How to Unblock a Downpipe: A Quick Guide That Actually Works

First things first: What’s the situation?

Take a quick look. Is water backing up right where the downpipe meets the gutter? Is it dry but clearly clogged? Or is the blockage somewhere near the ground? Figuring out where the jam is will tell you how to tackle it.

1. The Easy One: Gutter Elbow Blocked & Water Backing Up

This is probably the most common fix, and honestly, the easiest. If it’s raining and you can see water pooling at the top of the downpipe, the pressure of the water is actually your friend here.

What to do:

• Grab a bit of stiff wire, a long screwdriver, or even a straightened coat hanger.

• Carefully reach into the gutter elbow (where the downpipe starts) and poke at the blockage.

• Don’t go mad—just prod it gently. Often, the weight of the backed-up water will do the rest and push the gunk through once you loosen it.

Skipton tip: If you’ve got a lot of trees nearby (plenty of us do), this is usually leaves and moss compacted in the bend. A quick poke usually does the trick.

2. The Summer Blockage: Dry & Stuck

No rain, but the downpipe’s definitely blocked?

What to do:

• First, try to take the elbow apart if you can. A lot of them are just screwed together. If you can get it off, you can clear it properly.

• If you can’t take it apart, remove what you can by hand from the top.

• Then, try vibrating the pipe. Give it a firm shake or tap along its length with your hand or a rubber mallet. Often, vibrations will break up the dried sludge inside and it’ll fall down.

3. The “Proper Kit” Method

If you’ve got the tools, this is the most effective way. I use a gutter vacuum to suck blockages out from above—it’s quick, clean, and gets everything.

What you can try at home:

• A wet/dry vacuum with a long hose attachment can sometimes work if you can seal it around the top of the downpipe.

• Alternatively, a leaf blower. If you’ve got one, seal it over the top of the downpipe and give it a blast. This can push the blockage down and out the bottom. (Just maybe warn the neighbours first.)

4. The Bottom-of-the-Pipe Block

Sometimes the issue isn’t at the top—it’s where the downpipe meets the drain. This is common in older Skipton properties where the gap between the pipe and the drain is too small.

What to do:

• First, check if there’s a gap. If not, sometimes just lifting the downpipe slightly will let you clear the crud by hand.

• If there’s a bend or elbow at the bottom, it might be worth unscrewing it. They’re often full of silt and leaves.

• Again, vibrating the pipe can help—shake it gently and let the debris fall into the drain below.

5. Downpipe Balloon installed blocked

Downpipe balloons are great, simple devices you can install to stop the downpipes being blocked. However they do sometimes need cleaning out.

What to do:

• Remove the downpipe balloon, clean and put back in place. Simple.

  

When to Call a Pro in Yorkshire

Look, sometimes it’s just easier—and safer—to get someone in. If:

• You’re not comfortable on a ladder

• The blockage won’t budge

• The pipe is old, fragile, or leaking

• You’ve tried and it’s still overflowing

That’s where a local gutter cleaner like me comes in. We’ve got the long-reach vacuums, cameras, and experience to clear it fast without the fuss.

Final Thought

A blocked downpipe might seem small, but here in Skipton, with our rain and wind, it can lead to damp walls, damaged brickwork, or even foundation issues if left too long. A quick check when the gutters are full can save you a lot of hassle later.

Stay dry,
Hugo
Roof & Gutter Cleaning in Yorkshire