We have a French drain and it was put to the test and failed these past days with all of this rain. I'm afraid it may be clogged up.

Anyhow, who would yall recommend to see about cleaning it out? I'm thinking it maybe pretty clogged just from buildup over the last 20 years. Would it just be a regular plumber?

I'm guessing a snake may have to be ran. I've dug up a couple of 2 ft portions to expose the pipe and then dumped some water on it, and it pretty much just pools up and sits there.

It looks like the one end (opposite from the road) is some sort of soft cap material. So I'm guessing that would have to be removed and replaced.

I'm not sure if DIY is in play or not? I've never ran a commercial snake. Not even sure if you can rent them.

Any help is appreciated…..(located in B/CS)

(X posted on Aggieland)

Maybe they could run a camera down the line? They should be able to visualize the problem.

If it has collapsed in places, it will need to be dug up and fixed.

dubi said:

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Maybe they could run a camera down the line? They should be able to visualize the problem.

If it has collapsed in places, it will need to be dug up and fixed.

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Yeah I've just heard if the camera is involved then it gets really pricey. Guess I'll have to check around

Thanks

We own 2 1960's houses and have had to pay for the camera twice for plumbing problems.

One plumber said they comped the fee if I used their services to snake the line. The other plumber charged a set amount. So ask lots of questions before they do any work. I'll look for the invoice of the more favorable plumber.

JP76 said:

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Is there a cleanout or collector at the higher part where it starts ?

If so you can take a water hose and run it through from that end to clean it out. Won't work if there are roots inside

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No. The higher end is covered, but with some sort of flexible material. So if I open up, then I will have to have something to close it off again. And not sure what to use

But I'm going to make some calls to some plumbers and see how much I'm looking at

If you're into DIY and have a pressure washer, you can use something like this: https://www.cloghog.com/proddetail.php?prod=50-Ft-Needle-Nose-Drain-Cleaner

Had some old anaerobic septic lines clog up once upon a time, today 45yo
Aerobic guy inspection results were lost cause, need sprays and a big loan, bulldoze lots of oaks
Anaerobic pump truck service guy showed me the DIY way to getRdone and been good ever since
Aerobic guy showed up as newcomer at a club meeting with sheepish look, never came back even though we were nice to him/wife.

Garden hose (backflow regulator recommended, they are cheap enough)
This nozzle or its longer cousin
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N5CD4NK?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_5
Gently and patiently work it in-out maybe during ale/beertime until success

Septic, French drains, under traffic areas SOP = ADS black corr b/c more flexible, more drainage holes.

Thank you all. I'll check into some of these

Flexible like a black fabric looking wrap ?


Is the pipe white? Green ?

Or corrugated black pipe ?

JP76 said:

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Flexible like a black fabric looking wrap ?


Is the pipe white? Green ?

Or corrugated black pipe ?

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Yes, it looks like just enough covering over the end. Not sure what was used to stick it to the pipe

Corrugated black pipe

If it is the black coronated perforated pipe and has been there for 20 years you will need to replace it. It will be full of dirt and roots. Get a landscape person to replace with sdr perforated pipe with sock. Add some surface drains so from time to time you can flush out pipe with hose. Sorry don't know a good person to call in college station you are a little to far for me to help you.

Ok, thank you for this info. I hate to see what that is going to cost, lol.

Anyone who has ever replaced one….is it as easy as pulling the old one up and laying the new one down? I say that because I'm just not sure what to do when it comes to the whole part of figuring out the angle and making sure the water will flow down and out