How Do I Know if I Have a Blocked Downpipe or Gutter?
The gutters of your home collect the rain that flows off your rooftop and carries it down the downpipes where it is taken away from your property. This prevents flooding as well as wood rot and helps to keep the basement spaces safe and dry. If they become clogged with dead leaves and debris, you will notice some tell-tale signs.
Blocked downpipes can cause splashback from the downpipes at ground level, cracks in the house and mould or fungi growing on the walls. If it’s the gutter, you may notice accumulated debris, an increase in pests, water dripping from the sides of the gutter, rotting wood or leaks inside your home.
So – what can you do about it?
Use a Hose
If your downpipe is blocked, try using a hose to dislodge the blockage. Set the water to maximum pressure to give it enough force to remove it.
Use a Broom Handle
If this doesn’t work, you may be able to use the end of a broom rod to push the blockage back up to the top where you can remove it.
Detach the Drainpipe
Use a thin piece of wire or timber to check whether the blockage is in the swan neck part of the downpipe (located at the top under the overhang) or the shoe (the angled bottom of the downpipe). Detach the piece that has the blockage, remove it and reattach the section.
Remove Debris from Gutters
A blocked gutter is easier to fix. Grab a ladder to locate the area where leaves and debris have accumulated. Using gloves, remove it and clean it out using a water hose to prevent further build-up.
Let a Professional Plumber do the Job For You!
Clearing downpipes and gutters can be difficult and unsafe if you don’t have the right equipment or expertise. Barker Plumbing Services are local Gold Coast plumbers with over 30 years’ experience in removing blockages and maintaining residential and commercial gutters and downpipes. We have the latest tools and technologies to efficiently dislodge stuck matter fast and can identify any issues that need to be resolved. We also offer gutter repair and maintenance to ensure the problem doesn’t happen again. Give us a call today to chat about how we can help you.