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chilitown · May 13, 2013, 06:29 PM

It turns out the plug to the pipe that leads down to the curb stop valve out in front of my house got busted somehow. Now the pipe is plugged with whatever crud made it's way in there so the valve is inaccessible. The only reason I even new about it was because the city water guys came by and painted the cap and then sent me a letter telling me to clean out the pipe and replace the cap within 30 days or else they would do it (at a cost).

How do I clean this pipe out? I'm not sure how long the pipe is down to the valve. I shined a flashlight down the pipe and all I could see was standing water about two feet down. I thought I might be able to stick a shop vac hose down there but the pipe is too narrow.

How would a plumber clean this out? Would it be costly?

Milo Dolezal · May 13, 2013, 08:13 PM

Please, be more specific. Is it SEWER clean out pipe or is it POTTABLE water pipe leading to shut off valve ? Perhaps, you can take few clear pictures and post it for us to see. Back to you. Milo

chilitown · May 13, 2013, 09:18 PM

It is the pipe that runs vertically to the shut off valve underneath my sidewalk. It's not a water pipe - just a pipe that provides access to the valve. It got filled with mud and leaves, presumably. A diagram can be found here:

http://www.sweethaven02.com/BldgConst/en5111aa0037.gif

massplumber2008 · May 14, 2013, 04:14 PM

Hi Chilitown

About the only thing I can think of would be to get a length of 1/2" copper tubing (type M... cheapest) and a roll of duct tape (good ol' duct tape) and tape the tubing to the end of a wet vac. Hose. Attach the hose to the vacuum and send the copper tubing down the shaft of the curb box pulling the tubing up periodically to clear the end of the tube.

With any luck, this will clear it enough so the city water department can send their tool down the shaft to access the curb stop!

Good luck!

Mark

hkstroud · May 14, 2013, 08:04 PM

I think I would stick my garden hose down the pipe and see if it will flush out the mud, muck and leaves. As things get cleared out keep shoving the hose down the pipe. Then tape the hose to the shop vac to suck out the water.

Milo Dolezal · May 14, 2013, 09:53 PM

It is a main shut off valve for water main line. In my area, it is there with water meter covered with a box. It is never deeper than 16". How narrow is that access pipe ? It should be big enough so somebody can put in wrench and operate the valve. In my area, it has to be large enough so it can be serviced.

Do as advised above. Not a big deal, just routine cleaning.

Back to you. Milo

massplumber2008 · May 15, 2013, 04:34 AM

Hose is a good idea, but the male/female end may not fit down the curb box... at least wouldn't in my area as the ID of the curb bo is only about 7/8" wide, max.

Note also, that in my area the curb box can be as deep as 8 feet or more, so this could be an interesting job depending on where exactly Chilitown lives. By the name I am guessing Texas (real chili), or New York (real town)... ;)

hkstroud · May 15, 2013, 05:20 AM

By the name I am guessing Texas (real chili), or New York (real town)...

Very astute of you Mark

Around here the casing for a curb stop is about 3" diameter (if they are not in the meter box) and up to 8' deep. Of course they also belong to municipality so it's their problem.

Milo Dolezal · May 15, 2013, 08:38 AM

I think you guys deal with "frost lines", something we don't have to worry about in So.California. That explains the depth. Also, in my area, every valve has to have reasonable access so it can be serviced and/or replaced. I have never seen water main deeper than 24" in my area :)

Milo