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How to Deal With Leaking Downpipe Repair If you're experiencing leaks in your downpipe, it is important to remove the blockage as quickly as you can and then replace the damaged part of pipe. Fortunately, all types of downpipe can be repaired by using epoxy putty. First clean the area of leakage and remove any loose paint or rust. Cut the length of tape and wrap the joint with it, making sure that the ends are in line. Clean the area After a leak, your first step is to eliminate any standing water and wash the area. Use a wet vacuum to get rid of any water that is still standing and clean the walls and floors affected by the leak. This can also help stop the growth of mould and mildew which can happen if an area that has been damaged by water is not dried properly. Next, you must look for obstructions. Downpipes that are blocked can cause water to overflow and run across the sides of your property, causing damage to your walls guttering, driveways, and foundations. The accumulation of leaves, twigs and other debris in your downpipe or guttering can blockage the flow of water from flowing freely, and ice in colder temperatures can also hinder the flow of water. In some cases 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 crucial to clean your gutters and downpipe frequently to avoid the accumulation of dirt that could cause blockages. If you cannot dislodge the blockage, it is likely that the section of downpipe that is 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 with fittings and connectors. Before you begin the process of repairing the downpipe, ensure that you are safe by wearing a pair of rubber gloves and safety glasses. Make sure you have a sturdy ladder working at the heights. Request assistance from someone to help you. Have someone hold the hose at the bottom of the ladder and switch on the water to full flow to flush out the downpipe. This will allow you work from the top of the downpipe and ensure that you don't miss any spots that require repair. If the clog continues to persist then it is recommended to remove the hose from the downpipe and then use a plumber's snake to clear 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 ensure it's dry. This will ensure the sealant is properly adhered to. Before you begin, shut off the water supply at the valve nearest the pipe section that is leaky. It is essential to stay clear of working with pipes that are soaked, especially in the event that the downpipe provides potable water. Leaks in downpipes usually occur at the joins. The joins are often exposed to extreme weather conditions and dirt and debris. After you've dried and cleaned the area, cut a piece of tape about one centimetre longer than length of the leak. Remove the paper backing and wrap the tape around the joint. Once the tape is secured then apply a large amount of gutter and roof sealant to both sides of the joint. Press firmly to ensure a tight seal. If the leak originates from a cast-iron downpipe or a fixation screws or nails may have become loose. It is easily fixed by replacing the screw with a brand new galvanised screw. The downpipe could be loosened due to an ineffective wall connector. If the downpipe is constructed of plastic the retaining clip could be loose and will need to be replaced. PEX leaks can result from a crimped connector that doesn't seal completely. This can be fixed by using a PEX Crimp tool and test gauge, which is usually supplied with the Crimp tool. Epoxy putty can also be used to fix a leaking downpipe. It can be molded into a sausage-like shape that will fit the joint of the pipe. Simply wipe the pipe surface to ensure it's dry, then apply the putty to the affected area, making sure you completely fill in the crack or hole. If the downpipe that is leaking is causing extensive damage to your home, or blocking rainwater from getting into your home, it's worth calling in a professional plumber for a stress-free and cost-effective solution. You should also check your gutters regularly to avoid future issues, like leaking downpipes. Seal the joint The joins around your downpipe can be a hotspot for leaks, particularly when they're made from different materials (like PVC and metal). Cleanliness of these joints helps keep water from flowing freely and can cause damage. Regular cleaning can help you spot problems early and preventive actions are necessary. But, there are times when things happen and a quick fix is needed to stop the leakage. There are a few items that you can use to create a temporary seal. First clean the area around the leak to remove dirt and loose paint. Dry the area and score it with sandpaper. This will prepare it for the repair compound. Mix the putty ingredients and knead until it is pliable. Overlap the edges of the putty and press it firmly on the leak. Cover the repaired area with a bandage and wait for a few minutes or as instructed by the manufacturer's instructions to allow the cast to harden. Leaking downpipe joints can be fixed with pipe repair clamps that are available in various sizes to match your gutter width. These devices utilize a metal gasket with a rubber band to repair leaks along the length or end of a pipe. Remove the bolts that are holding the clamp and place it on a leaky joint. Then tighten the bolts until the rubber gasket is pressed against the pipe. Repair sleeves are another option for fixing 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 may also try self-fusing pipe tape, which 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. These leaks can be more tricky to repair, but they are able to be repaired with the help of special tools. You'll need an instrument that is specifically designed to have a set test gauges (also called “go/no go” gauges) that match the size of your PEX pipes. If the crimp has failed then simply re-crimp the pipe using the correct tool. Clear the blockage The water damage in homes is usually caused by blocked downpipes. They can cause a range of issues including flooding, damp walls, and roof damage. It is important to clear a blockage quickly and efficiently to prevent further damage. If you've got a blocked downpipe, the first step to do is shut off the water supply. Clean any debris from the downpipe or around it that could be blocking the pipe. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves and a dust mask to protect yourself from any gunky substances. Using a garden hose to spray water down the downpipe can help dislodge any blockages. If this doesn't work, consider using a plumbing snake. They can be bought on the internet or at your local hardware store. Some are specifically designed for downpipes and come in different sizes. A drain snake is particularly useful when there is an abundance of debris obstructing the flow of water. You can also use a wire or a metal rod to unblock a downpipe. Also, be aware of sharp objects and ensure you are on a level ladder. If the downpipe is close to electrical fittings, electrical fixtures or cables, ensure they are turned off prior to beginning work. It is also a good idea to wear safety goggles and rubber gloves. A build-up of water on the wall and at the bottom of gutters is another indication of a blocked downpipe. This can cause dampness and lead to mould growth. It is possible to prevent this by regularly cleaning your gutters and downpipes and keeping overhanging tree branches trimmed. It can be a challenge to clear an obstruction in your downpipe. It is essential to take action promptly to avoid any further damage to your home. If you don't want or aren't able to clean your own downpipe, it could be worthwhile to hire an expert. They'll have the tools and expertise needed to tackle more complicated obstructions, and will be able to provide an effective solution. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can also give you advice on how to maintain your downpipes, and reduce the likelihood of future blockages.