How to Clean Downpipes
How to Clean Downpipes
Clogged downpipes can cause serious water damage to your home, leading to foundation issues, roof leaks, and more. Cleaning them regularly is essential to keep your drainage system running smoothly. In this guide, you’ll learn how to check if a downpipe is blocked, the most common causes, and step-by-step DIY methods to clear and prevent future blockages.
How to Check if Your Downpipe and Gutter Are Blocked
Blocked downpipes often reveal themselves with these signs:
Overflowing Gutters: If water is spilling over your gutters, it’s a good sign that there’s a blockage in the downpipe and you need to clean the gutter.
Water Pooling Near Foundations: Stagnant water around the base of your home can indicate drainage issues in your stormwater system.
Water Backflow: If water is backing up from the downpipe into the gutters, the blockage is likely severe.
Common Causes of Blocked Downpipes
Understanding the common causes of downpipe blockages can help you prevent them:
Debris: Leaves, twigs, and moss are the primary culprits. Wind and rain tend to sweep them into gutters, where they eventually block the downpipe.
Ice Build-Up: In colder climates, ice can form inside downpipes during winter, obstructing the flow of water.
Tree Roots: Over time, roots from nearby trees can infiltrate the pipes, causing cracks and blockages.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clear a Blocked Downpipe
Clearing a blocked downpipe may sound intimidating, but most homeowners can handle it with a few basic tools. Here’s a more in-depth breakdown of how you can clear and maintain your downpipes:
Step 1: Remove Visible Debris
What to Do: Start by inspecting the top of the downpipe and gutter for any obvious debris, like leaves, twigs, or moss. Carefully remove this material by hand. You can also use a small trowel to scoop out debris more efficiently. Make sure you wear sturdy gloves to protect your hands from sharp objects or rough materials.
Safety Tips:
Use a sturdy ladder and position it on a stable surface. Avoid placing it on soft ground or an uneven surface to prevent tipping.
Consider having someone hold the base of the ladder for added stability while you clean the gutter.
Always work in daylight and avoid windy or rainy conditions.
Pro Tip: Be mindful when using a leaf blower to clear debris from gutters. Although convenient, it can sometimes push debris further into the downpipe, making blockages worse.
Step 2: Flush with Water
What to Do: Once the visible debris is cleared, it's time to flush the downpipe with water. Insert a garden hose into the downpipe, starting at the gutter opening. Turn on the water at a low pressure initially to avoid splashing while cleaning the gutter, then gradually increase it. This method works best for clearing loose debris or small blockages that might have escaped manual removal.
Watch the Water Flow: It’s important to have someone monitor the bottom of the downpipe to check if the water is flowing freely. If the water flows consistently and quickly, the blockage may have been cleared. If there’s only a trickle or water backs up, the blockage is still present.
Safety Tips:
Be cautious with the pressure of the hose. High water pressure can dislodge debris, but if the downpipe is fragile or blocked by tree roots, too much force can worsen the damage.
Avoid flushing the pipe if the downpipe is connected to an underground drainage system, as it may push the debris further into the drain.
Step 3: Use a Plumber’s Snake
What to Do: If flushing doesn’t clear the blockage, a plumber’s snake (also known as a drain auger) is your best option for more stubborn obstructions. The snake is a flexible tool that can be fed into the downpipe, allowing you to twist and push it through the blockage.
Insert the snake slowly into the downpipe, and once you hit resistance, twist the handle clockwise. This action helps break up the debris that’s causing the clog.
Continue pushing and twisting the snake until you feel the blockage loosening. Pull the snake out to remove debris and reinsert if necessary.
What to Look Out For:
Snakes are ideal for dislodging compacted materials like leaves, moss, or even small objects that may have fallen into the pipe.
If the snake doesn’t work and the blockage is deep, consider removing sections of the downpipe to manually unblock the clog.
Tools You’ll Need:
Ladder: Make sure it’s sturdy and tall enough to reach your roof safely.
Garden Hose with a High-Pressure Nozzle: Essential for flushing the downpipe and removing small debris.
Plumber’s Snake (Drain Auger): This tool is used for deeper blockages that can’t be cleared with water alone.
Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp debris or rust.
Additional Tips:
Test the Water Flow: After completing the process, turn the water on again and let it flow through the downpipe to ensure the blockage has been completely removed.
Clean Regularly: Prevention is key—clean your downpipes and gutters at least twice a year, especially in the fall when leaves are more likely to accumulate.
When to Hire a Professional
While DIY methods are effective for minor blockages, there are situations where professional help is necessary:
Persistent Blockages: If the blockage doesn’t clear after multiple attempts, it’s time to call a plumber.
Structural Damage: If the blockage has caused water damage to your roof or foundation, professional intervention is required.
Downpipes Leading to Underground Drains: Clearing blockages in underground pipes can be complex and may need professional tools.
Preventing Blocked Downpipe
Preventive maintenance is key to avoiding future downpipe issues. Here are some tips:
Clean Your Gutters Regularly: Aim to clean your gutters at least twice a year, especially in autumn when falling leaves accumulate.
Install Gutter Guards: These guards act as a barrier, preventing debris from entering the gutter and downpipes.
Trim Nearby Trees: Keeping trees near your house pruned will minimize the amount of debris falling into your gutters.
Regular Inspections: Check your gutters and downpipes frequently for damage or clogs, especially after storms.
A well-maintained downpipe system is crucial for preventing water damage to your home. By following the steps above, you can easily check, clear, and prevent blockages in your downpipes.
For those looking to expand their knowledge or pursue a career in roof and gutter maintenance, consider professional training programs like Certificate III in Roof Tiling: Building Institute.
For more information, contact Building Institute NSW today!
FAQ
How is a downpipe flushed?
Answer: Using a cloth, tightly pack the downpipe aperture around the hose to ensure it is sealed. To get the maximum amount of pressure, turn the water on wide open. Keep an eye on the downpipe's end for the blockage to disappear during your gutter cleaning routine. Remove the hose and use a plumbing snake to manually clear the blocked drain if it doesn't go away.
How is a water pipe cleared?
Answer: Turn on the hot water tap in your bathroom (or bathrooms) to start the flushing process. ALL hot water sinks, bathtubs, and shower facilities should be opened. Next, turn on all additional hot-water fixtures, including those in wet bars and kitchens. After 15 minutes of operation, turn off the water in all of these hot water fixtures.
How are PVC downspouts cleaned?
Answer: Warm water mixed with dish soap works well for routine cleanings or small blockages. This approach involves heating many liters of water in a saucepan and allowing it to cool for around two minutes. Pour it down the drain after adding a few drops of dish soap to the mixture.
How is a blocked pipe to be drained?
Answer: Salt and Hot Water: Fill your drain with at least half a cup of salt and half a cup of hot water. Let it sit for twenty to thirty minutes, then pour in additional hot water.
How is a downspout removed?
Answer: If screws are holding the downspout in place, remove them using a screwdriver or drill. If it's attached to brackets, remove the bolts or screws holding the brackets in place with pliers or a tool. Eliminate any brackets or straps holding the downspout to the wall once it has been separated from the gutter.
How are downspouts flushed?
Answer: Put on gloves and safety goggles and use a garden trowel to clear the downspout of any leaves or other debris within your reach. To remove any last bits of dirt, use your water hose to rinse the downspout extension. It says water goes up and into the gutter near the top hole to guarantee that water flows out the bottom easily.