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How to Deal With Leaking Downpipe Repair If a downpipe has begun to leak it is important to remove the blockage and replace the damaged section of pipe as soon as possible. Epoxy putty can be used to fix most types of downpipe. Clean the area first and remove any loose paint or other debris. Cut an appropriate length of tape and wrap the joint in it, making sure that the ends overlap. Clean the area Following a leak, the first thing to do is to eliminate any standing water and then clean the area. Use a wet vac to get rid of any water that is still standing and then clean the floors and walls affected by the leak. This will also help stop the growth of mould and mildew, which can occur when the affected area is not dried properly. The next step is to look for obstructions. Blocked downpipes can cause water to overflow and run down 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 cases the downpipe that's leaky may be blocked. You may be able remove it with the help of a hosepipe, wire or drain rod. It is essential to clean your guttering and downpipe frequently to avoid the accumulation of dirt that can cause blockages. If you are unable to remove the blockage, it is likely that the area of downpipe beneath the leak is damaged and will need to be replaced. This would mean removing the old pipe and replacing it with a new one, using connectors and fittings. Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves before you begin repairing the downpipe. Make use of a sturdy ladder when working at heights. Get someone else to assist you. If you are unable climb up the downpipe without assistance, it is a good idea to have someone stand at the bottom of the ladder to hold the hose while turning it to full flow to flush the downpipe and clear any obstruction. This will allow you to work from the top of the downpipe and help ensure that you do not overlook any areas that require repairs. If the clog persists it is recommended that you remove the hose from the downpipe, and then use a plumber's snake to clear the obstruction. Repair the joint It's best to start any plumbing repair by finding the leak. sale Downpipe Specialists is to clean the area and make sure it's dry. This will ensure that the sealant adheres properly. Before beginning, shut off the water supply at the valve nearest the pipe that is leaking. It is essential to stay clear of working with wet pipes, especially if the downpipe supplies potable water. Leaks in downpipes are often caused by the joints. This is due to the fact that the joins are exposed to extreme weather conditions and the build-up of dirt and other debris. After you've cleaned the area and checked that it's dry, cut the repair tape about 1 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 generous amounts of roof and gutter sealing compound to both sides joint. Press firmly to ensure a tight seal. If the leak is in a cast iron downpipe, it could be due to one of the fixing nails or screws has become loose. Easily remedied by replacing the screw with a new galvanised screw. Alternatively, the downpipe could be leaking because of an ineffective wall plug. If the downpipe that is leaking appears to be plastic, it could be that the retaining clip is loose and needs to be replaced. PEX leaks are normally caused by the crimped connection which doesn't fully seal. This can be easily corrected with an PEX Crimp tool and test gauge that is usually supplied with the crimp tool. In addition, epoxy putty can be an alternative to a leaking downpipe, as it can be moulded into a sausage shape to fit the leaking pipe joint. Apply the putty after wiping the pipe's surface dry. Make sure you completely cover the crack or hole. If the leaky downpipe is causing extensive damage your home, or blocking rainwater from entering your house it is worth calling a professional plumber for a quick and cost-effective solution. In the ideal scenario, you'll need to perform regular maintenance on your guttering to prevent issues like leaks from the downpipe in the future. Seal the joint Leaks can occur at the joints that connect your downpipe, especially when it's made of various materials. Cleaning these joints can help to prevent blockages that stop water from flowing freely and can cause damage. Regular cleaning can allow you to spot issues early and take preventative action, but sometimes things go wrong and it is necessary to make a quick fix to stop the leak. You can make an interim seal by with a range of different products. First clean the area around the leak to get rid of dirt and loose paint. Dry the area, then mark it with sandpaper to prepare it for the repair compound. Mix the putty ingredients and knead until it is flexible. Press the putty tightly over the leak, overlapping the edges. 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 leaking downpipe joints. They are available in various sizes based on gutter's width. These devices utilize a metal band with rubber gasket, which is secured with bolts to temporarily repair leaks 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 so that the gasket of rubber is pressed against the pipe. Connectors for pipes made of rubber or repair sleeves are another option for fixing leaky downpipe joints. These sleeves are flexible and can be wrapped around joints that are leaky. They work well with polyvinylchloride (PVC). You may also try self-fusing pipe tape that forms the appearance of a compression seal, which can withstand water for up to three years if it is applied properly. PEX (pressurised ethylene) leaks in pipes are typically caused by a defective crimp at a connection. These leaks are a little more difficult to fix, but they can be remedied 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 dimensions of your PEX pipe. If the crimp has failed then simply re-crimp the pipe using the proper tool. Clear the obstruction The water damage in homes is often caused by 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 have a blocked downpipe, the first step to do is turn off the water supply. Remove any debris from the area around the gutters that may be blocking the pipe. Wear rubber gloves and dust masks to protect yourself from any potentially hazardous materials. Using a garden hose to spray water over the downpipe can help to clear any blockages. If you're not successful, try using a plumbing snake. These are available online or in your local hardware store. Some are specifically designed for downpipes and come in a variety of sizes. Drain snakes can be particularly helpful when you have a significant amount of debris that is preventing water flow. You can also utilize a wire or metal rod to unblock the downpipe. Avoid sharp objects and make sure you're standing on an stable ladder. Before beginning, turn off any electrical fittings, fixtures, or cables that are close to the downpipe. Wearing safety goggles, rubber gloves and safety glasses is also recommended. Another sign of a blocked downpipe is if there is a build-up water at the bottom of the gutters and along the wall. This can cause dampness and mold growth. You can prevent this by regularly cleaning your downpipes and gutters and keeping overhanging tree branches cut. It isn't easy to tackle a blocked downpipe. It is essential to take action promptly to prevent any further damage to your house. However, if you don't have the time or inclination to clean your downpipe on your own it might be worth calling in a professional. They will have the tools and expertise required to deal with more complex obstructions and offer a solution that is effective. They can also offer advice on how to maintain the downpipes in order to reduce the possibility of blockages occurring in the future.