One clear benefit of a prolonged rainy spell is that it shows up any leaks in the guttering system of houses and commercial buildings. It is an unfortunate irony that most gutters are ignored, with little or no maintenance carried out, until heavy rainfall shows up a faulty system. By then, the damage is done and water is spilling out all over the base of the walls at an alarming rate. There are a few simple, preventative steps that can be taken to avoid such a scenario.
Gutters should be cleaned out roughly twice a year, more often if the system is exposed to heavy leaf fall from nearby trees. All dead leaves and twigs should be removed, either by hand or using a trowel or scoop. Try to ensure that all debris is carefully removed from the outlet areas (the section which joins the gutter to the downpipe) without allowing anything to fall into the downpipe itself. To make this job simpler in future, fit a leaf guard in the neck of the outlet. A leaf guard is a round plastic grid, invisible from ground level, which sits snugly inside the outlet and traps any leaves, moss and twigs that would normally be swept into the pipe.
If any gutter seals are leaking, remove the gutter by unclipping it from the brackets, and remove the offending fitting. Whilst replacement seals are available it is generally easier to replace the whole fitting – it shouldn’t cost more than a few pounds. All fittings will have the manufacturers name stamped upon them, so check with your guttering supplier that their system is compatible with yours. Most Half Round Gutter systems fit each other, and so do a number of square systems, but it is always safest to check.
Once the gutters are clear, turn your attention to any blocked rainwater pipes. It is very rare for a rainwater pipe to block completely, but if it does it should be removed and either cleaned out or replaced. Most blockages in pipes however are found at the foot of the drop, in the rainwater shoe or the drainage gully. PVC rainwater shoes can be removed by pulling them off (they are rarely glued on) and the blockage cleared. Most PVC drainage gullies have an insert that can be removed for cleaning, but old style clay gullies on older properties will have to be cleaned out by hand or by the use of drain rods.
PVC Guttering is easy to keep clean. All that is required is a twice yearly wipe down with a soft cloth and soapy water, or a proprietary PVC cleaner. Take care though – abrasive household cleaners will damage the surface of material and cause scratches which will retain dirt and look unsightly.
You can find more information about guttering systems on the Gutter Supplies Website.
Plastic Inspection Chambers – Key Facts
Underground Drainage systems have moved on considerably since plastic first took over from clay as the material of choice for builders and civil engineers. This is particularly true when considering the use of inspection chambers, or manholes as they are still commonly referred to as. The following article explains how, why and where to use inspection chambers in a domestic drainage system.
Guttering for Barns and Larger Buildings
With many barns and industrial buildings now being converted for domestic use as houses, maintenance is a key subject. These types of buildings differ from standard houses in both their size and their type of construction. One question that often arises is what to do when replacing the roof gutters.
Replacing A Broken Manhole Cover
Replacing a broken manhole cover can be a confusing business. Follow these few simple steps to improve your understanding of what is required and allow you to make an informed choice about what and where to buy.
