[Ged]

Hi  .  Can anyone advise me on the best way to unblock a drainpipe. I am researching adding domestic gutter cleaning to my pressure washing business but I do not want to carry or use ladders. I will be using a vac system. Omnipole suggest cutting the pipe at ground level  to gain access and then sealing back up with a jointing piece. One of our members has kindly advised that he would dismantle the drainpipe and then clean it which sounds sensible but I guess this would involve ladder access to reach where the pipe joins to the gutter. Any thoughts from experienced members would be very much appeciated.
Ged

[Richy L]

the quickest way will be to use ladders for domestic gutters. I dont see why you dont think about using them?
If you cut off the bottom, etc you will be creating more work for yourself and either price yourself out of the work, or just waste your time.

[Alan McTernan]

Most downpipes block up at the top bend, we just go up the ladder (if possible) and disconnect and clear it out after vacing the gutters!!!

If you cut the downpipe at ground level how would you then clear it without going up ladders? As you would have to undo the wall brackets to move the downpipe away from the cut section!!

Good Luck
Alan

[BDCS]

If you are a pw you can use thge long lance with a low pressure nozzle to clear the swan neck, add a drain hose and go in from the bottom or be brave and go up the ladder. Cutting the pipe is a pain when you could just fit an access point

[Ged]

many thanks guys for you advice. BDCS good idea about the lance. not sure what you mean by creating an access point

ged

[BDCS]

Mainly used in 100mm http://www.flexseal.co.uk/productpage.php?ID=19 for commercial or large domestic down pipes but are available in smaller sizes - you cut a 54mm hole and then insert a removable plug which takes only a couple of minutes

[Nameless Drudge]

 I think its an absolute neccessity to go up a ladder when clearing gutters and thats through experience,you will be amazed at the strange objects you will find lurking in them that have slid down the roof for whatever reason that no guttervac will ever shift(not that i have one). I dont think you are even entering the ball game of gutter cleaning if you are not prepared to go up a ladder and visually inspect,ok theres cctv but thats not going to shift a 5ft long length of 2 by 2 wood or an 18 inch long lump of concrete.