Find and clear blocked weep holes in a uPVC window so rainwater drains away instead of pooling inside the frame.
WD-01Gather your toolsYou'll need a small flat-blade tool (a plastic spudger or an old flat screwdriver), a pipe cleaner or thin wire, a jug of water, and a cloth. Avoid sharp metal tools that could scratch or crack the uPVC.
WD-02Find the weep holesOpen the window and look along the bottom of the outer frame, on the outside face. Weep holes are small slots or round holes, sometimes with a little plastic hood over them, spaced every 300-400mm. There's usually a matching slot in the frame track just above them.
WD-03Protect the sill and floor belowLay a cloth or old towel on the inside sill and on the floor below the window. Clearing weep holes can dislodge dirt, dead insects, and trapped water, and you don't want this on your carpet or worktop.
WD-04Remove any weep hole coversIf your weep holes have small plastic hoods or flaps, gently unclip or slide them off. They usually just push out or lift on a small tab. Set them aside somewhere safe so you don't lose them.
WD-05Clear each slotPush the pipe cleaner or plastic tool gently into each weep hole and wiggle it to loosen dirt, dead leaves, insect nests or old sealant. Work from the outside in, then from the inside out, to push debris both ways. Wipe away anything that comes out.
WD-06Flush with water to testPour a small jug of water into the frame track just above each weep hole, from inside. Watch to check it drains straight out through the weep hole to the outside within a few seconds. If it pools or drains slowly, go back and clear the slot again.
WD-07Refit covers and clean the frameClip the weep hole covers back into place. Wipe down the frame, sill, and track with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or dust from the job.
WD-08Tidy up and check the windowClose the window and check it opens, closes and locks smoothly. Bin the debris and rinse your tools. Repeat this job every 6-12 months, or sooner if you notice water pooling on the inside sill.
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