It may seem harmless enough, but badly managed stormwater on your property can be disruptive, messy, unhealthy, and downright devastating.
Our Gold Coast plumbing and drainage experts have seen stormwater damage on multiple occasions that is so extensive that the very foundations became saturated, permanently damaged, and even physically shifted, causing structural damage throughout the property.
That’s why clearing a blocked downpipe should never be put off to another day and you should always take care of any Gold Coast & Tweed Heads gutter and downpipe repairs promptly.
Consider how your stormwater system works. Rainwater falls heavily, collects in your gutters, and then flows down through the downpipes. While downpipes might seem insignificant, they safely direct large volumes of water away from your home:
- Must not contain any gaps or holes, as this can allow water to escape into your home.
- Should serve about 10-15 metres of gutter per downpipe. Avoid overly pressuring your stormwater system.
- Positioned near the valley gutters for ideal water catchment.
- Should be firmly connected to avoid movement during heavy storms – when they are needed the most.
- Should always be clean and clear of blockages.
Downpipes are designed to handle large volumes of stormwater, so over time, they inevitably become highly susceptible to clogging issues.
Downpipes become blocked with:
- Leaves & debris: The natural design of leaves makes them notorious for clogging up downpipes. They’re also vulnerable to sticks, pine needles, dirt, gunk, and mineral build-up.
- Moss: All of that moisture and shade is simply perfect for moss production.
- Plants: As moisture and organic material accumulate, downpipes can become an ideal environment for plants to grow.
- Objects: From tennis balls and broken tiles to roofing cement, it’s always surprising to discover what can end up inside downpipes.
Downpipes also suffer from wear & tear, poor installation issues, deterioration, and damage. If left too long, the debris can travel into your pipes and cause a blocked stormwater drain.
Take these easy steps to resolve a blocked downpipe on your own before requesting professional service.
A. Use a ladder to inspect your downpipe
Those downpipes are positioned high up, so you’ll need a sturdy ladder to safely reach the top of the pipe. If you can’t immediately see the cause of the blockage, try inserting a thin, flexible rod to locate the obstruction. You may even be able to use this rod to break up the blockage. Once loosened, finish the job by inserting a garden hose into the downpipe to flush out any remaining debris thoroughly.
B. Disassemble the downpipe
If using a rod and hose hasn’t worked, you may need to take the downpipe apart. Tap gently along the length of the downpipe with your knuckles until you hear a more muted sound (this indicates the location of the blockage). Once identified, disassemble the downpipe at that point. From there, it should be much easier to use the rod or hose to clear the obstruction completely.
C. Prevention
If method A or B was successful, it is important to focus on preventing future blockages:
Install mesh guards: These act as barriers to stop larger debris from entering the downpipes. Regular inspection and cleaning are necessary to maintain their effectiveness.
Trim overhanging trees: Leaves and branches are a common cause of downpipe blockages. Tree roots can also invade underground pipes in search of water. Regularly trimming trees and monitoring root growth reduces the risk of both debris-related and root-related drainage issues.
Conduct regular maintenance: But the best preventative measure is simply to give your downpipes a bit of regular thought & stormwater maintenance, as a decent flush with a garden hose is usually enough.
Drain Masters Plumbing: the masters of downpipe clearing & repairs
But if you don’t have time to deal with that blocked downpipe, or your best efforts have failed and some heavy-duty gear and sophisticated techniques are the order of the day, it’s time to call in the true blocked drain cleaning masters. Drain Masters Plumbing is renowned for being the local experts for stormwater drainage solutions – including downpipe & gutter clearing and repairs.
For guaranteed workmanship at the best local price, get in touch with our friendly drain plumbers in Gold Coast or Tweed Heads today.
