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Using a power washer to unclog a downpipe

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  • 10-09-2021 9:31am
    #1
    wait4me
    Registered Users Posts: 2,048 ✭✭✭


    Has anybody here used a power washer to unclog a downpipe (from ground level)? The gutter where the downpipe is coming from is accessible but I don't have a high enough ladder to get up to it. So I have a pipe cleaning extension for my Karcher power washer and was going to access/clean the pipe from below. Good or bad idea? The downpipe has one bend on it and I'm afraid the force of the water might compromise it. AFAIK: The pipe cleaning extension is usually used for underground pipes



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    #2
    blackdog1
    Registered Users Posts: 2,130 ✭✭✭blackdog1


    If you try it make sure you wear safety glasses. O know a guy around me who lost an eye when it blew back in his face.



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    #3
    wait4me
    Registered Users Posts: 2,048 ✭✭✭wait4me


    Jeez - thanks - I presume you mean when the crap came down or was it the power washer?



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    #4
    blackdog1
    Registered Users Posts: 2,130 ✭✭✭blackdog1


    Most of those cleaning attachments blow the water backwards, so I'd imagine his face was close to the pipe and it hit a stone or hard lump of muck and blew it back at a high pressure level...



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    #5
    youtheman
    Registered Users Posts: 1,268 ✭✭✭youtheman


    I bought one of those drain cleaning kits for my Karcher. Only thing I would say is that if your downpipe is blocked then the u-bend under you pathway is likely to be blocked as well. Went to do a job on my parents house (first time in over 40 years). Put my hand down the u bend as far as I could and it was totally blocked (with a grass type substance). Power washer attachment was no good. Used sewer rods and only ended up putting holes in the drain pipework underground. Ended up replacing a good section of it. Made sure the plumber put in a proper 'rodding point' so that I could clean it regularly.



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