How to Replace a Gutter Downpipe

The guttering system is an important component of your home's drainage system. It diverts rainwater away from your foundations to avoid water damage.

Maintaining and cleaning your gutters will stop leaks and blockages. This includes applying sealant regularly and considering options such as waterbutt connections and drainage in the underground.

Clean your Gutters

Downpipes, also known as gutter pipes are an essential component of any drainage system. They are designed to move rainwater efficiently from the roof to the ground, thereby preventing damage to a foundation of a building and the surrounding landscaping. Selecting the correct downpipe is crucial for optimal function and regular maintenance is essential to keep them working properly.

Clogged gutters can be a serious issue that can lead to flooding and rotted wood, basement leaks, and many more. If you see water gushing down your walkways or notice stains on your house your gutters might be blocked. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent this from happening, so it is worth the effort to clean it often.

If you have a metal downpipe, it's essential to make sure the surface is coated in an oil-based paint that is waterproof. This will shield the surface against corrosion and also make it appear attractive. Examine the brackets of your gutters and realign those that have changed over time. The best material to choose for the downpipe is a metallic like galvanised or aluminium steel, which is strong and durability in your local climate. Plastic downpipes are also a possibility but they can become brittle with time.

The most common cause of leaks from a downpipe is due to damage to the joint in which a section of gutter joins with another one. This can be caused by corrosion or a loose joint. If the joint is corrosion-prone, it's going to need to be cleaned before being sealed with a top-quality sealant like LePage QUAD Max Window, Door and Siding Sealant.

If the joint is sagging, it can be fixed using silicone caulk. In more severe cases it may be necessary for the joint be replaced. Another common place for leaking from a downpipe is the end cap, which should be sealed to stop water escape. Most home improvement stores sell these and can be put in place by crimping. You should purchase some for your gutters so they are waterproof and sealed.

Repair the Leak

Downpipes (also known as gutter drain pipes) are a vital part of drainage systems, transporting rainwater from a building's roof to the ground. They are typically made of strong materials to endure the elements and are available in various sizes to match various buildings.

If you find that your downpipes are leaking, you should perform some maintenance to ensure that they're working properly. This could include looking at the brackets to determine if they have shifted and checking for holes or cracks. It's also worth looking into replacing the downpipe, particularly when it's damaged or corroded.

Guttering downpipes can get clogged with debris, which causes water to build up and overflow. This can lead to erosion of the landscaping around your property and cause damage to windows and doors. A blocked drain can create extra pressure on your gutters, which could cause them sag. You can attempt to remove any obstruction by running water through a hose and down the downpipe. If this fails, you may have to take the downpipe off and then remove the clog by hand.

In time, downpipes could become loose or even separate from the gutters. This can be caused by extreme temperatures which cause them to expand and contract. This can cause seals to be damaged and eventually cause a leak. Cracks can be repaired with caulk in some cases. In the case of severe damage it could be required to replace the entire downpipe.

You can purchase guttering downpipes online, but it is worth taking your measurements to an experienced DIY store before you do so. This will ensure that you get the correct size downpipe, and avoid any unnecessary expenses. If you decide to fix it yourself it's recommended to apply a combination of waterproof tape and caulk to make your repairs extra strong. This will help you to grasp a better grasp of the problem and prevent it from happening again in the future.

Replace the damaged section

While a thorough clean of your guttering system is the best way to fix small leaks and cracks, often a section gets damaged beyond repair. In this situation you'll require replacing the damaged section. This can be done by removing the old guttering from the fascia boards, and then installing a new length of gutter. It is much easier to do this from the ground than from the ladder. You can patch cracks or holes in guttering made of metal using roof and gutter sealant. Clean any paint or rust from the surface. Clean the area surrounding the damaged section. Remove the paper backing from a length of repair taping that is a few cm longer than the guttering width. Wrap the repair tape around the joint and press it firmly. If you're fixing the leaky downpipe it's recommended to seal the seams for between two and four inches. This will stop water from leaking into the back of the guttering and into the home.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools available prior to installing a new section. Get two ladders and ask for assistance if you can to ensure you are able to be in a position to reach the downspout. Take off any gutter hangers you have and scrape off any old sealant or rust. If you're using gutter slips (connectors that connect sections of guttering), pre-drill and drive gutter screws or rivets into them to ensure their security.

If you're using downspouts that have drop outlets mark the location where it will be installed on the gutter using the aid of a marker. Then, using either a multi-tool, or hammer and chipper to drill into the area marked. Then, slide the downspout through the hole, and screw or hammer it in. Ensure that the guttering slopes of 1/8 inch per foot towards the downspout.

If your gutters are made of aluminum, you can use a sheet metal crimper squeeze or "crimp" one end of each downspout's short length so that it fits into the elbows that you've installed. This will keep the gutters from getting clogged by leaves and will also increase their resistance to corrosion.

Install the new Gutters

It is essential to eliminate any blockages from your gutters as soon as you can. Make sure you take extreme caution when working at heights, and have someone hold the ladder firmly to avoid accidents. If you're unable to get to the bottom of the drain and you're not sure, you might need to hire a drain clearing rod.

Once you've cleared any clogs The next step is to fix any leaks or cracks that may have formed in the gutter. Fill the holes with a gutter sealant. This will prevent water from entering and creating further damage to gutters and your home's foundation.


When installing Downpipe Specialists stroud should plan carefully and measure the roofline. Then, choose the right size, material and design for your roof as well as the appropriate rainfall intensity. You should also remove any branches that could block your gutters from doing their job properly.

It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines when installing gutters. It's also recommended to hire assistance when installing your gutters.

When you're ready to install your gutters, begin by putting them next to the ladder in the sequence that you'll be installing them so that you can hand them over to your assistant. Fit the gutters onto the fascia brackets and then fasten them on the wall using the provided screws.

The use of aluminium downpipes is the most secure way to replace your gutters since they aren't subject to the same issues as plastic alternatives such as the possibility of fading and leaks. If you're looking for an efficient gutter system that's easy to install and can last for years look into our selection of aluminum downpipes. You can choose from a range of sizes and colors to find the perfect fit for you home. Contact us if you have any queries and we'll be more than happy to help. We're also able to assist you with any gutter repair or maintenance.