Downpipe connection with guttering

256 Posts


The downpipe on my 3 storey house is joined to the gutter running outlet via offset bends, and recently the top of the offset bend came out from the gutter outlet, so that rainwater from the gutter outlet was not draining into the offset bend and thence into the pipe, but splashing onto the wall of the house.
A gutter repair man said the downpipe was too loose, and had dropped, so he pushed the pipe up to make the offset bend engage in the gutter outlet, and he used two screws to stop the pipe dropping, one screw into the pipe through the bottom bracket holding the pipe to the wall, and one screw at the top of the offset bend into the gutter outlet.
I am concerned that the weight of the downpipe may in time cause the bottom (plastic) bracket to break, and the weight may also weaken the gutter outlet.
The other concern is whether fixing the pipe against the gutter outlet and bottom bracket may cause a problem with the expansion and contraction of the plastic pipe.
Can anyone advise me on whether the repair method is sound, or what would be a better method for a lasting solution?
Thanks.
Thanks.
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The downpipe should not be screwed to the guttering, it should be supported by brackets fixed to the wall, as it presumably was once.
It is those brackets that should be sorted out IMO.
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Although a bit bodgy, I think there's actually a good chance the fix will be fine. An issue is that only one bracket is now taking the whole DP weight. If there's only one screw into one elbow at the top, then I presume the gutter outlet is only carrying the additional weight of one wee elbow? Hardly a problem.
What's the worst that can happen?! The bottom bracket bends down over time, or breaks? Two screws (well, three now) and £2 to replace
Could you post a photo of the bottom of the DP so we can see if there's some support or brace we can suggest?
This is an an going problem with some downspouts as the brackets are rarely a light fit and the downspout is not resting on a support
What has been done can work and there is not much more you can do, even gluing the joints it can still slip out of the gutter or drag it down,
A better solution is to support the downspout
Much better to fit a new pipe clip. I usually drill them into the mortar joints on a angle so they tighten onto the pipe.