Exterior Rainwater Leaders (RWLs)
Exterior Rainwater Leaders (RWLs) are vital extensions of a building drainage system, ensuring rainwater collected by eavestroughs is directed safely away from the structure's foundation and surrounding areas.
Warrantability
Alberta New Home Warranty Standards:
- 1-Year-Warranty: Covers defects in workmanship or materials, such as improperly installed or connected RWLs, leaking joints, or incorrect routing of water discharge points.
- 2-Year Warranty: Applies to RWL connections within the water distribution system, such as joints leaking or components causing damage to the home's drainage system.
Builder's Warranty:
- Builders generally provide a one-year warranty covering RWL installation defects, such as detachment, leaks, or insufficient water flow due to poor positioning.
- Beyond this period, damage caused by wear-and-tear, debris accumulation, weather conditions, or lack of regular maintenance is homeowner responsibility and not covered
Manufacturer's Warranty:
- Most manufacturers offer warranties for defective RWL materials; typical coverage spans 10–20 years for weather-resistant pipes but excludes damage caused by external impacts, clogging, or poor installation practices.
Maintenance
Proper care ensures RWLs remain functional and prevents water-related damage to your home. Follow these maintenance tips:
- Check RWLs for debris or blockages during routine eavestrough cleaning, especially after fall and spring seasons. Flushing RWLs with water using a hose can clear minor clogs and prevent buildup.
- Inspect RWLs and their connections to the eavestroughs for leaks, gaps, or visible damage at least twice a year. Ensure downspouts are firmly attached to the walls and direct water effectively.
- Install leaf screens or debris traps at the junction where RWLs connect to eavestroughs to reduce clogs.
Common Issues, Causes, Warrantability, and Repair Solutions
1. Detachment or Loose Connections
Causes:
- Loose or improperly fastened brackets during installation.
- Heavy debris or ice in the pipe pulling it away.
- Vibrations from high winds or structural adjustments.
Warrantability:
- 1-year warranty: RWLs that detach or become loose due to improper installation may be covered
- Damage caused by external factors such as impact, wind, or DIY errors is generally not covered.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty period: Contact serviceQ for installation-related repairs
- If outside warranty period: Re-secure the pipe with new brackets or fasteners. Ensure brackets are properly tightened and spaced evenly throughout the length of the pipe to provide maximum support or consult a certified professional to reattach and secure the RWLs.
2. Clogs or Blockages
Causes:
- Accumulation of leaves, dirt, or other debris entering from open gutter outlets or pipe segments.
- Inadequate gutter guards or lack of regular cleaning.
Warrantability:
- Alberta New Home Warranty: Blockages are not typically covered unless caused by an installation defect or poor design, such as inadequately sloped RWLs contributing to debris buildup.
- Builder Warranty: Likely not covered unless blockages result from poor drainage system construction. If design flaws in the RWL prevent water flow or lead to frequent blockages, it may fall under the builder's warranty for review within the first year.
- Manufacturer Warranty: Does not cover blockages as these typically result from lack of maintenance.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty period: Contact serviceQ to inspect potential design flaws or improper installation.
- If outside warranty period: Manually clear debris using a plumber's snake, drain auger, or by flushing the pipe with a hose. Install mesh screens or gutter guards at the entry points to reduce future debris accumulation.
3. Leaks or Water Seepage
Causes:
- Improper sealing during installation.
- Wear and tear of sealants or gaskets over time.
- Excessive water pressure during storms may loosen or break connections.
Warrantability
- Alberta New Home Warranty (1 Year): Covered under the 1-Year workmanship warranty for joint sealing issues or improper installation.
- Builder's Warranty (1 Year): Likely covered within the first 1–year if caused by improper installation or defective materials.
- Manufacturer Warranty: May cover defective RWL materials but not leaking due to installation errors or aging sealants.
Repair Solution
- If within warranty period: Contact serviceQ to have the leaking joints sealed or replaced.
- If outside warranty: Identify the source of the leak and apply a waterproof sealant or caulk to the affected area. Replace severely damaged portions of the RWL, such as cracked piping or damaged joints. Ensure new sections are properly secured and watertight. Call a certified trade to assess.
4. Poor Water Flow or Pooling
Causes:
- Improper slope during installation leading to inadequate water drainage.
- Accumulation of leaves, dirt, or other debris causing clogs and slowing flow.
- Dents or deformation in the pipe restricting proper water movement.
Warrantability:
- Alberta New Home Warranty (1 Year): Covered under the 1-Year workmanship warranty if improper slope or installation caused poor flow.
- Builder's Warranty (1 Year): Builder coverage applies within the first 1– year for installation-related design flaws causing flow issues.
- Manufacturer Warranty: Not applicable unless defective materials directly impair drainage.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty period: Contact serviceQ for resolution or adjustment.
- If outside warranty: Check for and remove any blockages (e.g., debris) causing slow water flow. Straighten or replace deformed RWL sections to restore their normal function. Adjust the slope or realign the RWL to ensure water flows freely to the drainage point.
5. Ice Blockage
Cause:
- Freezing water inside the pipe due to poor drainage or standing water.
- Extended periods of extreme cold weather, or quick swings in temperatures that result in a freeze/thaw cycle increasing frozen water.
- Clogs or obstructions trapping water in the pipe, which freezes as temperatures drop.
Warrantability:
- Under Alberta New Home Warranty (1 Year): May be covered under the 1-Year workmanship warranty if ice buildup results from improper installation, slope, or drainage design.
- Builder's Warranty (1 Year): Covered within the builder's 1-year coverage period if related to construction faults.
- Manufacturer Warranty: Ice blockage or freezing damage is typically excluded unless caused by faulty materials.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty: contact serviceQ for diagnosis and repair.
- If outside warranty: Use heat tape or heat cables to thaw the ice blockage gradually. Flush the RWL with warm water once the ice begins to thaw. Prevent future blockages by ensuring gutters and RWLs are clean and clear before winter. Install heat cables in problem areas to reduce freezing.
6. Cracked or damaged RWL pipes
Causes:
- Impact damage, e.g., from ladders, vehicles, or hailstones.
- UV exposure or weather-related wear over time causing brittleness in plastic pipes.
- Freezing water inside the pipes leading to cracks or bursting.
Warrantability:
- Alberta New Home Warranty (1 Year): Covered under 1-Year materials warranty if cracks result from defective materials or improper installation.
- Builder's Warranty (1 Year): Likely covered within 1– year if damage is linked to poor placement or exposure caused during construction.
- Manufacturer Warranty: May cover material defects causing premature failure but excludes damage due to external impacts or freezing.
Repair Solution:
- If within warranty period: Contact serviceQ for replacement or repair of damaged sections.
- Outside warranty: Contact a licensed contractor to assist in cutting out the damaged section and replace it with a new pipe segment using suitable connectors or couplings. For small cracks, apply waterproof adhesive or patches to contain the leak temporarily (only for non-pressurized RWL systems).
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, technical, or warranty advice and Qualico and its affiliated companies make no warranty whatsoever with respect to such information, including (but not limited to) for fitness for a particular purpose. Product warranties are governed by manufacturers’ terms and conditions, and proper maintenance is required to uphold functionality and coverage. Qualico and its affiliated companies are not liable for any injury (personal or otherwise), harm, personal damage, or property damage caused by (i) the use or misuse of, (ii) neglect related to, or (iii) unforeseen events related to, the information provided above. For specific warranty and maintenance details, please refer to the manufacturer’s documentation.
