How do I clear a blockage in my guttering downpipe?
Question:Do I need to dismantle the whole guttering system. It doesn't come apart in pieces easily. Any time saving ideas for a DIY novice (and a pretty hopeless one at that!). Thank you in advance!
Answers:
If your downpipe is already blocked, however, then you will need drainage rods to push through the blockage from above.
These drainage rods can be bought at most DIY stores like B&Q
Simply push the rod down through the downpipe and whatever leaves or debris are causing the blockage will be dispensed at the bottom of the pipe.
How do I clear the angles in my downpipe?
If you need to clear an angled pipe simply use a stiff wire from the top and push downward through the pipe to remove the blockage.
If you can't reach your gutters easily then type 'guttering' into Yellow Pages, followed by your postcode, for a list of professionals in your area who will have all the equipment necessary for the job.
Should you decide to go the DIY route when clearing your gutters, however, take note that the most difficult challenge is if a blockade occurs within the downpipe where you can't see.
A handy tip to prevent this from happening is to place a rolled up ball of chicken wire, or a wire balloon at the point where the gutter meets the downpipe.
This will allow the water the run freely into the drainpipe, but will stop any leaves or debris from going down.
You will need to clear this chicken wire or wire balloon more regularly than once a year as a significant build up of leaves and debris will also take place here.
try caustic soda - alwaya works for me!
Hi Tony
GELBI is really the solution to your problem.
GET A LITTLE BLOKE IN
I would suggest getting a professional as it costs a whole lot more to replace than to clean.
You can purchase a gadget that unblocks drains and downpipes from your local hardware, it's attached to a drill and fed into the downpipe spinning a tiny blade that cuts through the gunk in the pipe in no time. I think it requires a garden hose running into the downpipe whilst you use it! But it works ok. Have a good day.
If its plastic, you can cut a rodding eye in. Would be best to cut through at bottom, then say 6ft up. Slide 'muff coupling' right over one end, Clear your downpipe while its all open. Insert your rodding eye, then you will need to shorten your pipe a little to rejoint, by sliding the muff coupling over.
Hmmmm! Well I get this problem quite a lot as my house is surrounded by trees.
Unfortunately you only find out the down pipe is blocked when it rains and water starts overflowing from the guttering.
The advice given earlier is fine, however first check that the pipe is not blocked at the bottom where it goes into the drain or soak away. Generally I find that it can be cleared with a wire coat hanger, straightened out.
Be carefull though. I have got soaked too many times to count. 20ft of water creates a lot of pressure and once released its a bit like standing in front of a fire hose!
try a healthy dose of fruit and veg. works for me very time. you need a MASSIVE amount to get that blockage shifted, however.
Gently tap the downpipe all the way from bottom to top after filling it with water you probably have a bird nest down there so make sure it won't clear the pipe and enter your waste pipes. Or find where the blockage is and with a fine toothed saw cut the pipe off. Use a pipe connector to effect a repair, You did think tp buy one before starting cutting pipes? You did check it is the correct profile? Good man - nearly as good as I. wash your hands and brew a mug of something hot and willing, you have earned it boyo.
try some laxatives and stick your hand up it
feed your hosepipe up from the bottom with the water switched on
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