When you have a blocked downpipe, it can be a nightmare. Not only do you have to deal with the mess, but you also have to find someone willing to come out and unblock it.
So, if you have noticed that your downpipe has become blocked, there is likely a build-up of debris either within the pipe itself or at its entry point to your property. This can cause serious issues such as flooding and damp problems within your building. It can also cause damage to buildings themselves if left untreated.
You, however, need to be sure the downpipe has been blocked before attempting to unblock it. So, how can you tell a blocked downpipe?
Signs of a Blocked Downpipe
The downpipe can get blocked for several reasons, like leaves, dirt, and other debris. The blockage can cause problems like overflowing gutters, wet carpets and flooding in basements. It is important to check the condition of your gutters and downpipes to avoid these issues.
Here are some signs that indicate a blocked gutter downpipe:
Your Gutters Are Overflowing
If there is too much water in your gutters and it is overflowing onto the surroundings, then there is some kind of blockage in your gutter downpipe which cannot handle all that extra rainwater.
Slow drainage from roof gutters/downpipes
If you have noticed that your gutters are not draining properly, this may be due to debris being stuck in the downpipe. The water may be draining but at an unusual pace because of stuck debris that limits the flow.
Puddles on your patio or decking
If you notice puddles forming on your patio or decking, it could be another sign of an issue with your property's drainage system. If they form regularly, it may be worth calling in an expert who can check the condition of the downpipes and examine their state.
Damp patches on your walls
If you see small damp patches on your walls, it could mean a problem with the gutter downpipe. This is often caused by wet leaves building up inside the gutter and causing mould to grow inside it. This can cause damp patches on your walls, leading to mould issues in your business premises.
Best Way to Unblock Downpipes
As a business owner, you probably have more on your plate than just running your business. Whether it's dealing with the plumbing or fixing a leaky tap, you have a lot of things to do.
The last thing you need is to be spending time unblocking gutter downpipes. While it may seem straightforward, some best practices can ensure you get the job done right the first time and prevent future problems.
Here are some tips for unblocking gutter downpipes:
Use a Plunger
The basic technique for using a plunger is to place it over the end of the drain pipe and then push down on the plunger until it seals onto the downpipe. Then pump up and down rapidly until all the water has drained out of the pipe. This method works well on simple blockages caused by leaves or other organic matter accumulated in your downpipes.
If you are using this method, make sure that you wear protective gloves since plungers can put your hands at risk if they slip off while pushing down on them.
Use A Drain Snake
A drain snake is a tool designed specifically for clearing blockages in drains. This device is inserted into the drain or pipe and then twisted and pulled to break up any blockages. The snake is made up of flexible wire fitted with a rotating head at one end, making it easy to use.
Try a Hose
You can try using a hosepipe to unblock the downpipes. If only one section is blocked, this method could work for you.
Before starting this method, you must ensure the water source is turned off. Then, direct your hosepipe into the downspout as far as possible so that it reaches all of the debris inside before directing it back out again. This should dislodge any debris or leaves blocking your downpipes and allow them to drain properly again.
The other benefit of using this method is that there is no mess left behind after you have finished draining them, making cleaning up afterwards easier too!
Try using a chemical cleaner
This is likely effective when leaves and other debris cause the blockage. The key here is choosing the right product; many chemicals out there claim to unblock drains but don't do much! Look for one that specifically states that it will unblock drains - if it doesn't, choose another product instead.
You should also avoid acid-based products, which can damage your pipes over time.
Get Professional Help
If you cannot clear your guttering downpipe, you may need to call in an expert plumber or drain cleaner to do it for you. They will be able to access parts of your downspout that are inaccessible and clear them out with ease so that they work properly again.
Conclusion
It is quite easy to postpone unblocking a guttering downpipe, but if it gets permanently blocked, it can cause serious damage to your building and be a costly repair.
It's important to ensure that you look after your downpipes and keep them free from all dirt and other particles so that the water doesn't overload the drain and cause problems such as leaks in your building.