Downpipe
In plumbing · also called Rainwater pipe
The vertical pipe that carries rainwater from a gutter outlet down the wall to a gully, drain or soakaway. In England's guidance it is at least the size of the outlet feeding it, and larger where it serves more than one outlet.
Using Downpipe in a plumbing system
Updated
A distinction worth remembering
Check that the gutter falls towards its outlet, that the downpipe is big enough for the outlet feeding it, and where the water goes at the bottom. Overflow, drips and stains on the wall show which of those has failed.
Questions to take further
- Should my downpipe go into the sewer?
- In England the order of preference is to let rainwater soak into the ground, then send it to a watercourse, and only then to a sewer. In an area with separate sewers, rainwater never goes into the foul one.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Approved Document H — Guidance for England on above-ground drainage, traps, venting, access and rainwater disposal; guidance is not itself the legislation.
- HSE: ladders and stepladders — When a ladder is a reasonable choice for work at height in Great Britain, and how to use one safely.
Where Downpipe fits in the learning path
The Rainwater, Maintenance and Environmental Protection section covers these topics:
- Rainwater Gutters and Downpipes
- Water Efficiency and Reuse
- Maintenance and Environmental Protection
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- Rainwater Gutters and DownpipesRainwater, Maintenance and Environmental Protection
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The open channel along the lower edge of a roof that catches rainwater and carries it to an outlet. Common profiles are half round, square and ogee, in PVC-U, cast iron or aluminium, and any fall runs towards the nearest outlet.
Gutter
Read the Gutter entryCompare related terms
Open a meaning to compare its role with Downpipe, or follow its full entry.
Gutter — Eaves gutter
The open channel along the lower edge of a roof that catches rainwater and carries it to an outlet. Common profiles are half round, square and ogee, in PVC-U, cast iron or aluminium, and any fall runs towards the nearest outlet.
Read the Gutter entrySoakaway
A pit or set of crates in the ground, filled so that rainwater collected from roofs and paving can seep out into the surrounding soil. In England's guidance it is kept at least 5 m from a building and is the first choice where the ground allows.
Read the Soakaway entryBefore you start: some plumbing work is regulated or notifiable
Some water fittings work needs notice to, and consent from, the water supplier before it starts. Check the rules where you live.
Gas work is for competent workers covered by a Gas Safe registered business in Great Britain. Northern Ireland has separate gas regulations. Do not work on gas pipes or appliances yourself.
In England, installing an unvented hot-water system over 15 litres is notifiable building work: use a competent installer registered with a competent-person scheme, or tell building control before work starts. Leave this work to a suitably skilled person.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own water and building rules; check which apply before work starts. Electrical connections belong with an electrician.
This guide does not qualify you or make you competent, approved or registered for plumbing, gas or unvented work.
A definition is a start. Using it in a real question is where it sticks.