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0333 987 4452
0333 987 4452
Tuscan Foundry Products, Tyn-Y-Clyn, Llanafan Fawr, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3LU, United Kingdom
© Tuscan Foundry Products 2022
SPAB’s Top Tips for Gutters and Drainage Systems
Autumn is just around the corner and now is the time to check your gutters, pipes, and drainage systems for damage or blockages. Whilst we specifically deal with and talk about period cast iron rainwater systems, this can be taken for all modern equivalents.
- Every spring and autumn, clear any plants, leaves, and silt from gutters, hopper heads, flat roofs, and drainage channels
- Look for blocked downpipes (best done during heavy rain to see water coming from any leaky joints – in dry weather look for stained brickwork)
- Keep gullies at ground level clear and have them cleaned out if necessary
- Remove vegetation from behind downpipes by cutting back or removing the plant altogether
- Use a hand mirror to look behind rainwater pipes as splits and cracks in old cast iron pipes and aluminium often occur there and are not easily noticed.
- Fit bird/leaf guards to the tops of soil pipes and rainwater outlets to prevent blockages
- Check that gutters junctions are watertight by watching them in rainy conditions
- Have gutters refixed if they are sloping the wrong way or discharging water onto the wall
- If sections are beyond repair, make sure that replacements are made of the same material as the originals (on older houses, this is sometimes lead, but more usually cast iron)
- Regular painting of cast iron guttering and pipes is essential to prevent rust
Important Do’s and Don’ts - Inspecting & Repairing Gutters and Pipes
Do – carry out regular inspection and maintenance
Don’t’ – allow serious defects to remain untreated
Do – be aware of safety and wear protective gloves when clearing gutters and drains
Don’t – undertake routine maintenance work at a high level unless you are accompanied and have suitable equipment. If in doubt always seek help from a professional
Do – seek advice from qualified professionals
Don’t – expect independent advice from someone who has something to sell you
Do – repair rather than restore or replace
Don’t – repair in unsympathetic materials as this can cause more maintenance problems in future!
Do – respect the building’s character and history and make sure the work is sympathetic to it
Don’t – attempt to ‘improve’ by altering the original appearance
Do – avoid unnecessary work
Don’t – clad walls with artificial stone or other modern materials
Do – study the history of the building and how it has changed
Don’t – use unsuitable ‘off the peg’ architectural elements
Do – analyse the cause of defects
Don’t – rely on commercially based claims for any product or technique
Do – use only traditional materials and proven techniques
Don’t – use so-called ‘maintenance-free’ products
Do – re-use materials salvaged from your building
Don’t – waste re-usable materials
Do – remedy previous bad repairs
Don’t – bodge repairs!
Do – remove disfiguring alterations or additions
Don’t – remove or demolish any original elements
Do – adopt correct priorities for repairs
Don’t – replace windows or doors in non-original patterns or materials
Do – use only reliable contractors or craftspeople
Don’t – employ anyone without seeing references or inspecting their work
Do – obtain necessary planning and legal consent
Don’t – do any work without the required consent.