How to Unclog Underground Drainage Pipe - Step by Step Guide
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- Step by Step guide for unclogging drainage pipes that attach to downspouts.
-Step 1, do a visual inspection with a borescope camera to determine which drains need attention.
-Step 2, detach the drains from the bottom of the downspout.
-Step 3, attach and turn on the water hose to fill the buffer tank.
-Step 4, Uncoil all of the high-pressure line from the reel. and uncoil all of the sewer-jetter line. These lines should be placed in "long loops."
Step 5, Place the jetter tip 1-2 ft. in the first drainage pipe, stand clear of the pipe, then pull the trigger. Be careful not to get sprayed by the reverse jets or hit by flying debris.
Step 6, Feed the line through the pipe. Use a back and fourth tugging motion on the line to clear all blockages.
Step 7, Once the jetter tip daylights, slowly pull the jetter line back through the pipes while maintaining water flow.
Step 8, Feed the jetter through the same pipe in the reverse direction if necessary. Make sure the pipe exit is clear of all blockages and that water can freely flow/exit the pipe.
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Great video! Ive got these corrugated at 6 pts around the house. Been in the house about 5 years and never got the chance to check and see if these bad boys are clogged up or not. Have no idea if the previous owner ever checked them but Im gonna guess that he didn't. Well you've given me the motivation to start checking them. Thanks again!
What I would give to have these guys come to my home and help fix my drain problem !! They all know what they are doing and seem like good guys. The joys of being a widow 😏
Sorry for your loss, I hope you find a good company to help you out!
Im finding the joys of being married to a man who dosent notice the drain is plugged so i have to try to do it myself or hire someone as well....
@@kelcritcarroll has an
@@kelcritcarroll I divorced that one
@@kelcritcarroll 🙂❤
Thank you so much. I was at a job and there were underground drain pipes and I didn’t have this gear. No wonder I had a lady say, “no offense but I was going to call a real gutter company” like we weren’t. So good to know there’s other ways to do this and I appreciate you making this video! Thank you so much!
Glad I could help
Thanks. I have a drain box/grate that is always getting filled with dirt, and I have to hand shovel it out and then stick a hose into the drain pipe to get water flowing. I don't have a pressure washer, but I appreciate seeing the effectiveness of using one.
This is helpful to see. I have a pipe going into the ground all the way around the house and into my backyard. And during heavy rain like today, I can see water from ground level where it starts going down, and the surrounding soil is already saturated next to my foundation. Fantastic…
Glad the video helped!
Thanks for taking the time to reply to all the comments.
Amazing!
You're welcome! and thanks!
The thumbnail was fake but I still found it satisfying😂
Glad you liked it!
I found a lot worse than that thumbnail... but i run sewer drains! One time i opened a clean out and the whole frozen poopsicle expanded out of the pipe🤣😂🤣 it was about 2' long
Who is the expert to call to clean my sump pump drainage in the backyard seems like the water is pouring in my backyard stead through the black tube under my ground towards the sewer ? Is it plumber or landscapers. Landscaper installed it.
7:52 the way he was speaking made me think he would keep going after he said exit. Like the inflections in his voice. 🤣
stirring the pot
In England rainwater guttering is connected to the storm water sewer system, the US just let it run onto the ground so that it will run into the foundations !
Wow, learn something every day! Its rare for drains to be connected to storm water here unless its commercial.
New Zealand is the same. Rainwater goes into the storm water drain.
Yep, everything here is basically “you’re on your own” under the pretense of “freedom” and “deregulation”
I love having the freedom to ruin my foundation while I can’t for the life of me find a contractor that feels like doing this work when they could be doing more expensive jobs
Going to end up DIY and probably breaking something!
@@8cupsCoffee Freedom? You still pay property taxes. The city should do it for you.
Fuckin A. Thanks for the tip. Our floor contractor rinsed the grout in our side driveway drain.
Good starter video with proper method for underground drain flush
Glad you liked it
Hi :
Thanks for the video, this is exactly what I've been wondering about.
I put in underground 4" black plastic perforated corrugated French drain line all around my house 20 years ago, and I do have a few drain runs 100 feet long and have "Y" junctions along the underground runs.. I have flushed them a few times through the years by just jamming garden hose through them from both the source and exit ends. Now the blockages "feel" solid. I should mention that there are a lot of trees close by and suspect significant root intrusion.
I have seen the self feeding pressure washer hose tips and I have a fairly serious pressure washer. (gas powered, 13 HP, possibly 3800 psi) I am concerned that the tip under pressure will destroy the plastic, and I would really REALL'Y like to keep the drain pipe as now decks and concrete pathways have been build over them.
The question is: What it the Right Amount of pressure to maximize drain clearing with out destroying the pipe? Can the tip destroy the pipe? I would rather buy a smaller pressure washer than dig up and replace all the underground drain line. And, do you have a preferred brand of pressure washer cleaning tip?
And Like one of the comments below mentions, I think one guy is suggesting starting with the pressure washer method and then bringing in a sewer snake with a cutting tip for an more stubborn roots? Any experience with sewer snakes and Plastic drain line? Good idea? Bad idea?
Thanks in advance.
The jetter will not tear up the piped, however roots will. If the jetter can bust through the root clogs and you back flush out all of the debris, the roots will air prune. You could just a sewer snake for bad clogs.
Pressure is one factor, but Gallons per minute is a larger factor. Bigger the better.
Thanks for this video! so many abandoned drainage pipes out there.
You're welcome!
If u watch Ollie u will learn a lot he is on drain addict l watch him an the
Penetrator OK great men
TY Ty!
Thank you for a great video! Very educational. I have the same set up with the black unground pipe, and I have a power washer. I want to try this but I am concerned about the jet nozzle possibly damaging the black pipe. Are you actually using the smallest opening tip or am I misinterpreting something? Just want to be sure. Thank you.
I live in Waycross ga. and I have the exact same problem but there's no one that offers this service and no one ever heard of this type of problem (I guess I'm the only person with French drains that are clogged in this town) the plumbers that offer to clean out the corrugated pipe said they HAVE to attach a cutting blade. With or without an attachment they claim the pipe will get torn up.
How do I find a competent person to do this same job you do, but here in GA?
They are not 100% wrong. If you have a lot of roots, a cutting blade is sometimes necessary. The issue is that the pipes can get torn up during this process. Unfortunately there are not a lot of service providers for this.
Pretty much exactly what I do, just kind of figured it out, but then sometimes there’s big roots in there and you can try all day with that better but it won’t make it through a giant roots, a bought a drum snake and I’ve had some luck using the better first with a root root nozzle not sure if that the exact and but it works prettt well to basically clean the roots off all the dirt then run the metal snake in there and either cut them or pull them out. The amount of roots I’ve pulled out of just one snake is amazing
Can you post a link to the snake?
It's tough to clear lines once big roots get in there.
After watching this video, I bought one of these snakes. I've tried 2 different pressure washers though and I can't get the snake to move down the pipe further than about 2 feet. I've tried sticking a leaf blower and a shop vac as well (separately obv) but can't get in any further. What PSI are you using? Any advice? Thank you
My gutters have the black corrugated drainpipes that run underground from the house to the yard. One of mine is clogged a few feet from the yard-end of the black pipe. I’m going to try the jetter. Once unclogged, is there a cap or grate you suggest putting at the yard-end to avoid any further clogs?
I have a family of chipmunks and possibly on another side of the clog a snake or 2...the snakes I don't have mercy for but the chipmunks I do not want to torture them so what is your recommendation to ensure no varmints in the line...I have a french drain, such as you showed at beginning of the video at the "foot" or end of my driveway which is at the bottom of 50-75ft downward sloping drive...catches all the water run-off...during rain events, which happen often, the water will reach 4-5 inches in depth at the end of my driveway...I have removed the cover but the entire pipe or entrance is clogged...I dug out the "box encasement" but can not remove any of the packed debris...almost like concrete...I do have a gas pressure washer...not sure about the type of attachments or if the hose will accommodate for this type of action...I have read where some recommend pouring water into the encasing, boxed end and use a high-powered leaf blower...I did attempt...result...I was showered with a few gallons of mud, silt, sludge and had to dedicate another hour to clean up what looked like an explosion...DOESN'T WORK...Not sure where you're located but the soil is great and in many of your vids I also notice my favorite grass...St Augustine...so I will guess either South Carolina or GA along or close to the coast...
Chipmunks will relocate. I'd recommend trying out the jetter attachment and see if that fixes your problem.
I have a really long underground drain. Is there a limit on how much hose you're able to use? Also believe it to be just sch 40 white pvc. Not corrugated.
This pressure washer you use is the main limit. You may need a larger diameter hose
Thanks for a very informative video. Now I know how to talk to a drain professional.
Glad it was helpful!
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My city installed underground drains on all the homes in my neighborhood where one house feeds into another and eventually they all discharge onto the main street. I noticed many of my neighbors have disconnected their downspouts and attached the corrugated pipes to their downspouts above ground. The underground system is clogged up and water now spills over my gutters or backs up under the roof line causing water damage to my ceilings. Is this an expensive endeavor to use a service such as your's? The city no longer maintains these underground drains. Thanks for this video...maybe best I also just disconnect the downspouts as well.
It would not be a cheap and simple fix. With all the houses being connected, if you solve your home's issues the drains will probably get another clog right away from another house. It may be best to just separate your drains.
@@divcleaningservice9522 Thank you and that's exactly what I'll do. Appreciate you!
thanks for posting , does it matter which way your feed the jet when trying to unclog a underground drain from a house gutter. Does the jet push the clog forward or backward ? or both ?
If I know where the drains "daylight" I always run the jetter from that direction. Then while holding the trigger, I pull the jetter towards the exit. This "back flushes" the drain line and pushes all the debris to the exit.
How would you jet a pipe that does not have any visible outlet (a french drain, for example). Jetting from the downspout would unclog any blockages, but none of the debris would actually be removed because there is no outlet. How would you go about servicing a pipe like this? Thank you!
I'd jet it out to remove blockages, then I'd install a catch basin drain to catch future debris. Drains should be serviced regularly so the piped do not become clogged. unfortunately a lot of deferred maintenance means the pipe system needs to be dug up and replaced.
Consider a reel to put your jet line on. Then you don’t cool and uncoil the line for every deployment. Drain addict has one you can see.
I'll have to check that out! Thanks.
@@divcleaningservice9522 is it worth digging up the pipe and just removing it or is it just best to leave it ?
This was so helpful. The website mentioned at the end does not work. What is the jet snake thing called that goes into the corregated pipe underground?
a water jetter.
Are these things easy to dig up or is it best to just leave it ?
They are a pain to dig up.
Wow! I have a hydro jetter but I'm afraid it will destroy my buried drain. Contractor used El Cheapo black currogated flexible pipe. It's clogged and goes over 30 feet. I'm going to dig it up and replace it with Schedule 40 pipe that has a clean out at downspout and 1/2 way.
PVC is always the best. His method probably won't hurt your system as long as you kept on moving the jet snake. For underground drains where the ends are missing I have a 95 per cent success rate by simply flooding the underground on the dry day. Once you flood for 0-25 minutes, Looking for the wet closest to the hose. Most of the time you can find it easy by visually looking or walking on your grass to fill the wet spot. Once you locate the spot, dig out the end. remove the debris with your hand. After that take strong leaf blower and the blow the underground out. This will work almost all the time. If you have roots you would need to use his method. However, keep mind if you have roots, the roots will grow back and you will have to repeat his method again.
PVC is way better!
Have you ever had a clog that the Jetter tip can not get through? What do you do at that point? Thanks!
Oh yeah, if there are a lot of tree roots, the jetter will not get through. This happens when the pipe is damaged. We simply inform the client.
@augi3 hire a company to repair or redo part of the system, or DIY.
Great video ! What kind of charge is there for this service??? Thanks!
About $100 per downspout.
The video was very helpful. Do you think a 2800 psi pressure washer 2.5 gpm would get the job done? I don't have the budget for a Jetter.
If the pipes are clogged badly, that pressure washer will not be strong enough. But if you already have the pressure washer, you can purchase a cheap jetter kit off Amazon for less than $100. It's worth trying in my opinion.
Will this work in a large culvert possibly underwater? Dealing with beaver clogged culverts
You could probably get the line through, but would need a much bigger machine to clear a large culvert. However you may be able to get a line through, then pull through a chain, then pull a tire or something through on the end of the chain.
I've called a place that mentioned they don't work on old systems. But how could that be if the old system gets in the way of the new system? - Also, what are some of the reasons why a drainage job would cost more than average?
Unfortunately very few people clean out the landscape drains.
Who do u hire to clean these?
Dad was getting really passive aggressive with his commands for the last few minutes there. 😅🤪
lol
what type of equipments do you use?
I dont understand why people install these drains in some of these spots. They need to be ran to a ditch or somewhere where the end isn't going to be packed with dirt.
they can definitely be frustrating.
How do you remove metal mushroom style cap from outdoor vent/ clean out access in yard. Screw is frozen. I sprayef rust loosener. Turn clockwise or counter clockwise?
IDK sorry. You may have to drill out the screw and tap it.
is there a special handle you have to buy to control the hose? I see a different type of pw gun handle
Nope, any sort of valve will work so long as it's rated for the pressure and water flow rate.
I think this is my problem at my house. Around how much did this cost?
You can expect to pay $1-$400 per line depending on factors. It's not cheap, but less expensive then digging up your landscape and replacing.
Very helpful. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I am having the same problem with my inground drainage. How much will it cost to unclog?
Really depends on your area. Not many people offer this service.
As a rule of thumb, how often should the backyard drains be serviced? I have about six drains in my yard covered with concrete, and I get concerned that it could get clogged from sand and debris from rain. Any suggestions? Thank you
Most ground level drains have catch basins that keep heavy debris out of the drains. It's going to be different for everyone. If you have a lot of sediment run off, it may be good to check them after every heavy rain.
Most people would probably be ok with cleaning out the catch basin quarterly and flushing the lines once a year.
I have a 5 ft under ground drainagepipe with both ends exposed ... i can't find anyone that has time .. for such a small job .... what could I do myself . Are these machines to flush with water available for rent ?
It's just a pressure washer. But for that short of a distance I'd just try using a garden hose. You can buy a spray nozzle that points forward, then just feed it in the pipe.
Do you need to have a special tip for the black corrugated pipe? We have to flush out our sump pipe outside and it gets stuck around corners. We get this sludge that messes with our system from ground soil iorn.
Yes, there are a lot of different style tips. You need to match the tip to your machine, and application.
The jetter won’t tear through the Corrugated drain pipe? What psi should I stay under to avoid this?
We run 3-4000 psi with no issues.
@@divcleaningservice9522 Thanks! I was also wondering if the pressure washer would tear up the black corrugated plastic drain pipe I have.
Got a prob at my house thinkin of gettin one for my rig would be nice to hav in the tool bag
You can also replace 1 valve on the machine with a "jetter valve" helps a lot.
If the World Cup is missing their commentator,, I think I've found him. 😬
lol
Great video! I wish you all were in my area as this service is exactly what I need. What services should I look for in order to find a company that does this?? Thank you!
Unfortunately very few companies service downspout underground drainage. You can try a plumbing company, but most will say no.
@@divcleaningservice9522 I have a rain gutter company and ran into a clogged underground system today, which is how I found this video lol
I own a small gutter cleaning business and have thought about providing this service to my customers. What did you price this job at and how do you go about pricing others? Also your link does not work the cleaning tools page...
$225 minimum, About $100 a downspout. MUST clean all downspouts on the property for the first cleaning.
Whats the website? I just tried it and its blank. I'm looking for tools to clean out underground drainage. Thanks
Undergoing maintenance right now. Should be live in a few weeks.
Great video
TY!
Great video! Looking for a similar company in Louisville, KY. What should I search for? Gutter cleaning? Plumber?
Probably a plumber.
I live at the base of a hill with neighbors above. Controlling the run off is not their highest priority. All of my drainage is filled with mud at least. Is there a service you might recommend in the north San Diego county area? I am a general contractor. Is this equipment for rent?
you could probably rent the pressure washer, but need to buy the jetter line and tips.
Awesome work! What psi pressure washer do you use sounds like a beast .. also, what brand hose reels do you have for the high pressure stuff I need to get some for my car shop and yours look awesome and reliable .
about 3000psi 8GPM. I like the Hannay reels
The site seems to be having issues displaying items and links on desktop.
Thanks, I'll check it out. I have only put about 10 minutes into the site. It's going to be buggy until I can set aside more time.
@@divcleaningservice9522 its all good. Mobile is showing up just fine.
Did to decide not to do the website?
How can I find someone near me that does this work? I'm in MOnument, Colorado
Call a local plumbing company that offers jetting service.
My corregated pipes run underground which leads into an underground drywell that is filled with 57 stone.....when I disconnect the pipe from my downspout how do I get pinestraw/dirt out of the corregated pipes when the other end is buried underground and runs into my drywell???...what do you recommend??
Run the jetter to the end of the pipe and flush backwards.
@@divcleaningservice9522 will do...thank you
Question would like to clean out my yard drains Where can I purchase the equipment you use and what is the equipment you use
buy the largest pressure washer you can afford. and a "jetter" kit off Amazon. That's a good place to start
Muy buen video
Gracias.
Man, that pipe is destroyed. Do they make pipes like that made of cement, or what if you used a really big PVC?
White PVC is a popular option and it hardly ever clogs.
That’s amazing! Any particular brand of jetter better than the rest?
I don't know if one is better than the other brand wise. The one I"m currently using is off Amazon. I have a link on ExteriorCleaningTools.com/underground-drain-flush
Thank you!
Should have that pressure line marked q foot or two from the end so you KNOW when nozzle coming out. Not just guessing. Not real high pressure here meaning it won't cut you in half so not real dangerous. Higher pressure hoses definitely need to be marked
Not super high pressure, but still very dangerous. Great suggestion.
Why not just have your jetter line on a spool next to the drain you are trying to unclog?
We do have that now. With the smaller diameter lines the spool tends to restrict water flow.
Very interesting!
Glad you think so!
Good stuff
ty
Where you get that feeder jet
Entry level kits can be purchased off Amazon very inexpensively.
Your service is not in my area. Can u recommend where to find this tip or
Do you sell it?
Amazon. Make sure you match the tip to your pressure washing machine.
What's the cost of a job like that?
We charge a minimum of $100 per inlet.
Searching for a service like this in Colorado Springs, CO - any leads or how to look it up? Thank you!
Unfortunately I do not have a way to look up service providers. Try a local plumbing company.
@lhatfield0786 I’m also in Colorado Springs. Were you able to find a company that can help?
@@jeffisontheair Thank you Jeff. We realized that the pipe had no exit point at all so we have replaced it with a longer pipe. Yikes.
@@lhatfield0786 Did you do it yourself or did you find a plumber?
@@jeffisontheair We had landscaping guys out that week already anyway so they ended up doing it. So far so good. What would you have recommended? I'm curious!
Hey Donovan,I have a client who is wanting this done. I have done this before but I have no idea what to charge. Can you help me out on what I should charge please?
We charge a $225 minimum, and at least $100 a downspout.
@@divcleaningservice9522 thank you sir. I appreciate the help.
Greta info!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks!
You bet!
Do you have to have any special licensing to do the underground drain flushes? I bought a used jetter last year, and just had a customer tell me I need a plumbers license to do it.
I do not believe there is a license for landscape drainage cleaning. But check your local code enforcement office.
My 5 drain pipes are clogged with grass roots, water pressure does not remove them. The solution is to dig out the corrigated flex pipe and install pvc pipe; a massive task because the corrigated pipe is surrounded by bush, tree and grass roots, and two of them run under concrete walkways and two run under my lawn.
Unfortunately, once they get root bound it's a huge pain to fix/replace.
saving the trouble, is it ok just abandon the old pipes and dig new path with new pvc pipe?
Jokes apart dushmani apart. Mujhe abhi entertain hona hai.
umm. . .
How did I get from anime to here?
ROFL.
Don’t forget your hearing protection
I always seem to remember 1/2 way through the job!
100% your earswill ring in our old age if we don't
cool
Thanks!
Shit., so i guess my auger isn't going to work, i don't want to wreck my french drains, they are crazy packed. sigh
Some times they work well.
The drains need to be completed and run out to a good emptying point. the middle of the yard is pointless.
I agree with you on that one!
Hi hi how are you can you send me you emel
The link to a website is in the video discription.
The thumbnail pic was not in the vid. 👎🏼
sorry.
There is a thing, and it's called gloves.
yep
This drain is not fit for purpose, end of
definitely needs a lot of work.
Get a foot control
I have tried them. . . Not a fan on the ones I tried. Still willing to look at other styles/brands.
Fake thumbnail is a thumb down!
Thanks for the input.
Why u screaming.....?
lol
Too much talk and to little action… i just wanna see those pipe unclog…
This is more of a how to video, sorry.
@@divcleaningservice9522 yeah I realized. But also hoped to see more of the “how” 😅😅
It’s awesome to watch. (Maybe you could do a separate video…? A behind the scenes-ish? 😆 and then show the rest of the footage so it won’t just “go to waste”- unwatched.
Think about it, it’s not crazy thinking - right? 😄)
👍🇷🇴
Thanks!
I hate underground drainage
They can definitely be tricky!
Why are you yelling at me?
lol I always talk loud.
You talk to your workers like they don’t know what they’re doing I have to click the do not recommend button damn horrible video
Sorry you didn't like it.
@@divcleaningservice9522 lmao-
Are you kidding? This was a good getting started video.