How to Fix Crumbling Flex Duct Buried in Ceiling
#1
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How to Fix Crumbling Flex Duct Buried in Ceiling
Hi. I just moved into a house built in 1980 and found that one of the duct runs is flex that is falling apart. Wire separating from plastic. Plastic inner tube crumbling. The big problem is that it's buried in the ceiling between the first and second floor and the only way I can get to it is from the register end. Is it possible to thread a new tube in through the register, or is my only course of action to demo the ceiling in order to replace this ductwork?
#2
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I would get access to both ends of the duct turn. Tie a piece of light string or thread onto the end of big piece of tissue paper. Then use a leaf blower or shop vac exhaust to blow the tissue paper through the duct. Then use the string to pull some para cord through the duct. Now you can attach new duct to the end of the cord. I would also try taping the new duct to the end of the old. Then pull the old duct out while also pulling on the cord trying to get the new duct to follow the old into the cavit.
#3
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Originally Posted by Pilot Dane
Tie a piece of light string or thread onto the end of big piece of tissue paper. Then use a leaf blower or shop vac exhaust to blow the tissue paper through the duct.
First, if the duct is already in bad shape, I'd be careful about a leaf blower, you might blast the brittle plastic apart.
Second, I'd suggest trying to "bridge the gap" by feeding the 2" diameter hose from a swimming pool vacuum as far as possible, from either side. THEN tie a dryer sheet (tougher material than tissue paper) and apply vacuum on one side, positive pressure from a shop vac exhaust on the other.
#4
Give it a try but I doubt it's going to work.
Trying to pull a flexible duct through floor joists, around corners, with who knows what other types of objects like electrical wires, plumbing, etc compressing the duct while also trying to pull out the original!
Let us know!
Trying to pull a flexible duct through floor joists, around corners, with who knows what other types of objects like electrical wires, plumbing, etc compressing the duct while also trying to pull out the original!
Let us know!
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Wow. I'm impressed. Very creative solution. At this point I can only get to one end. However there is a large duct in the garage that is boxed in by drywall. I figure that large duct is the feed that the flex duct branches off of. First step would be to remove the drywall to see what's up. If I get lucky I'll be able to get access to where the flex duct connects to the feed and then do your trick.
The drywall covering the large duct has popcorn all over it. Any tips on removing a section of the drywall without damaging the duct inside?
Thanks!
The drywall covering the large duct has popcorn all over it. Any tips on removing a section of the drywall without damaging the duct inside?
Thanks!