Page 553 - The City and Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1 for the Level 3 Apprenticeship (9189), Level 2 Technical Certificate (8202) and Level 2 Diploma (6035)

Chapter 8 Rainwater systems

 Table 8.10

Fault Remedy
Leaking joints Carry out rectification operations (see below)
Cracked and broken gutters and rainwater Carry out rectification operations (see below)
pipes
Bad falls and bowing gutters These will require realigning with the
correct fall or the installation of extra fascia
brackets
Blocked gutters and rainwater pipes causing These require cleaning and clearing (see
water to overflow at the outlets below)
Incorrectly spaced fascia and rainwater pipe Fascia brackets at 1 m distance, vertical
brackets pipework brackets at 2 m and horizontal at
1.2 m
Water overflowing from the gutter during Generally, a sign of too big a roof area –
periods of heavy rain after a major extension install more rainwater pipe outlets, or replace
to the gutter system the gutter with high-capacity gutter

Leakage repairs

There are different visual signs for leaking joints depending on the material that
the gutter is made from.

Leaking PVCu gutters
The leak may not be obvious until water is discharged down the gutter,
especially if the gutter is black in colour. In some instances, leaks may show on
the surface of the gutter as a black/green moss growth. A joint that is leaking, INDUSTRY TIP
usually because the rubber seal has either shrunk or become misaligned, is
generally an easy problem to fix by replacing the defective fitting. It should be remembered,
however, that some gutter
With leaking PVCu fittings, remember: manufacturers use different
fitting dimensions and one
l always try to replace like for like; this is sometimes not possible as there have
been many manufacturers in the past that no longer exist or the company type of gutter may not fit
has changed its specifications and fittings have been improved/updated another. Most manufacturers
l do not be tempted to repair leaking joints with silicone sealant; while the produce ‘compatibility charts’
showing which gutter fits
joint may be sealed initially, as soon as the gutter expands and contracts, it another.
will break again and begin to leak.

Leaking cast iron fittings
These are generally visible from the ground without the need to pour water
down the gutter. Leaking cast iron joints have visual tell-tale signs, such as:
l rust staining on the mouth of the joint
l moss and lichen growth on the mouth of the joint
l water staining in the joint area
l rust around the gutter bolt.
Repairing a leaking cast iron joint is a reasonably easy task that involves
removing the gutter bolt, breaking (parting) the joint, cleaning out the old
jointing medium (usually paint and putty), repainting and re-puttying the
joint before remaking the joint with a fresh gutter bolt. Care should be taken,

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