Features of the work on the repair of the drainage system at various facilities

The lack of regular preventive inspection and maintenance of the drainage system leads to premature destruction of plaster, basement and brickwork. Due to the hydrostatic load created by the pouring streams of water, cracks appear in the blind area. The foundation is washed away, dampness appears in the basement and its inevitable companion is a fungus, which gradually spreads to other rooms. Neglecting the rules of care does not have the best effect on the system itself. Where, with timely measures, it could be limited to partial repairs, then a complete replacement has to be carried out.

Types of gutter malfunctions and the reasons for their occurrence

The complete list of possible malfunctions is quite extensive. The most common ones are worth considering.

Overflowing the drain with water

Even with heavy rainfall, the water must completely drain down the drain and not splash over the edge of the gutter or funnel.

Reasons for possible overflow:

• clogging of the system with fallen leaves, debris of branches, precipitating sand and mud;
• incorrect installation;
• incorrect calculation of the parameters of the elements.

The smooth plastic surface has a high slip coefficient, and dirt adheres to it less.

If the angle of inclination is too small, the gutters overflow due to the slow flow of water. If the design includes elements with an insufficient cross-sectional area, the water does not have time to pass due to the low throughput of the system. The gutter, which is not correctly positioned in relation to the edge of the roof, is only partially discharged by the flowing water.

Mechanical damage and violation of the integrity of the system

During operation, holes, cracks, bruises appear in the system. Shifts occur, sometimes individual links drop out.

Causes of malfunctions:

• the impact of powerful streams of water;
• the fall of large branches and tree trunks, the roof torn off by gusts of wind;
• avalanche snow and ice block damage;
• deformation and rupture due to frozen water in winter;
• installing fewer mounts;
• thermal expansion of system elements.

In this regard, plastic has undoubted advantages over metal, but only if the material is made from high-quality raw materials in compliance with all the requirements of production technology. It is elastic, bends well, restores its original shape after deformation. Metal elements are less flexible and break more easily under heavy load. The fragile low-quality plastic suffers from the same disadvantages.

Buy gutter systems made of plastic from reliable manufacturers: Döcke, Braas, Ruukki, Murol, Hunter, Technonikol, Ruplast, GrandSystem, Lindab, Scala, Vinylon, Alta-Profil, Grand Line.

Corrosive destruction

Galvanized steel gutters sooner or later begin to rust.Gradually, rust eats away thin-walled parts, through holes appear in the affected areas. Parts made of plastic and copper are not afraid of corrosion.

Positional instability and noise

The rigidity of the fastening of the elements is weakened under strong mechanical loads and the choice of unsuitable fasteners. In gusts of wind and in rainy weather, the system sways or sags, due to loose contact, the elements periodically hit each other, making rattling sounds.

Systems made of plastic are less noisy when draining heavily.

Types of repair work

It is necessary to check the serviceability and repair the drain pipes at least once a year, every spring, in the interval between the final melting snow from the roof and the beginning of the first rains. If possible, the system is re-audited in the fall.

It is advisable to combine the repair of the drain with the work on the restoration of the roof. This is convenient for repairmen and saves on the cost of work.

Gutter cleaning

Before starting work, drains are cleaned of debris, dirt is removed with a stiff brush. The remaining ice remains must not be chipped off; it is better to let it melt on its own. At the end of cleaning, rinse with a stream of water under pressure. The blockage of the pipe is punched from above with a device with a long handle. To protect the drainpipes from getting stuck in large debris, it is worthwhile to equip the funnels with "Spider" nets in advance.

Elimination of installation errors

The slope of the gutters towards the funnel should be at least 3 mm per 1 running meter of length. If this rule is not followed, the bracket closest to the funnel is rearranged to the right place and connected with a cord to the last one in the row. The rest of the brackets are attached along the cord every 0.5 m.

For the most accurate ingress of flowing water, from half to two-thirds of the diameter of the gutter should protrude beyond the edge of the roof. At the same time, the gutter must not cross the line that is the continuation of the roof.

1 m2 of roof area must have at least 0.00015 m2 of gutter cross-sectional area. If the ratio is not maintained, they are replaced with elements with suitable parameters.

To prevent deformation due to thermal expansion, the ends of the groove in the connectors and corners are installed along the auxiliary lines. The seals are lubricated with a sliding compound that facilitates the movement of the chute.

Elimination of mechanical damage

Large lesions are assessed visually. The tightness of the joints of wall gutters and downpipes, the presence of cracks and holes is checked during rain or artificial discharge of the water flow from the roof.

Damaged gutters, funnels and pipes, buckled clamps and brackets are straightened and sealed, if possible, or replaced with similar ones. The dropped links of the system are reassembled. After installation, check the angle of inclination, reliability of fastening and tightness.

During winter, periodically tap the drainpipes lightly with a wooden stick to remove ice plugs. Installation of anti-icing systems and snow holders prevents mechanical damage to gutters by snow, ice, helps to avoid breaking the walls by frozen water.

Reinforcement of fasteners

Loose clamps and brackets tighten. If the holes are loose, take a fastener of a larger diameter and length, or slightly shift the fastener to the side. If necessary, install additional fasteners.

Required distance:

• between adjacent gutter brackets - 0.6 m;
• between adjacent pipe clamps - 1.8 m;
• from the funnel, straight and corner connectors - no further than 0.15 m.

Weak fasteners, not designed for the actual load, are replaced.

The area damaged by corrosion is cleaned of rust and the patch is soldered or sealed with butyl rubber tape with a metallized film.

The specifics of repairs at various facilities

Depending on the object, the repair of the drainage system has its own characteristics, sometimes quite significant.

Renovation in the cottage

In a private country house, the drainage system is usually located at a low height and is accessible by using a ladder. The volume of work is small, the repair is not particularly difficult, there is no need to attract certified specialists and special equipment. The owner of the house is able to adjust the drainage system on his own.

Repair of internal drainage systems in multi-storey buildings

On the flat roof of apartment buildings, in addition to external ones, internal vertical drainage systems are used. Carrying out repair work in such conditions involves dismantling the walls. The lining of drainpipes using FuranFlex technology with a corrosion-resistant composite material based on fiberglass and artificial resin allows to carry out repairs without destruction of structures.

High-rise work on the repair of external drainage systems

To access the drainage system in multi-storey buildings, telescopic towers or scaffolding are used. Work at very high altitudes is carried out by industrial climbers using professional equipment and special equipment. Minor repairs and cleaning of gutters can be carried out from roof ladders and walkways, if installed.

Cost of work

The price for repairing the drainage system in an apartment or private country house is influenced by:

• design features of the drainage system;
• the complexity of troubleshooting;
• the need to attract industrial climbers and special equipment;
• scope of work.

In most firms, you can clarify the approximate price of services by phone and call a master for a free consultation, drawing up a work plan and assessing their cost.

Estimated prices for the repair of the drainage system in the central part of Russia: