A blocked gutter downpipe is more than just an eyesore and an annoyance. It can be a health hazard, especially if it's been collecting water for a long time. The water trapped in the pipes can breed mosquitoes and get stagnant, causing the spread of disease.
But there are ways to clear blocked gutter downpipes that don't involve calling in the professionals and spending a fortune on their services.
First, you need to decide what kind of blockage you have. If it is just leaves or other organic material, these can usually be removed by hand or with the help of a broom. However, if any branches or other materials have been washed down into the downpipe, they will probably require professional assistance to remove them safely.
But, how will you know your gutter downpipe is blocked before then?
Common Signs of a Blocked Downpipe
Blocked downpipes are a common problem in commercial buildings, especially older ones. The problem is that blockages are often not noticed until they become serious, leading to expensive damages and repairs.
Discolouration on the walls and floors
If there are discolourations on your walls or floors, this could be due to dampness from a blocked gutter downpipe. Water will seep into your walls and floors if there is no drainage system for it to flow out through. This can cause damage to your property and put you at risk of more serious issues like structural damage.
Leaks in your ceiling or walls
A blocked gutter downpipe can lead to a leak in your ceiling or walls. This is because the water will not be able to flow away from the building and instead will accumulate in the gutters, eventually causing them to overflow.
Peeling paintwork
When water cannot get out of your building, it will start seeping into the walls and behind the plasterboard. This can peel off your paintwork as well as damp patches on ceilings. This is because water tends to flow over the surface of walls and roofs instead of draining away through gutters.
Mould Growth on Gutters and Downspouts
Another sign of a blocked drain is mould growth on gutters or downspouts. Mould grows quickly in areas with excessive moisture or standing water. These areas are ideal breeding grounds for mould spores, which may settle onto surfaces like rooftops and gutters if not properly maintained by regular cleaning and maintenance activities.
How to Unblock a Gutter Downpipe
A blocked drain may seem like a small problem, but it can lead to a big disaster. If the clog is severe, it can cause flooding and water seepage in your building. That is why you should always keep your drains clean and flowing freely.
Here are some simple steps that you can follow to clear a blocked gutter downpipe:
Find the source of the blockage
The first thing that you need to do is find out where the blockage is. You can start by looking at the gutters from above. If there are any signs of water flowing over or spilling out of them, they are blocked somewhere between the downpipes and their destination point (i.e., drain). Now check if there are any obstructions in these areas.
Detach any Downpipe Bends
The second step is to detach the downpipes from their hooks and remove any bends or kinks that may be causing the blockage. This allows you to clean out all of the debris inside of the pipe without causing any further damage by forcing it through a tight bend. When removing a bend or kink from your downpipe, you can use pliers or channel locks if you need more leverage.
Fist Bang on the Exterior of the Downpipe
If there are no bends in your downpipes, then it might just be a build-up of debris blocking off your drain line. This could be leaves, twigs or even grass clippings! To clear this type of blockage, simply bang on the exterior of your downpipe with either your hand or rubber mallet. If the blocking debris has not piled for long, this should help to dislodge it. If it has been there for many days, try the following ways.
Try a Drain Rod
If the exterior wall isn't causing problems with drainage, try inserting a drain rod into the downpipe to dislodge any obstruction that may be inside of it. You can use a hammer or mallet to drive the rod through any blockages until they come out of their own accord, at which point, they'll be caught by the rod when you pull it back out. Drain rods should be used with care, though, as too much force could damage your drainage system.
Try a Gutter Vacuum
This is probably the easiest way to clear the blockage if you have a gutter vacuum. You simply attach the hose to the end of your downpipe and run it up through the gutter and out over the top of your roof. Then turn on the vacuum and watch as all those leaves and twigs clear themselves away from your building!
Clean Out Your Gutter
Once you have removed all of the debris from your gutters using a gutter vacuum, you can clean your gutters with a hose pipe or another suitable cleaning device. This will ensure that there are no loose leaves inside, which could fall back into the gutter once you start using your vacuum again.
How to Prevent Future Downpipe Blockages
Gutter downpipe blockages are a common problem in commercial buildings and can cause much damage if not dealt with quickly.
As a commercial property owner, this is a serious problem that you will want to avoid at all costs. Here are some steps that you can take to prevent future gutter downpipe blockages in commercial buildings:
- Ensure all trees around your building have been trimmed and cleared, so they do not overhang your gutters.
- Keep gutters clean. Remove leaves and other debris from gutters at least once a month. If your gutters are starting to block, clean them before they worsen.
- Clear drains regularly. Debris can easily clog drains, so ensure they're clear every few months.
Conclusion
The most common cause of downpipe blockage is tree leaves or shrub branches working their way through the gutters into the downpipes. In addition, rainwater carries debris and soil down the gutter into the downpipe and blocks the flow. Therefore, using a flexible wire snake is very important to clear such blockages. If you doubt your ability to clear the blocked downpipe, you can always seek assistance from a local contractor in the area.