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How to Deal With Leaking Downpipe Repair If you have a leaking downpipe, it is important to clear the obstruction as quickly as you can and replace the damaged portion of pipe. Fortunately, the majority of downpipes can be fixed by using epoxy putty. Clean the area first, and remove any loose paint or other debris. Cut an appropriate length of tape and wrap the joint in it, ensuring that the ends are in line. Clean the area The first thing you should do following a leak is to clear away any water and clean up the area. Utilize a wet vacuum to eliminate any remaining water and clean the floors and walls affected by the leak. This will also help stop the growth of mildew and mould that can develop when an area that has been damaged by water is not properly dried. Next, check for obstructions. Blocked downpipes can cause water to overflow and flow through the sides of your property and cause damage to the walls guttering, driveways, and foundations. Leaves, twigs and other debris in your downpipe or guttering can cause blockages by preventing water from flowing freely, and ice in colder temperatures can also restrict the flow of water. In some instances, the downpipe that's leaking may be blocked. You may be able get it out using an hosepipe and wire or drain rod. It is essential to wash your guttering and downpipe on a regular basis to avoid the accumulation of dirt that can cause blockages. If you are unable to clear the blockage, it's likely that the section of downpipe below the leak has been damaged and could need to be replaced. This will require removing the old pipe and replacing it with a brand new one with fittings and connectors. Before you begin to repair the downpipe, make sure that you're safe by wearing rubber gloves and safety glasses. Make use of a sturdy ladder when working at the heights. Request assistance from someone to help you. Request someone to hold the hose near the bottom of the step ladder. Then switch the water on full flow so that you can flush out the downpipe. This will allow you to work from the top of the downpipe and help to ensure that you don't miss any areas that need repair. If the blockage continues to persist, it is recommended to unblock the hose and use a plumbing snake to remove the obstruction. Repair the joint It is recommended to begin any plumbing repair by locating the leak. The next step is to clean the area and make sure it's dry. This will ensure that the sealant is adhered properly. Switch off the water supply close to the leaky part of the pipe prior to beginning. This is particularly important when the downpipe is providing potable water. You do not want to work with pipes that are leaking! Leaks in downpipes often occur around the joins. The joins are typically exposed to extreme weather conditions, dirt and debris. Once you've cleaned and dried the area, cut a piece of tape that is about one centimetre longer than length of the leak. Remove the paper backing from the tape and wrap it around the joint. Once the tape is in place apply large amounts of gutter and roof sealing compound to both sides of the joint. Press with a firm pressure to create a solid seal. If the leak is on a cast iron downpipe it could be that one of the fixing nails or screws has become loose. It is easily fixed 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 might have become loose and need to be replaced. PEX leaks can result from an uncrimped connector that isn't sealed completely. This can be easily fixed by using the PEX Crimp Tool and a test gauge that is typically included with the crimp tool. Epoxy putty can be used to repair leaky downpipes. It can be formed into a sausage-like shape that fits the pipe joint. Apply the putty after wiping the pipe surface dry. Make sure you completely cover the crack or hole. It's worth contacting an experienced plumber if the leaky drain is causing severe damage to your property or is hindering rainwater from entering your home. This is a cost-effective and easy solution. Ideally, you should also carry out regular maintenance of your gutters to avoid problems such as downpipe leaks in the future. Seal the joint The joints around your downpipe can be a hotspot for leaks, particularly when they're made from different materials (like PVC and metal). Keep Repair My Windows And Doors of blockages that could block water flow freely and causing damage. Regular cleaning will aid in identifying problems 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 a few products that you can use to make a temporary seal. Clean the area around the leak first, to get rid of any dirt and paint that may be loose. Dry the area and score it with sandpaper. This will prepare it for the repair compound. Mix the putty ingredients and then knead until the mix is flexible. 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 directed by product instructions for the casting to harden. Leaking downpipe joints can also be repaired using pipe repair clamps that are available in various sizes to suit your gutter width. These devices use an aluminum gasket and an elastic band to repair leaks along the length or at the end of the pipe. Simply unscrew the bolts that hold the clamp and place it on the leaking joint and then tighten the bolts to force the gasket of rubber against the pipe. A pipe connector made of rubber or repair sleeve is another solution to fix leaky downpipe joints. These sleeves are flexible and can be wrapped around a leaky joint. They work well with polyvinylchloride (PVC). Self-fusing tape is a great option to create a compression seal which can withstand water for up to three years if properly applied. PEX (pressurised ethylene) leaks in pipes are typically caused by a faulty crimp at a connection. These leaks can be repaired with specialized tools. You'll need to use a specialised tool that has the test gauges (also called “go/no go” gauges) that match the size of your PEX pipes. If the crimp is not working, simply re-crimp it with the right tool. Clear the blockage Water damage in homes is often the result of blocked downpipes. They can cause flooding, damp walls and roof damage. It is important to clear a blockage quickly and efficiently to avoid further damage. If you've got a blocked downpipe, the initial thing to do is turn off the water supply. Remove any debris from the gutters or surrounding area that may be blocking the pipe. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves and a mask to keep yourself safe from any corrosive materials. A garden hose can be used to spray water down the downpipe in order to remove any blockages. If this doesn't work, try using a plumbing snake. They can be bought online or in your local hardware store. Some are specifically designed to be used for drainpipes, and they come in a variety of sizes. Drain snakes are particularly useful when there is an abundance of debris obstructing water flow. You can also deblock the downpipe by using a rod or wire. You should avoid sharp objects and ensure that you are standing on an stable ladder. If the downpipe is close to electrical fixtures, fittings or cables, ensure that they are turned off prior to commencing work. Wearing rubber gloves, safety goggles and safety glasses is also recommended. A accumulation of water along the walls and at the bottom of gutters is another indication of a blocked downpipe. This could cause dampness and lead to mould growth. You can prevent this from happening by cleaning your gutters, drainpipes, and trimming overhanging branches. Downpipes that are blocked can be extremely difficult to clean and it's important to take care of them as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home. If you don't wish to or have the time to clean your own downpipe, it might be worth hiring a professional. They will have the tools and expertise needed to deal with more complex obstructions, and will be able to offer a solution that is effective. They can also offer advice on how to maintain downpipes in order to reduce the chance of blockages in the future.