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Downspout drains underground - how to clean?

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April 26, 2019, 08:23 AM
Georgeair
Downspout drains underground - how to clean?
I have a number of downspouts that empty into plastic pipe that runs underground to who knows where. A couple of them are nowhere near street, other drainage etc. I am pretty sure a couple of them are clogged due to general neglect of gutter cleaning by prior owner.

How best to clean these out? I'm assuming any sort of mechanical auger device risks damaging the plastic drain pipe. Do the water jet type cleaners work? If so, any recommendations for one?

I have decent but not extreme water pressure at bibs. Do have an Sun Joe 2030psi pressure washer I could incorporate into this if helpful.

These things gimmick or useful?

Pressure Washer Sewer Drain Hose





You only have integrity once. - imprezaguy02

April 26, 2019, 11:35 AM
10X-Shooter
Have the same issue.
April 26, 2019, 11:46 AM
1967Goat
I have a similar issue, but I know where mine exit. I clean them out every few years using Nelson twist nozzle and going in from each end. Can you figure out where they exit? Leave a garden hose in it and see where the water exits?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/NE...zle-VG2284/202532096
April 26, 2019, 11:50 AM
comet24
Is the pipe corrugated(black plastic with ripples) or some form of solid pipe?


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April 26, 2019, 12:14 PM
BigSwede
Following. I have a rain gutter under my deck that's also covered by a roof underneath it. Stupid thing is also built into the framing of the deck, been scratching my head as to how I'm gonna clean it.

That drain hose looks promising if it will snake up about 8' and do a 90 degree turn



April 26, 2019, 01:13 PM
tatortodd
quote:
Originally posted by BigSwede:
That drain hose looks promising if it will snake up about 8' and do a 90 degree turn
Two rules of thumb apply:
  • Tool length cannot exceed bend radius (dimension b in this sketch)

  • Add all bend angles together and it must be less than 360.



  • Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity

    DISCLAIMER: These are the author's own personal views and do not represent the views of the author's employer.
    April 26, 2019, 01:18 PM
    Vanwall
    I have the same problem. Doing some research. This link has a chart listing the nozzle size needed based on the pressure and gallons per min of the pressure washer

    http://www.ultimatewasher.com/...-pressure-washer.htm
    April 26, 2019, 01:29 PM
    h2oys
    I know where mine end, so what I do is unhook the black drainage pipe from the downspout, and then use my leaf blower to blow it out.
    April 26, 2019, 02:10 PM
    Citadel
    quote:
    Originally posted by h2oys:
    I know where mine end, so what I do is unhook the black drainage pipe from the downspout, and then use my leaf blower to blow it out.



    Did this exact same thing but during a storm. The water served as a seal, The amount of crud that came out the top was substantial.
    April 26, 2019, 02:41 PM
    nasig
    i juat feed a regular hose down and it does the trick. the max distance for any of them is prbably about twenty feet
    April 26, 2019, 04:03 PM
    Georgeair
    quote:
    Is the pipe corrugated(black plastic with ripples)


    It's this.

    As to figuring out where they end, there are no drain outlets or other visible exits for the ones on front of house and I suspect they are way, way too far away from storm drains to exit there. I guess that's possible, but wherever it is I can't work from exit backwards.

    Distance from house to drain is probably 60-80', so doubt the clog is over the duration if that's the point of exit.

    Of course if I had a way to clear them out I'd know when successful once water flowed freely from the spout connection end.



    You only have integrity once. - imprezaguy02

    April 26, 2019, 04:08 PM
    ZSMICHAEL
    The city has stuff like this to clean sewers. A commercial plumbing company has similar equipment that would work and not damage the line. Make some calls unless you like doing this stuff yourself.
    April 26, 2019, 07:57 PM
    Broadside
    quote:
    Originally posted by Georgeair:
    I have a number of downspouts that empty into plastic pipe that runs underground to who knows where.


    I think the first order of business is to find out where they end. Chances are a bunch of crud had hidden the ends and is causing at least part of your problem. Clearing the ends will probably go a long way to solving your problem.

    If they were done correctly, they have a slope. So start walking down hill. The ends have probably been covered up with grass and dirt over time.