockages and provide a quick and efficient solution. They can also give you advice on how to maintain your downpipes and decrease the chance of blockages in the future.