Blocked downpipes can be a nuisance and may cause water damage to your property. There can be a few ways a down pipe can be blocked. Ninety-five percent of the time it will be blocked in the first bend.
As pictured above, balls and rubbish are either thrown or blown into the gutter and can block the opening.
Leaf can get matted across the top of the opening and not let anything pass and debris just keeps building up, as below.
Plants can grow in the down pipe.
Root systems take hold and block the flow of water too. If you are lucky small amounts of water filters away. But in large down pours overflowing will occur.
Here are some steps you can take to clear them:
- Try clearing any debris from the opening of the down pipe in the gutter. If there is no blockage further down water will drain away and the down pipe is clear.
- Use a garden hose: Turn on the garden hose and insert it into the top of the downpipe. The water pressure should help to dislodge any debris.
- Use a plumbing snake: A plumbing snake is a flexible metal cable with a corkscrew at the end. Insert the snake into the top of the downpipe and turn it clockwise while pushing it further down. This should help to remove any blockages.
- Use a pressure washer: If the blockage is stubborn, you can use a pressure washer to blast it away. However, be careful not to damage the downpipe. There are professional companies that have the specialised equipment for this task.
- Call a professional: If you’re unable to clear the blockage yourself, it’s best to call a professional plumber, for blockages underground or Gutter-Vac, to complete a full gutter clean and clear any blockages above ground. Since most blockages are at the first bend, it is highly likely that the specialised vacuum system will clear the down pipe.
Remember to wear gloves and protective eyewear when working with downpipes. Also, be careful when using ladders and working at heights. It might be prudent to get Gutter-Vac in for jobs like this. If the down pipes are blocked, then the gutter may require a clean too. Gutter-Vac technicians are trained to take the risk, as this work at heights mixed with ladders and water can be a dangerous combination.
Call Gutter-Vac Northern and Southern Tasmania PH: 1300 654 253
