Gutter downspouts leaking water in heavy rain.

jimpwarsop

Eldi_Dos said:

One improvement that could be made once drain has been cleared out is fitting a leaf catcher filter between drain and downpipe.

Not really, the leaf litter would just block the down pipe.   The debris needs not to enter the down pipe.

Huynha

Phil3822 said:

Hello, when raining heavy my gutters leak from the bottom where it joins the drains. This leads into a soakaway. It ends up pooling an inch or so at the rear of my home. Wondering how can I access this area to check the drain. Wish to try help myself before getting a firm who I imagine will suggest to replace the soakaway. No idea how to remove the square down pipe from the larger round drain pipe. Appreciate any help. 

Call out a professional to fix it.

FreeBear

Eldi_Dos said:

Phil3822 said:

Thanks everyone, the weather is due to be reasonable tomorrow and I have time to tackle this so will give it a go. I will report back and take pictures of what I find. You have all been very helpful. 

Eldi_Dos said:

It may be worth considering getting the downpipe adjusted so that you can clear out any debris in the future without climbing ladders or calling in a company.

How would I do that to make it easier? Thanks. 

One improvement that could be made once drain has been cleared out is fitting a leaf catcher filter between drain and downpipe.

I like these - https://www.floplast.co.uk/product/leafdebris-interceptor-gully - Not particularly cheap, and for the OP, would require a fair bit of work to fit (digging up the paving and modifying the underground drainage).

Perhaps an option to consider if the garden gets a major make-over.

Eldi_Dos

jimpwarsop said:

Eldi_Dos said:

One improvement that could be made once drain has been cleared out is fitting a leaf catcher filter between drain and downpipe.

Not really, the leaf litter would just block the down pipe.   The debris needs not to enter the down pipe.

A inline leaf litter catcher would not lead to downpipe being blocked as it allows a through flow of water,although my preference would be a trap at ground level, in this case though that would entail a fair bit of work so inline filter would be a reasonable compromise.

One problem with fitting mesh filters at top of downpipes is that it leads to a buildup of debris in gutters and effects the downpipes ability to cope, unless the gutters are cleaned on a regular basis which we cannot always guarantee.

Phil3822

Hello all, I had a go at it today and the down pipe as well as outgoing pipes were all clear. Water from my hose flowed freely. I have a karcher drain snake so also used that. I got to the soakaway obstruction free. 

Only think I noticed was where the down pipe meets the ground was a lose fit, like probably 5mil diameter difference. Excess water going down the down pipe and hitting the bottom of the pipe then needing to go around a bend before heading to the soakaway may be overwhelming and spilling out the 5mil gap. Alternatively the soakaway is not fit for a heavy downpour, the roof is large. 

Your advice was all helpful, I took the whole down pipe off as it was the only way it would come off. 

Bendy_House

Nice job.

I suspect the gulley, drain pipe or soakaway is simply overwhelmed by the water volume on occasion.

stuart45

Do you know if you are on clay soil?

Phil3822

Bendy_House said:

Nice job.

I suspect the gulley, drain pipe or soakaway is simply overwhelmed by the water volume on occasion.

This is what I think, I will keep an eye but wonder if I should make the down pipe seal the bottom pipe better so it’s water tight? 

stuart45 said:

Do you know if you are on clay soil?

Yes, heavy clay soil area so increasingly makes me think overwhelmed soakaway not able to handle a heavy downpour. Thanks again. 

stuart45

Have you thought about rainwater diverters and butts to relieve some of the pressure?
Is your house timber framed?

Phil3822

stuart45 said:

Have you thought about rainwater diverters and butts to relieve some of the pressure?
Is your house timber framed?

Thanks. That’s a good idea. The house is a dormer bungalow, so brick downstairs and large roof containing 3 bedrooms which is timer and tile built.