How to Deal With Leaking Downpipe Repair

If you are experiencing a leaky downpipe, it's important to clear the obstruction as quickly as you can and replace the damaged section of pipe. Epoxy putty is a good choice to repair all kinds of downpipes.

First, clean the leaky area and clean off any paint or rust. Cut a length of repair tape and wrap it around the joint, making sure 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 then clean the area. Utilize a wet vac to remove any standing water, and wipe down floors and walls affected by the leak. This will also help prevent the growth and spread of mildew and mould that can develop when an area damaged by water isn't dried properly.

Next, check for obstructions. Blocked downpipes can cause water to overflow and cause damage to your walls, guttering, and foundations. Blockages can be caused by leaves, twigs, and debris in your guttering and downpipe. Ice can cause blockages as well when temperatures are colder.

In certain situations the downpipe that is leaking could simply be blocked and you may be able remove this using the help of a hose pipe and small amount of wire or drain rod. However, it is an ideal idea to regularly clean of your downpipe and guttering system to prevent the build-up of dirt that could cause obstructions.

If you cannot dislodge the blockage, it's likely that the section of downpipe beneath the leak has been damaged and could require replacement. This requires removing the old pipe and replacing it with a brand new one with fittings and connectors.

Before you start to repair the downpipe, ensure that you are safe by wearing rubber gloves and safety glasses. If Downpipe Services are working at height, always use a solid ladder and ask someone to assist you. If you are unable climb up the downpipe without assistance, it is a good idea to ask someone else to stand at the lower end of the ladder to hold the hose while turning it to full flow to flush out the downpipe and eliminate the clog. This will allow you to work from the top downpipe, and make sure you don't miss any spots that require repair. If the blockage continues to persist, it's best to unblock the hose and employ a plumbing snake to get rid of the obstruction.

Repair the joint

It is best to begin any plumbing repair by locating the leak. The next step is to clean and dry the area. This will ensure the sealant is properly adhered to. Switch off the water supply close to the leaky part of the pipe prior to beginning.

It is essential to stay clear of working on pipes that are soaked, especially when the downpipe is supplying potable water.

Leaks in downpipes often occur at the joints. The joins are typically exposed to harsh weather conditions, dirt and debris.

After you've cleaned your area and made sure it's dry, cut off a piece of repair tape about a centimetre longer than the length of the leak. Remove the paper backing and wrap the tape around the joint. When the tape is in place, apply a large amount of gutter and roof sealant on both sides of the joint. Press firmly to achieve a solid seal.

If the leak is located on a cast iron downpipe, it could be because one of the fixing nails or screws has become loose. Replace the screw with a galvanised screw. The downpipe could be loosened due to a faulty wall connector. If the downpipe that is leaking appears to be plastic, it may be that the retaining clip has worked loose and requires to be replaced.

PEX leaks could be caused by the connector being crimped, but doesn't seal completely. A PEX crimping tool and an instrument for testing that is usually included with the tool can be used to fix this problem.

Additionally, epoxy putty is another good solution for leaky downpipes, since it can be molded into a sausage-like shape to fit the leaking pipe joint. Apply the putty after wiping the pipe's surface dry. Make sure to cover the entire crack or hole.

If the leaky downpipe is causing extensive damage your property, or is preventing rainwater from entering your house, it's worth calling in an expert plumber for a quick and cost-effective solution. You should also check your gutters regularly to avoid problems in the future, like leaking downpipes.

Seal the joint

The joins around your downpipe can be a hotspot for leaks, especially in the case of pipes made of different materials (like PVC and metal). Cleaning these joints can help to prevent blockages that stop water from flowing freely and can lead to damage.

Regular cleaning can help you identify issues early and preventive actions are necessary. However, sometimes things happen and a quick solution is required to stop the leakage. You can create an interim seal by with a range of different products.

First clean the area around the leak to eliminate dirt and loose paint. Dry the area and then score it with sandpaper. This will prepare it for the repair compound. Mix the components of the putty and then mix it until it is malleable enough to mold to the damaged area. Apply the putty with a firm pressure over the leak, covering the edges. Cover the area that has been repaired with a bandage and wait for a few minutes or as instructed by the manufacturer's instructions to allow the cast to set.

Pipe repair clamps can be used to repair leaky downpipe joints. They are available in different sizes depending on the gutter's width. These devices utilize the metal band with a rubber gasket secured with bolts to temporarily repair leaks at the pipe's end or along its length. Simply remove the bolts that hold the clamp and slide it over the joint that is leaking, then tighten the bolts until they compress the rubber gasket against the pipe.


Repair sleeves are a different option to fix leaky downpipe joints. These sleeves are flexible enough to wrap around a leaky joint and are able to work on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. Self-fusing tape is a great option to create a compression seal that will withstand water for as long as three years if it is applied correctly.

PEX (pressurised ethylene) pipe leaks are usually caused by a weak the crimp on a connection. The leaks can be fixed with specialized tools. You'll need an instrument that is specifically designed to have an array of test gauges (also known as "go/no go" gauges) that are sized to match the dimensions of your PEX pipes. If the crimping isn't working, you can simply re-crimp the pipe with the right tool.

Clear the obstruction

The water damage in homes is often the result of blocked downpipes. They can cause a variety of problems, including flooding damp walls, and roof damage. To prevent further damage, it's important to remove the obstruction as soon as you can.

If you've got a blocked downpipe, the initial thing to do is turn off the water supply. Then, remove any debris blocking the pipe from the gutters and surrounding area. Wear rubber gloves and dust masks to protect yourself from any potentially hazardous substances.

Using a garden hose to spray water down the downpipe will help clear any blockages. If this doesn't help then you can try a plumber's snake. You can purchase these online or at your local hardware store. Some are specifically designed for downpipes and come in various sizes. A drain snake is especially useful if there is lots of debris that is blocking water flow.

You can also utilize a wire or rod of metal to open a downpipe. You should avoid sharp objects, and ensure that you are standing on a stable ladder. If the downpipe is close to electrical fittings, fixtures or cables, ensure they are shut off prior to beginning work. It is also a good idea to wear safety goggles and rubber gloves.

Another sign of a blocked downpipe is if there is a buildup of water at the bottom of the gutters and along the wall. This could cause dampness and the growth of mould. It is possible to prevent this by cleaning your gutters, downpipes, and trimming overhanging branches.

Downpipes that are blocked can be difficult to clear and it's important to get them cleaned as quickly as you can to avoid damage to your home. If you don't have the time or desire to cleanse your downpipe on your own it might be worth calling in an expert. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to deal with more complicated blockages and provide a quick, effective solution. They will also provide suggestions on how to keep your downpipes and decrease the possibility of a blockage in the future.