Best Ways To Clear Blocked Roof Drains

Blocked roof drains cause water damage to your property, which could result in a leak and structural problems. This has to be solved immediately to avoid further structural damage and keep your house safe.

That’s why clearing your blocked roof drains is important to prevent potential water damage and potential threats to building integrity. The concerns should, therefore, be taken care of immediately with professional help to ensure the goodness and integrity of your roof drainage system and the protection of your home from water damage.

Contact Link Plumbing to handle your blocked roof drain issues and repair any damaged pipes. Call 0412 056 027 to ensure one of our skilled plumbers uses professional tools to get your roof drain flowing again.

Know the Symptoms of Clogged Roof Drains

A blocked roof drain can cause ponding water, which might lead to leakage and even damage to structures. Identifying some of the most common causes will help you know how to fix them.

Overflowing Gutters

If your gutters appear to overflow during a rainstorm, this could be caused by blocked roof drains, which lead to stagnant water.

Overflows from your roof gutters can be caused by several factors, most of which signal an upcoming problem that must be addressed to prevent further water damage.

Backfall and Sagging

Drain pipes inside buildings sloped improperly to exit rainwater. Leaders of drain piping can cause poor roof drainage, which allows standing water to remain in the pipe. This is often referred to as “backfall” or “sagging”.  

You’ll notice ponding water on the roof surface and at the sides of the existing roof drainage when the interior drainage system is not functioning where water flows. Moreover, ponding water can damage flat roofs since water won’t slide down the roof.

Interior Water Stains

Discolouration on your ceilings or walls could be a sign of leakage and the water is not draining out from your roof—something may be blocking. This blocked drain pipe condition can cause interior watermarks, leading to bigger damages if left unchecked for long.

Frozen Pipes

In some instances, drain pipes can run through warm inside surfaces before they exit the wall near grade level outside a building and freeze, causing an obstruction that inhibits the proper drainage of water from the roof. 

This usually occurs when the drainpipe is exposed to freezing conditions and can be remedied by an electrician installing heat tracing wires to maintain a temperature of 1° above Celsius.

How to Clear Blocked Roof Drains: Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Before you start working, maintain good foot traction on the roof and take safety precautions. You will also need to gather tools or equipment, such as a sturdy ladder, gloves, a drain snake or plumber’s snake, a garden hose, and a plunger.

Step 1: Check your gutters

First, check gutters for observable leaves, twigs, or dirt. Use a pair of gloves or a trowel to remove the blockage.

A tenant will be liable for a blocked gutter due to negligence. However, the property or building owners become responsible for cleaning them if the renter has nothing to do with the blockages.

Step 2: Flush with a garden hose

Attach the hose to a source of water. Then, shoot a strong jet of water down the drain to loosen and remove the accumulated debris.

Step 3: Plunge the drains

If there isn’t a free flow of water after flushing the hose, place a plunger over the drain and plunge — creating suction to dislodge stubborn buildup.

Step 4: Check downspouts

Run the hose down the downspouts to ensure they are clear. If water does not flow freely, it could be due to a blockage that needs to be cleared.  

Sometimes, deteriorated roofing materials can block the passageway of the water flow.

Step 5: Inspect the roof drain and remove debris

For more stubborn blockages, clear blocked roof drains itself. Remove the drain cover and, with a trowel or gloved hand, scoop out the smaller debris that has been collected.

Step 6: Apply chemical drain cleaner

On certain occasions, chemical cleaners can dissolve organic material, blocking the free passage of water. Use caution and follow the instructions on the product.

Step 7: Seek professional assistance

Such potential issues could be visualised early through a periodic professional inspection to ensure that problems with your roof drainage system do not occur again. 

If you find the DIY methods are not working even for minor blockages, or if you are not comfortable working on your roof’s blocked drains, that will be where you require professional assistance.

Contact a professional plumber who will identify the culprit and fix it right away. Call 0412 056 027 today and have it get to work once more.

Effective Tips for Preventing Roof Drain Blockages

Consider the following steps for avoiding clogged roof drainage systems. These preventive measures will extend the life of your roof drainage, pipes, and gutters, prevent drainage issues, and save you money in the long run.

1. Regular cleaning and checking

Gutter, downspout, and roof drainage systems should be cleaned and checked regularly to help avoid problems and ensure proper water flow. At least twice a year, during the spring and fall seasons, to clear other debris and inspect the roof drainage system for probable damages. 

2. Install gutter guards and filters

Putting gutter guards or filters in place can go a long way toward preventing any flora from getting into your gutters and downpipes in the first place. This will reduce your risk of blockages and potential water damage inside the downpipes. 

3. Trim overhanging trees

Trim the branches and foliage that overhang your roof to minimise the amount of leaves and other debris that fall onto it. Decaying foliage can block drainage and cause foul odour.

4. Seal the leak and seal joints

A gutter sealant will seal the joints and fix any leaks in your gutter system. First, clean the intended area, scrubbing off as much dirt and visible debris as possible. Apply the sealer along the seam, filling gaps or any other breaks.

The sealant application must be smoothed out using a putty knife or finger. Afterwards, let it dry for the recommended time before allowing proper flow over the treated region.

5. Replace badly damaged areas

If you have some gutter sections damaged or missing, you should replace them to help restore your roof drainage system’s effectiveness. Measure the length of the gutter material required and cut it to size. 

Take out the damaged section and then install a new one with appropriate connectors, brackets, and screws. Ensure you have aligned the new section slopingly to facilitate water flow properly.

6. Adjust gutter pitch and alignment

If water does not drain out of your gutters efficiently, you must adjust their pitch and alignment and, if necessary, clean them. Gutter pitch is the grade or angle at which the gutters have been set up to facilitate water flow to the downspouts. 

Adjust the pitch by loosening the brackets or hangers that hold the gutter in place, moving it to the ideal slope, and tightening it again. Make sure your gutters are aligned properly with their downspouts so water runs through without overflowing.

7. Repair or replace damaged downpipes

If your downpipe is damaged, you can seal it with sealant or replace the damaged fraction. In case of small cracks or holes, clean the area around it and apply a waterproof sealant to seal the damage. 

In case of larger damage or when a downpipe section suffers irreparable potential water damage, replace the damaged part with a new section. Be certain that the new section is attached properly and sealed against leakage.

8. Retighten and reattach loose downpipes

If the downpipe has come loose or fallen off, you will have to attach it back to the gutter system and fasten it through the exterior of your house. First, lay the downspout on the gutter opening, ensuring it is in the right place, then attach these pieces using the right connectors. 

Afterwards, attach the downspout to the side of your house with brackets or straps, ensuring it is securely and properly aligned. Doing so will save your home from water damage and ensure your gutters work properly.

Conclusion

Roof drain cleaning is easier when done by our Link Plumbing expert plumbers. We’ll provide you with professional assistance without breaking the bank. We are paid by the job, not the hour, allowing us to do our tasks more efficiently.

With over 35 years of plumbing experience, we are the most sought-after plumbers in over 70 Sydney suburbs. We specialise in leak detection, blocked drains and sewer cleaning, gas plumbing, pipe replacement, and more.

Call us today at 0412 056 027 for an efficient and professional plumbing job from our highly-trained and trustworthy plumbers for exceptional roof maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I prevent ice dams from developing in my gutters?

To stop ice dams, ensure your attic is well-insulated, seal gaps in the air, and maintain proper airflow.

• Do gutter guards actually make maintenance easier?

While they are often touted to lessen gutter guard upkeep, they are not foolproof and might still need occasional cleaning to prevent blockage.

• How frequently should gutters and downspouts be cleaned?

It’s recommended to clean and inspect your gutters and downspouts at least twice yearly, allowing water to flow smoothly, typically in the spring and fall to prevent blocked drains.

• What should I do if my roof drain isn’t functioning correctly?

Inspect your roof drain for any blockage or damage and take the necessary steps to repair or replace any faulty parts.

• How can I tell if my downpipe is clogged?

Clogged downpipes will show signs such as water overflowing from the gutters, slow drainage, or water pooling in the gutters. Regular inspections are also necessary to ensure no pipe is blocked, especially after heavy rains.

• How can I fix a leaking gutter joint?

To repair a leaking gutter joint, clean the area, apply a gutter sealant, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying.

• What are the typical issues with rain gutters?

Rain gutters often face problems like leakage, sagging, blockages, and severe damage in certain areas.

• What are the signs of blocked roof drains?

Blocked drains can cause roof gutters to overflow, indicating other issues, such as clogged gutters.