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Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Amit1. It's fantastic to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about dripping downpipes.
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating situation. The first step in addressing the dripping noise is to investigate while it's happening. Head outside and listen carefully to pinpoint whether the sound is coming from the downpipe. If it is, check the gutter for water; if the gutter is dry, this indicates that the noise isn't due to water falling through the downpipe. In such cases, you may want to consider the possibility of condensation forming in the downpipe or even the sound of water that has pooled somewhere along the system, possibly due to the design of the drainage.
Additionally, it’s important to consider other sources for the dripping noise. In Australia, certain animals, such as frogs, can create sounds that might resemble dripping water, particularly during their mating calls. Frogs like Peron’s Tree Frog or the Eastern Banjo Frog are known for making calls that can sound like water dripping or plopping, especially during wet weather or after rain. If you live in an area where frogs are common, they could be contributing to the noise you hear.
If the dripping continues despite the gutters being dry and there’s no apparent blockage, you might want to consider consulting with a professional plumber who can conduct a more thorough investigation. They can inspect the entire drainage system, including the roof, gutters, and downpipes, to ensure everything is functioning as it should.
While it's not typical for drainpipes to drip randomly without cause, the problem you're experiencing can often be attributed to design issues, condensation, or even frog calls. Engaging a professional who specialises in drainage can help determine the source of the noise and provide solutions to eliminate it, ensuring your nights are quieter.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Hi @Amit1,
No problem at all—thanks for clarifying that it’s the downpipes. Condensation inside metal downpipes can occur when warm, humid air comes into contact with the cooler surface of the metal pipe, causing moisture to collect and eventually drip down. This effect doesn’t require an air conditioner or heater to be in use; it simply happens due to differences in temperature and humidity. However, if the air conditioner is mounted on the roof, then the overflow of condensation from it is typically directed into the gutter and downpipes. This doesn't sound like it's the case, as you've mentioned the noise coming from several downpipes.
If you find the dripping to be an ongoing annoyance, you might consider switching from metal to plastic downpipes. Plastic doesn’t conduct temperature as readily as metal, so it’s less likely to form condensation. Or, if the downpipes are open at the bottom, as @Prof mentioned, a cloth or sponge at the bottom can help prevent dripping noises.
If you’re confident there’s no water in the gutters when you see the dripping, condensation is likely the most probable cause.
Mitchell
