Check gutters and pipes
Clear blockages
3Repair faulty gutter
STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS
207
LEAKING GUTTERS AND LEADERS
1
2
Check gutters and pipes
• If rainwater is overflowing from the gutter, check both the gutter
and the leader leading from it for blockages. Obstructions are commonly caused by a build-up of leaves, birds’ nests or balls falling into leaders.
• If water is leaking through the gutter, check the dripping area
of the gutter for cracks, holes, or bad joints.
• If the gutter is not damaged, check to see if it is sagging, which
prevents it from draining properly.
Clear blockages
• Put on protective gloves, and clear the gutter of leaves and debris so
that water can flow freely.
• Clear both ends of the leader.
• If the blockage is caused by a bird’ s nest, make a hook out of a length
of stiff galvanized wire. Slide the wire down one side of the nest to hook it up and out of the pipe.
• For a blockage that is out of reach, use a long, flexible rod to clear it.
! Good maintenance
• If leaves are a nuisance, secure protective mesh over the gutter and in the mouth
of the leader. You will need to ensure that there is no build-up of leaves over the mesh, as this could cause rainwater to pour over the edge of the gutter.
• Repaint metal drains and gutters frequently to prevent them from rusting
and developing holes or cracks.
3Repair faulty gutter
• If the gutter is plastic, seal a leaking joint by wrapping gutter repair tape around it. If the gutter is cracked, place tape over the crack inside the gutter.
• Repair a sagging gutter temporarily by hammering a wooden wedge in between the gutter and each bracket to hold each section in place.
• If the gutter is metal, scrape off any rust, then paint the leaking area with a sealing compound. Protect the repair until the sealant has dried, then repaint.
• To treat holes in metal gutters, first put on safety goggles, then
wire-brush away any loose rust.
• Apply a rust-proof primer, then seal small holes with a sealing
compound and large holes with a special glass-fiber filler. To finish, apply tar or gloss paint.