How to unblock clogged stormwater pipe?

[tigerzen]

The stormwater pipe is full of soil but I'm not sure how far the blockage extends to. I have removed the small PVC outlet at the end of the downpipe to get a better look. I removed as much soil as I could and then filled the stormwater pipe with water to see if it would flow through and it did not. The pipe has a 90 degree bend and I think the soil is caught there. What tool could I use to dislodge the blockage (my arm can only reach so far). I suspect the blockage is only partial because further down (approx 4 meters) the stormwater pipe it is not blocked, 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @tigerzen,

If it's mainly soil and not tree roots, you could have success dislodging it with a drain snake. If the soil is packed with tree roots, it might be worth enlisting the services of a professional to clear the blockage with a more high-powered machine.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[tigerzen]

Thanks Mitchell, there are very small roots but it's largely soil/dirt. Is there a particular drain snake that you can recommend that will be suitable for dirt/soil? I do have the 18 volt Ryobi series so I'm leaning toward that one although at $160 it's pricey for a one-off job.

[EricL]

Hi @tigerzen 

I propose having a look at the Kinetic 6mm x 6m Wire Drain Auger. You'll notice that this tool has a small metal rod coming out the back. You can actually attach a cordless drill onto this which will allow you to turn the auger without having to use the manual handle.

Another technique you can try to use is to use a garden hose with no fitting at the end. I suggest pushing it into the drain until it meets up with blockage. 

If neither technique works, I suggest engaging the services of a registered plumber. They will have the specialist tools and experience to clear out the blockage in minutes. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[tigerzen]

Thanks Eric for your help. 

An update, I was successful in clearing some of the blockage with a mop used as a plunger. I can now put my arm down the first bend and it is clear of soil so water does flow to a degree. Now what happens is that the drain will fill as per the photo, it doesn't get any worse and the water does flow but slowly. About 6 metres down is a pit which shows that water does flow, yesterday that wasn't happening so today was a minor success. It raises 2 questions. 1. The blockage is now a metre down the line where there is a bend of some sort, do you think a wire drain auger will be effective in clearing this smaller blockage (a hose just seems to go past the small blockage without collecting it).

2. The pit does not have a cover of any sort, should there be some sort of grate and if so where do I get one.PitWater always at this level

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @tigerzen 

Stormwater issues are a pain, if only we could see the pipe in the ground I do like the suggestions so far, personal experience tho tells me it might be an idea to get a plumber out so they can scope the pipe and also waterjet the blockage. If you take a wander through my projects I had a "large" issue with my stormwater pipes and ended up replacing them. Over time older pvc pipes will compress, terracotta pipes will allow roots entry and stuff does build up inside the pipe.  The plumbers I have used have all had a camera they could shove down the pipe and have a look, this way I new the state of my pipes. Then you will know what is causing that partial blockage. If its only a short run they may give you a better price? No harm in asking

Not the greatest suggestion I know, and yeah I feel that "ugh" moment. 

If you want to, you can buy a lens inspection camera cheaply online but id suggest to put the money towards a plumber and solve both issues at one time.

Just to show you that a small blockage I thought I had.... Stormwater rectification stage 1 and there is a stage 2

Dave

[EricL]

Hi @tigerzen 

That is excellent advice coming from @Dave-1. Rather than investing in another tool you might not use for a long time. I suggest hiring a professional as they will have the proper tools and experience to remove the blockage in a short amount of time. Having it done by a professional also has the added bonus that it will be under warranty. Should any blockage occur again within the warranty period you can ask the plumber to come back again.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[tigerzen]

Thanks for the advice so far, we're still contemplating whether or not to get a plumber. I do have another question though. The downpipe would have been at some stage sealed with some sort of mortar mix. My question is when you re-seal the stormwater pipe, how do you prevent the mortar from collapsing and falling into the pipe? Do you put some crumped up bits of paper to support the mortar until it sets? I've notice that other downpipes also have some cracked mortar at their bases so I will have to address this soon.

[EricL]

Hi @tigerzen 

I suggest using to cut some plywood into a circle and use that as a base if you are covering the downpipe. You'll notice that further down the downpipe there is a lip. You can cut the plywood to the size of this lip so that it will sit on it. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric