If your guttering downpipe becomes blocked, it can cause all sorts of problems. Not only will the water not be able to flow properly removing any debris, but the blocked-up water will also put extra pressure on your drainage system. If left untreated, these issues have the potential to result in flooding which can severely damage your property and cost you a massive amount of money!
Fortunately, there’s a pretty simple solution, unblocking guttering downpipes. All you will need is 2 common household items. Read on to find out more!
Why is keeping my guttering downpipe clear important?
Guttering downpipes are important for 2 reasons. Firstly, they help to protect your property from rainwater damage. And secondly, they help to ensure the water that does enter your drainage system flows away quickly and efficiently. If your guttering downpipe becomes blocked and this is not dealt with quickly a number of serious issues can result.
Should the water flow in your drainage system remain obstructed for a prolonged period of time, not only can this produce an unpleasant smell but can also cost you serious money in property damage. If left untreated, blocked guttering downpipes may lead to flooding and more serious issues such as foundation settlement cracks throughout exterior walls due to high pressure built up when nothing is flowing properly through your drainage system.
To sum this up, it’s important to keep your guttering downpipe clear because:
– The guttering downpipe is responsible for taking the rainwater away from your property.
– If the guttering downpipe becomes blocked, the rainwater will not be able to flow away properly and this can lead to flooding.
– If the problem is left untreated, it can damage your property and cost you a lot of money.
So, now you know why it’s so important to maintain your guttering and keep your guttering downpipe clear, you might be wondering how to unblock your guttering downpipe? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
How to unblock a guttering downpipe
Unblocking a guttering downpipe isn’t as hard as you think! All you need is two items every household likely already has or can put their hands on fairly easily – a plunger and a bucket (filled with water). Unblocking a drainpipe with this method is as simple as:
- Plunging the pipe until the majority of debris has come out.
- Pouring in the bucket of water to wash away the remaining blockage.
If this doesn’t work straight away, don’t panic! Simply either find a stiff piece of wire around the house, or buy a plumbing snake, and insert it into the blocked downpipe as far as it can go. To unblock a downpipe using this method you simply:
- Insert the wire as far as it can go down into the downpipe.
- Start rotating the wire and moving it around.
- Continue this step until a clear passageway is created.
- Pour water down the pipe to remove the remaining grime and debris.
How to prevent further blockages
Debris can easily become trapped in pipes, leading to a build-up of dirt and sludge that will eventually block the flow of water. Regular cleaning can ensure that blockages don’t have the chance to build up. We recommend that you clean your gutters at least once a month to ensure that there are no blockages in your drainage system. In the autumn months, you may have to increase the frequency due to a greater volume of falling leaves.
If you want to take extra precautions, you can install a gutter guard. Gutter guards are a mesh material that is placed over the top of your gutters. This will stop any debris from getting into your drainage system in the first place. While this may be a more expensive solution, it is undoubtedly the most effective way of preventing blockages. You can find more about Gutter Guards from our other blog post here.
Common causes of a blocked guttering downpipe
These common causes are most likely what’s causing your blockages, removing them as they occur or even preventing them altogether is key to keeping your drainage system clean and unblocked. The most common causes of a blocked downpipe are:
– Leaves and other debris
– Moss and algae
– Birds’ nests
– Ice and snow
– Build-up of dirt and sludge.
Prevention tips summary:
– Clean your gutters once a month at least.
– Install a gutter guard to stop debris from getting into your drainage system.
– Keep trees trimmed so that leaves and other debris don’t fall into your gutters.
If you’re having ongoing trouble with your blocked downpipe, call a professional! They will be able to use the latest technology to locate the blockage and unblock it for you. Gutter cleaning is an important part of home maintenance, so make sure you keep on top of it.
How to know if my downpipe is going to cause a flood in my house?
It’s important to be proactive about cleaning your guttering downpipe, as a blocked pipe can lead to severe issues. So, how do you know if your downpipe is already blocked and might cause a flood? There are a few tell-tale signs:
– Water is not draining properly from your roof.
– There is an increase in the number of mosquitoes or other insects around your property.
– You can hear water running when it’s not raining.
– The soil around your house is wetter than usual.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s likely that there is a blockage in your drainage system. Take action and unblock the pipe before it causes trouble! If in doubt about how to go about this yourself, check out our top tips above or contact a professional. They will be able to help you identify where the problems are and identify any signs that your gutters need to be repaired.
FAQs
Q. How can I stop my downpipe from getting blocked in the first place?
A. There are a few ways that you can prevent your downpipe from getting blocked. The most effective way is to install a gutter guard. Gutter guards are a mesh material that is placed over the top of your gutters. This will stop any debris from getting into your drainage system in the first place. You can also keep trees trimmed so that leaves and other debris don’t fall into your gutters, and clean your gutters once a month at least
Q. What should I do if my downpipe is already blocked?
A. Follow the easy steps in this article and if that fails, you can learn more about us here and also get in contact. We’ll ensure the blockage is completely removed, quick and hassle-free!
Wrap Up
In conclusion, if your guttering downpipe becomes blocked, don’t hesitate to take action. Clearing the blockage yourself is usually quite easy and only requires common household items most of the time. However, if this doesn’t work we recommend getting in touch! You can do so here. We’ll ensure a stress-free, easy and quick removal of any blockage.