Clogged Storm Drain - Hydro Jetting?

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Aug 30, 2004
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Location
CA
I have a clogged storm drain on my driveway. The drain is normally connected to a downspout. The drain appears to be clogged with dirt and roots.

Length of pipe between the drain and the street is about 20 feet. I have been told that hydro jetting is the best course of action. Initial quotes I have received is $600/hr with a two hr minimum.

What are my options?

Thanks.

IMG_8920.webp
 
Do you have a pressure washer? Get a power washer high pressure hose sewer jetter kit (Amazon) and do it yourself and save $$$.
Yes, I own a 3800 psi gas pressure washer. Will that suffice?

These things are decent - used a couple times - BUT it really depends what is on the terminal end...............drain field? Gutter? Open??
Open pipe that drains into the street.
 
If they get it done in 15 minutes, make them stay for the two hours and jet your sanitary sewer as well. Also, are they including proof that the line is clear....such as a video with a camera? The price should be inclusive of that. Just because the dirt you see is gone, it might just be pushed further down the pipe. Next thing you know, they are back with an open palm asking for more money.

Unfortunately, you have corrugated pipe, again and while a jetting will get the job done (if it can be), the issue will arise again with time.

The best way to maintain this type of pipe is to fully large amounts of water in short time periods down the pipe, like from a water truck. I know a little about plumbing.
 
Whenever my plumber comes out to clear my sewer line, he always uses the Spartan model 300.

The hyrdoblast machine he uses for grease in the drains at restaurants.

Spartan 300.webp
 
an auger can damage those corrugated pipes without using extreme caution
+1 on the water jet.
 
A friend used one of these on the house drain, said it tangled up in seconds, then took hours to untangle it. It took all day, and had to be fed really slow. If you try this, be careful. The pressure washer sounds better
You have to slowly pull out and feed the cable ~6 inches at a time. I've owned the Harbor Freight one since 2020 and never had any issues using it multiple times...as long as you handle the cable with leather gloves.
 
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