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    jfeegler's Avatar
    jfeegler Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Sep 2, 2008, 10:33 AM
    Clearing a clogged basement stairwell drain
    I have an outside basement stairwell drain that feeds into my sump pump well. Silt and dirt are constantly washing into the drain and clogging it, which causes water to enter my basement through the door.
    What is the best way to clear the mud out of this drain? In the past I have fed a hose into the drain to clear it but that washes the mud into the sump pump well (which will eventually clog my sump pump).
    I can rent a power snake but I don't think that will suck the mud out. The drain line runs the entire length of my house (maybe 60 feet)- so there is a LOT of mud and silt in there. Any ideas? Thanks!
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #2

    Sep 3, 2008, 05:36 AM
    What is the best way to clear the mud out of this drain? In the past I have fed a hose into the drain to clear it but that washes the mud into the sump pump well (which will eventually clog my sump pump).
    I can rent a power snake but I don't think that will suck the mud out. The drain line runs the entire length of my house (maybe 60 feet)- so there is a LOT of mud and silt in there. Any ideas?
    A snake won't remove the mud from your line. A sump pump usually just sets in the pit. Why not lift it out and feede the hose into the floor drain and blow it back into the pit where you can dig and bucket it out? Or blow the line back from the pit out of the floor drain? Good luck, Tom
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #3

    Sep 3, 2008, 05:41 AM
    Tom,
    What are those gadgets called that you put on the end of a hose to expand and seal a pipe so you can flush under pressure. This seams like a good application, from either end of the pipe.
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
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    #4

    Sep 3, 2008, 03:52 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by hkstroud
    Tom,
    What are those gadgets called that you put on the end of a hose to expand and seal a pipe so you can flush under pressure. This seams like a good application, from either end of the pipe.
    Those gadgets are called sewer bags or pressure pouches, (see images.) I had a canvas one 50 some years ago back in Wisconsin. It just hooked up to a garden hose but the newer ones have a pump to give it more power. Regards, Tom
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