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Gutter Cleaners Ashford
Drainage

Downpipe clearance
& unblocking in Kent

Rodding and clearing of blocked downpipes and rainwater hoppers to restore full flow — included as standard in every gutter clean.

  • Fully insured
  • Hand-cleaning specialists
  • 10+ years local

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Blocked downpipes & what causes them

Downpipes carry water from your gutters down to ground drainage. When they block — usually with compacted leaves, debris, or moss — gutters overflow at the connection point, leading to water running down walls, damp patches, and potential structural damage.

Downpipe clearance is included as standard in our gutter cleaning service. For stubborn blockages deep in the pipe, we use rods to clear the obstruction and restore full flow.

What's included

  • Flow test on all downpipes after the gutter clean
  • Rodding of blocked downpipes
  • Clearance of rainwater hoppers
  • Check for offset joints or damaged sections
  • Report on any permanent blockages requiring further work

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my downpipe is blocked?

The most obvious sign is water overflowing from the gutter at the top of the downpipe connection during rain. You might also notice a gurgling sound, slow drainage, or damp appearing on the wall behind the pipe.

How do you unblock a downpipe?

We use drain rods inserted from the top or bottom of the pipe to break up and clear the blockage. In most cases this is sufficient. For severe blockages or underground drainage issues, we'll advise on the appropriate next step.

What causes a downpipe to block?

The usual culprits are compacted leaves, moss and general debris that wash down from the gutter and gather at bends, joints and the bottom shoe of the pipe. Properties surrounded by trees block up fastest, which is why we always flow-test downpipes during a gutter clean.

Can a blocked downpipe cause damp or damage to my home?

Yes. When a downpipe blocks, water backs up and spills out at the gutter joint, running down the wall behind it. Left unchecked this leads to damp patches inside, stained and crumbling render, and over time can affect the structure. Clearing the blockage early is far cheaper than dealing with the water damage it causes.

Is downpipe clearance included in your standard gutter clean?

Yes — we flow-test and clear downpipes as standard with every gutter clean. If we find a stubborn blockage that needs rodding, this is carried out in the same visit at no extra charge in most cases.

Ready for clear, free-flowing gutters?

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