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Damaged, leaking or cracked downpipe swapped — sized to gutter outlet, fitted with proper brackets.
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Undersized for roof area
A 68mm uPVC downpipe handles ~6 m² of roof. Larger roofs need 80mm or twin downpipes.
Discharge at ground level
Shoes that just splash onto the path erode the foundation. Connect to a gully or soakaway.
Frost cracks
Standing water in a poorly-fallen downpipe cracks the pipe overnight. Vertical pipes drain naturally; horizontal sections need 1:80 fall.
Loose brackets
Plastic brackets snap in 10–15 years. Replace with stainless or aluminium.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
uPVC downpipe per metre68mm round or 65mm square
£5–£15
Aluminium downpipe per metre80mm or 100mm
£18–£40
Cast iron downpipe per metreHeritage replacement
£40–£80
Single downpipe install (uPVC)2–3 hours
£120–£320
4 downpipes (full house)1 day
£350–£900
Connection to existing drainIncluding gully if needed
£40–£180
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Downpipes carry roof water from the gutter to the drain or soakaway. A failed or undersized downpipe causes overflow staining, damp at ground level and erosion of the foundation. Expect to pay £180–£900 fitted for downpipe replacement in the UK depending on number of pipes and access.
What Does the Work Involve?
The fitter measures the existing downpipe runs, removes old pipes and clips, attaches new pipe brackets at 1.5–2m centres, drops the new downpipe from the gutter outlet to ground level, connects to a shoe (over a gully) or directly into the drain via a back-inlet gully or a Hepworth gully. Diversion to a soakaway is sometimes needed if the existing drain is overloaded.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC downpipe per metre | 5 | 15 | 68mm round or 65mm square |
| Aluminium downpipe per metre | 18 | 40 | 80mm or 100mm |
| Cast iron downpipe per metre | 40 | 80 | Heritage replacement |
| Single downpipe install (uPVC) | 120 | 320 | 2–3 hours |
| 4 downpipes (full house) | 350 | 900 | 1 day |
| Connection to existing drain | 40 | 180 | Including gully if needed |
| New soakaway | 500 | 1,800 | Excavation, crate, backfill |
How Long Does It Take?
Single downpipe: 2–3 hours. Whole house: one day. Soakaway construction (if needed): 1–2 days plus excavation.
DIY or Professional?
Ground-level connections are DIY-able. Eaves height is dangerous without a tower or platform. The drain connection (especially digging a new gully) is best left to a drainage specialist or roofer.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
A roofer, guttering specialist or general builder. Confirm the size — undersized downpipes (often the cause of original problems) waste the install. Ask how they connect to the drain — back-inlet gully or shoe over gully are the two correct methods.
UK Regulations
Approved Document Part H requires rainwater drainage to discharge to a soakaway, surface-water drain or combined drain. Discharging onto a neighbour's property or a footpath is non-compliant. SuDS principles favour soakaways over piped connections — especially in new developments.
Common Problems
- Undersized for roof area: A 68mm uPVC downpipe handles ~6 m² of roof. Larger roofs need 80mm or twin downpipes.
- Discharge at ground level: Shoes that just splash onto the path erode the foundation. Connect to a gully or soakaway.
- Frost cracks: Standing water in a poorly-fallen downpipe cracks the pipe overnight. Vertical pipes drain naturally; horizontal sections need 1:80 fall.
- Loose brackets: Plastic brackets snap in 10–15 years. Replace with stainless or aluminium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size downpipe do I need?
68mm round uPVC for roof areas up to 6 m² per pipe. 80mm or 100mm for larger areas. Industrial or shallow-pitch roofs may need 110mm soil pipe.
Where should the downpipe discharge?
Into a gully (which feeds a surface-water or combined drain) or into a soakaway. Never directly onto paving or to a neighbour's land.
What is a back-inlet gully?
A drain gully with a built-in side connection for the downpipe to plug into below ground level. Clean and tidy — no exposed shoe.
Can I keep the existing downpipe holes in the wall?
If the new downpipe is the same diameter and spacing, yes. Otherwise the brackets need new fixings — silicone-seal the old holes.
What's a soakaway and do I need one?
A buried pit (usually crate-filled) that lets rainwater soak away into the surrounding soil. Required if your property has no surface-water drain connection — common in older or rural properties.
Can two gutter outlets share a downpipe?
Yes — a swan-neck or branched system feeds two outlets into one downpipe. Make sure the downpipe is sized for the combined flow.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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