Gutter Downpipe Repair

Gutter downpipes play an essential role in any gutter system. They efficiently move water out of the guttering and to the ground. They can protect a structure from water damage, but they require regular maintenance and cleaning.

Downpipe Specialists tunbridge-wells should repair the damaged downpipe as quickly as possible. Here are some guidelines for gutter downpipe repair:

Remove the Old Downspout

Gutter downpipes play an important role in directing rainwater away from the foundation of your home, protecting it from deterioration and preventing water damage. However, they can become blocked or damaged, which can lead to water pooling at the base of your structure or causing water leaks.

Gutter downspouts have a curved design at the top and bottom, to better absorb and disperse rainwater. They also have an opening that connects them to your gutter system. These holes are normally sealed shut to prevent leaks and a buildup of debris that could block rainwater from flowing through the downpipe.

The downpipes are attached to the guttering system with hangers, usually screws that hold them to the wall of your home or building. You can remove the screws, but be cautious to not to pull the downpipes off of the guttering systems. This can cause further damage.

After the downpipe is disconnected from the guttering, you can remove it and set it aside to be cleaned or removed. If your downpipes have become old or damaged they might need to replace them. You can choose from a wide range of sizes materials, finishes and materials for your gutter system. The right size of downpipe will ensure that your gutter system is able to cope with the amount of rainfall without clogging or spilling.


You can also improve the efficiency of your downpipes by using gutter extensions. This is an easy DIY project that will help keep water from accumulating near your home's base and safeguard your home from water damage.

Downpipe bends are typically used to create a "swan neck" shape for your downpipe, directing water flow and stopping it from draining near the house. These can be made from plastic or metal and you should ensure that they're sized appropriately to fit your guttering system and the weather conditions.

The internal stopend is placed just after the outlet of a downpipe to prevent the guttering from filling at the end. It is also a good chance to ensure that the stopend inside has not become blocked by dirt or leaves.

Clean the Downspout

The downspout plays an important part in your gutter system. It must be in good condition to ensure that water flows in a smooth manner. If your downspout is blocked it is likely to result in your gutters overflowing. A small amount of overflow isn't too significant however a completely blocked downspout can be a problem.

You will need to climb your ladder if your downspout is become blocked. First, you must ensure that your ladder has been set up properly. Have your assistant hold the ladder as you climb it and ask them to give you a garden hose (preferably one that has good pressure). Place the hose's end in the downspout's spout's opening and switch on the water. The water flow should push out the obstruction. If this doesn't work you might have to increase the water pressure or try a different method.

You will then want to use an air blower or wet-dry vac to clear the debris that has accumulated inside the downspout. If you have an auger drain that you have lying around, you could also try using it to clear the obstruction. If that does not work, try sending a more powerful stream of water down the downspout with a power washer.

You can also try to remove the blockage by hand if the obstruction isn't too severe. Start at the top of the downspout and move towards the bottom. While doing so, keep in mind that the gutter downspout is probably stuffed full of muck from years of decomposing leaves and debris, so don't be surprised to be covered in a shower of muck while trying to dislodge it. Once the obstruction has been cleared the downspout should be clean and clear. The water should flow freely on the ground. If it's not, you will need to clean the downspout once more before it can properly drain your gutter system. This is something you need to do periodically to prevent clogs.

Replace the Downspout

The downspout is a conduit that transports rainwater from your gutters to the ground. Downspouts can empty into a rain barrel or garden feature or into an underground drain pipe that connects to an septic or storm sewer tank. No matter where they empty into, they must direct the water away from your house to avoid foundation or basement damage as well as the rotting process.

Gutter downpipes are available in a broad variety of sizes and materials. They are designed to fit the size of the roof and length of the gutter and the local climate. Downpipes should be regularly checked and cleared to prevent debris from clogging them. Look for cracks or broken sections in the downpipes. These are signs of serious issues that require professional attention.

A clogged drainpipe could cause the gutters to sag or even collapse. To clean a downspout thoroughly, climb to the top of it with a ladder, taking extreme caution and having an assistant hold the ladder with care. If you can see an obstruction, clean it using a hose to ensure that the downspout drains. If the downspout has been completely blocked, you will have remove it and replace it.

Drop outlets (also called downspout outlets) are used to connect gutters with downspouts. The outlet is a small piece of hardware that allows downspouts to extend from the gutter. If the gutter does not have a downspout outlet installed, make a hole in it. Then, cover the edge of the new downspout using gutter sealant. Fit it into the hole you made in your gutter.

When you are reattaching the downspout back to the gutter, use sheet screws made of metal instead of nails. It is also recommended to install brackets that are compatible with your gutter system. Metal gutters, for instance, use straps to attach downpipes to walls, whereas vinyl gutters come with brackets that connect to the sides of the gutters.

Start with a short section of gutter to attach the downspout. It should be exactly the same length as the elbow that is connected to the downspout. Each downspout has an area that is squeezed, or "crimped," on one end. Using a gutter crimper, make crimps on the edges of this section so that it fits it inside the other elbow.

Repair the Downspout

Gutter downpipes are exposed to elements and over time will wear down, particularly where they join with other gutter components. The joints may become loose or come apart, which can drag dirt into the seals, causing leaks. With the right tools and experience, this problem is easy to solve. Regularly inspecting your gutters and downpipes can prevent issues like clogging, standing water and leaks.

The downpipe is the last part of a guttering system that diverts rainwater to a drain, soak well or other drainage system to prevent flooding. Connect your downpipe to your soak-well and stormwater to ensure that stormwater doesn't run into other areas of your yard or home.

If your downpipe is leaking it's likely that the cap at the end cap has either fallen off or has been worn away. This issue can be resolved by applying Gutter Sealant to the inside of the downpipe where it meets the gutter. Wearing gloves made of latex, you can then press the sealant into place.

Another reason why downpipes leak is when the gutter isn't properly pitched. The gutter could require removal then the downpipe pitched again and then the gutter re-mounted. This can be done easily enough using a ladder, but be sure to exercise extreme caution when working at heights and ensure that someone is holding the ladder's bottom.

Other parts of the guttering can also leak, such as the elbows or end caps. If this is the case, a small hole can be fixed with gutter sealant which can be put into the joint and then pressed into place using your fingers while wearing gloves made of latex.

Leaks around the joints of the downpipe is typically caused by rust or paint rubbing off. This can be fixed by scraping off the old paint or rust and applying gutter sealant to the area that needs to be sealed. It is important that the sealant for gutters dry completely and isn't contaminated with other materials, such as dust or dirt.