Category: Downpipe Unblocking

a blockage extracted from a downpipe.

Methods and examples of downpipes, fall pipes, drain pipes becoming blocked and how we unblock them.

Shared Gutters & Downpipes

Downpipe Unblocking Gutter Clearing Logistics
Quick flyer if you need to coordinate with a neibhbour

Shared gutters and downpipes with neighbouring properties are quite common but not everyone knows the email address of neighbours. They might be professional busy tenants, managed by an estate agent, students, vacant or you just might not get on. So coordinating work with a landlord, you and the neighbours bring their challenges. If you’re in […]

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More Blocked Downpipe Woes

Downpipe Unblocking Gutter Clearing
Blocked downpipe from two screws inserted

It’s not too often that a blocked downpipe betters me, only two in fact, and they were both cast iron so you are limited in what you can do. Technically speaking the figure is zero as both were flowing better after I finished but I digress. This one eventually got unblocked, but it had me […]

Downpipe Blockage – Potatoes!

Downpipe Unblocking Gutter Clearing
potatoes found growing in the downpipe hopper. i kid you not!

Yes, You’ve guessed it from the title, I found these potatoes growing in a hopper the other day. I don’t think they caused the downpipe blockage but as a consequence of the blockage, they were still in there.  Apologies for the picture but the camera on the phone is on the way out, but I […]

Downpipe Blockages – Some Examples

Downpipe Unblocking Gutter Clearing
a blockage extracted from a downpipe.

Downpipe and drainpipe blockages fall into two categories for clearing, straightforward & Complex. Whilst a complex series of bends and shallow angles is theoretically fine for water in ideal conditions. It is not the case for a big lump of moss or piece of mortar that can easily become stuck and start the blockage. If […]

What Causes a Blocked Gutter

Downpipe Unblocking Gutter Clearing
Broken mortar making way to block the gutter.

There are obvious causes for a blocked gutter, such as leaves and moss. Once these mulch down they make great compost, couple that with the cross-pollination from wind, birds, insects etc and you’ve suddenly got grass growing. Also, there are great nooks and crannies in guttering for debris to shelter and hide. Where gullies meet […]