We recently attended a plumbing call-out at Castle Hill Mall after a shop owner noticed water leaking into their store whenever it rained.

Water leaks inside a commercial space can quickly become a major issue. Not only can they damage stock, flooring and fixtures, but they can also create safety concerns for staff and customers. The customer wanted the issue investigated and repaired properly before the next heavy rain.

Investigating the Leak

Once we arrived on site, we inspected the affected area and traced the issue back to an old metal downpipe.

The downpipe had a number of holes in it and was almost completely rusted through. When it rained, water was escaping from the damaged pipework instead of being carried away through the stormwater system. This was allowing water to leak into the shop and potentially damage the materials inside.

Removing the Damaged Downpipe

After identifying the problem, we removed the old rusted downpipe.

The next challenge was finding a fitting that would connect properly to the existing gutter outlet. Because of the age and style of the existing setup, we could not find a standard fitting that would suit the job.

Rather than forcing something that would not fit properly, we organised for a custom fitting to be made.

Custom Fitting and New PVC Downpipe

We measured the existing gutter outlet and arranged for a local 3D printer to create a custom fitting to suit the site.

A few hours later, we had the fitting ready to install. We then connected the new fitting and installed a PVC downpipe to replace the old rusted metal pipe.

Using PVC was a better long-term solution because it will not rust like the previous pipework. It also provided a cleaner and more reliable repair for the customer.

Testing the Repair

Once the new downpipe and fitting were installed, we tested our work to make sure the stormwater was flowing correctly and the leak had been resolved.

The customer was extremely grateful to have the issue fixed, especially knowing their shop materials would no longer be at risk of water damage every time it rained.

Stormwater and Downpipe Repairs in Castle Hill

This job is a good reminder of how important it is to maintain old downpipes and stormwater systems. A small hole or rusted section can quickly lead to water entering a building, especially during heavy rain.

At Precision Pipes, we help homeowners, shops, schools, strata properties and businesses with stormwater repairs, downpipe replacements, blocked drains and leak investigations across Castle Hill and the Hills District.

If you have water leaking into your property when it rains, overflowing downpipes, blocked stormwater drains or damaged pipework, we can inspect the issue and provide a practical repair solution.