Downspout drain clogged with leaves - HELP
#1
06-30-14, 11:15 PM
Downspout drain clogged with leaves - HELP
I have a gutter downspout drain pipe that is a black corrugated plastic 4" pipe that feeds into a French drain 20 feet from my gutter downspout. It has filled with leaves from a tree by my house over the years and is now backing up during hard rains. I have added a mesh basket in the gutter to help prevent further collection of leaves and debris.
How can I clean out the pipe full of leaves? I've scooped out as much as I can reach (created a wire hanger hook and pulled as much as possible, also tried a shop vac). Since I cannot push through with a snake due to it draining into a gravel basin, wondering if there is an enzyme I can add to aid in decomposition of the leaves or other solutions? Perhaps a plumber might have a tool or rooter method to help? Any advice appreciated. Thanks!
How can I clean out the pipe full of leaves? I've scooped out as much as I can reach (created a wire hanger hook and pulled as much as possible, also tried a shop vac). Since I cannot push through with a snake due to it draining into a gravel basin, wondering if there is an enzyme I can add to aid in decomposition of the leaves or other solutions? Perhaps a plumber might have a tool or rooter method to help? Any advice appreciated. Thanks!
#3
07-01-14, 09:03 AM
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania
Posts: 3,151
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Hi Haukeg-
I’m no expert and my gutters connect down to an underground system. But if I understand your setup it seems to me what Wirepuller says is the only thing you can do. I don’t see how you would be able to clean out a 20 foot length with a shopvac, and as you say, you can’t snake it.
I would dig down to the far end at the French drain and open up the end, and maybe then use some kind of screen that would allow you to collect the leaves but would let water through into the drain. Then use a hose at the house end and forced the leaves through. If that won’t clean it out maybe then you could come up with something to force the leaves through since the other end would be open.
Seems like that would work – but I’ve never done it myself. lol
Good luck!
I’m no expert and my gutters connect down to an underground system. But if I understand your setup it seems to me what Wirepuller says is the only thing you can do. I don’t see how you would be able to clean out a 20 foot length with a shopvac, and as you say, you can’t snake it.
I would dig down to the far end at the French drain and open up the end, and maybe then use some kind of screen that would allow you to collect the leaves but would let water through into the drain. Then use a hose at the house end and forced the leaves through. If that won’t clean it out maybe then you could come up with something to force the leaves through since the other end would be open.
Seems like that would work – but I’ve never done it myself. lol
Good luck!
