Image by michaelgreenhill via Flickr
Introduction
Every now and then, all types of equipment no matter what they are made from will require replacing. Nothing lasts forever and that too applies to drainage utilities. Whether you had purchased a state of the art drainage system or a mediocre one, the composition and elements that create the fundamental piece of piping or drainage system will crack, corrode or worst of all break. While many home owners like to conduct their own DIY projects, these replacement jobs can pose a challenge to the inexperienced.
Mini line gutters
Fortunately nowadays, most modern piping and drainage utilities are designed and built for easy fitting. A simple snap, or plug-and-play, asthey like to say, the utilities will be put into position in a matter of seconds. Mini line gutters are one of those pieces of drainage equipment that tends to fail more frequently than others due to harsh weather conditions or simply by old age. Replacing old mini gutters and fitting new ones should pose no real difficulty even for the inexperienced.
Mini line gutters are an essential component in almost all households as they transfer water from the roof along the foundation of the house and into the external drainage system. Without a mini line guttering system, one can expect his or her house to be a large swamp-like area. Installing a mini line gutter requires patience and careful sloping of the down-tubes, as it must allow the rainwater to flow down smoothly.
How to replace old mini gutters
If you are about to replace your old mini gutters, it would be wise to be prepared. This guideline should be a general step to how you can replace your mini line guttering system easily:
- First, you will want to inspect the whole area of your house. If it is slightly raining, all the better as you can see where the small or large leaks are that will then identify which components need replacing. Take note on these areas.
- Secondly, when it’s not raining, inspect any other components such as hangers, roof flashings, connecting adaptors, elbows, and down-pipes that might need readjustment or replacing. Take note of these parts.
- If you have some spare parts available at your residence, you can replace the parts directly, otherwise you will have to make some mini line guttering parts purchases. If you do, make sure you have the correct specifications of the parts (length, size, etc.).
- Before you start to replace the parts, make sure you use proper protective gear when dealing with any DIY project. It is probably better to work your way from the top and deal with the lower areas afterwards. You will need a ladder for higher access.
- Begin dismantling the damaged components and simply replace the identical parts which you have purchased or have in store. Check to see if the gutters are fitted tightly and are not loose. At the same time, check the strength of the hangers holding the gutters which might need readjustment or tightening.
- After you have repaired or replaced the gutters, move on to the down-pipes. Work your way downwards and again, inspect each component which you have noted earlier and replace the old parts with the new ones. Check the quality of the elbows and replace any that might need renewal.
- Check that the down-pipe directs to the external drainage system of your residence and not pointing anywhere else like your lawn or garden. You don’t want to flood your garden!
- Lastly, once you have connected and replaced all of your down-pipes, do a final inspection of each area. Make sure all the parts and components are fit tightly and no cracks or obtrusions are evident which might cause future mishaps.
Conclusion
Replacing an old mini gutter is pretty straightforward. With prior inspection and the components needed, the replacing process is a breeze. Fortunately, these parts are easily and readily available in most hardware stores. Remember to always wear protective clothing and never work under heavy weather conditions such as hard rain as it can be slippery hence increasing the risk of an accident. If you are ever unsure as to how to install or repair a guttering system, consult an experienced person.
