Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: lee_dewing on April 13, 2014, 07:13:36 pm

Title: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: lee_dewing on April 13, 2014, 07:13:36 pm
Would this work its a demo of karcher pressure washer pipe cleaner.
Nisflik do a better one as it has 1 forward facing jet also.

Was thinking feed pipe cleaner into base of downpipe and push up to blockage.
Not reslly what it is designed fot as it's made to move horizontal.
But just an idea that I wondered if anyone has tried?
Lee.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VLIy5n1q1I&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: rosskesava on April 13, 2014, 07:38:14 pm
Lee - most blockages in down pipes can be cleared by shoving a normal hose pipe down or up them while connected to the mains.
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: lee_dewing on April 13, 2014, 08:38:00 pm
Ross do you do that from bottom or top?
Thinking of getting a gutter vac this year.

Just don't fancy going up ladders ::)roll
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 13, 2014, 09:02:49 pm
Might be a silly question but if you don't like ladders then why offer to clear blocked gutters & downspouts?

You will also soon find out like I did guttervacs are not all they are cracked up to be either as on some jobs they are totally useless.

Ross do you do that from bottom or top?
Thinking of getting a gutter vac this year.

Just don't fancy going up ladders ::)roll
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: robert mitchell on April 13, 2014, 09:20:36 pm
I have yet to find a job they are totally useless for , the main problem is when the tiles overhang too far and leave a smaller gap but you can make / buy different nozzles
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 13, 2014, 09:59:15 pm
Sorry bud I disagree as I've had many a job when trying to use a guttervac even using crevice type nozzles was useless on.

I have yet to find a job they are totally useless for , the main problem is when the tiles overhang too far and leave a smaller gap but you can make / buy different nozzles
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: rosskesava on April 13, 2014, 11:15:23 pm
Ross do you do that from bottom or top?
Thinking of getting a gutter vac this year.

Just don't fancy going up ladders ::)roll

If the bottom of the downpipe has access, then it's from the bottom but if the downpipe is blocked by a plant growing in the top of it where it joins the gutter, usually the answer is, and sorry to say as I know you've had a fall, to get up a ladder and pull the thing out.

If there is no access from the bottom of the down pipe, whether you use a jet wash or just a hose, I can't really see any answer other than to use a ladder to access the top. Sorry.

I don't honestly know if a gutter vax is much use for unblocking down pipes or not. Maybe others on here can help with that.


Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: ben M on April 13, 2014, 11:20:39 pm
I have yet to find a job they are totally useless for , the main problem is when the tiles overhang too far and leave a smaller gap but you can make / buy different nozzles
+1
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: ben M on April 13, 2014, 11:24:04 pm
Sorry bud I disagree as I've had many a job when trying to use a guttervac even using crevice type nozzles was useless on.

I have yet to find a job they are totally useless for , the main problem is when the tiles overhang too far and leave a smaller gap but you can make / buy different nozzles
you should learn how to use a gutter vac then!
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: rosskesava on April 13, 2014, 11:50:32 pm
you should learn how to use a gutter vac then!

Sorry to go off topic.

Ben, CleanClear has been phoning you and trying to get hold of you. It's not earth shattering but quite important. It's about waffle cloths and free samples, etc.

Or you can email me kesavaross@gmail.com

Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 13, 2014, 11:51:19 pm
Oh Really, well try clearing this one with a guttervac then smart arse ;D

 

Sorry bud I disagree as I've had many a job when trying to use a guttervac even using crevice type nozzles was useless on.

I have yet to find a job they are totally useless for , the main problem is when the tiles overhang too far and leave a smaller gap but you can make / buy different nozzles
you should learn how to use a gutter vac then!
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: ben M on April 13, 2014, 11:52:55 pm
you should learn how to use a gutter vac then!

Sorry to go off topic.

Ben, CleanClear has been phoning you and trying to get hold of you. It's not earth shattering but quite important. It's about waffle cloths and free samples, etc.

Or you can email me kesavaross@gmail.com


and? what does he wants?
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: ben M on April 13, 2014, 11:54:05 pm
Oh Really, well try clearing this one with a guttervac then smart arse ;D

 

Sorry bud I disagree as I've had many a job when trying to use a guttervac even using crevice type nozzles was useless on.

I have yet to find a job they are totally useless for , the main problem is when the tiles overhang too far and leave a smaller gap but you can make / buy different nozzles
you should learn how to use a gutter vac then!
can't see where is the prob? buy a proper gutter vac then  ;)
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: rosskesava on April 14, 2014, 12:00:57 am
and? what does he wants?

It's no real great shakes but not suitable for being discussed on here.
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: ben M on April 14, 2014, 12:02:48 am
and? what does he wants?

It's no real great shakes but not suitable for being discussed on here.
e-mail sent
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 14, 2014, 12:13:02 am
What one that actual works do you mean on every job? ;D

Just to let you know I was one of the first in the country to start using 4200 watt so say guttervacs so I do know what I'm talking about when I say they are useless on some jobs I do.

Here is another example of many I could post as by the time you have farted about trying to clear that sod in the corner as best you could using a guttervac I would have cleared the corner properly including under the flashing which a guttervac cant get at quicker by hand.


Oh Really, well try clearing this one with a guttervac then smart arse ;D

 

Sorry bud I disagree as I've had many a job when trying to use a guttervac even using crevice type nozzles was useless on.

I have yet to find a job they are totally useless for , the main problem is when the tiles overhang too far and leave a smaller gap but you can make / buy different nozzles
you should learn how to use a gutter vac then!
can't see where is the prob? buy a proper gautter vac then  ;)
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 14, 2014, 12:14:22 am
Same goes with badly blocked downspouts may I add ;)
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: ben M on April 14, 2014, 12:19:18 am
What one that actual works do you mean on every job? ;D

Just to let you know I was one of the first in the country to start using 4200 watt so say guttervacs so I do know what I'm talking about when I say they are useless on some jobs I do.

Here is another example of many I could post as by the time you have farted about trying to clear that sod in the corner as best you could using a guttervac I would have cleared the corner properly including under the flashing which a guttervac cant get at quicker by hand.


Oh Really, well try clearing this one with a guttervac then smart arse ;D

 

Sorry bud I disagree as I've had many a job when trying to use a guttervac even using crevice type nozzles was useless on.

I have yet to find a job they are totally useless for , the main problem is when the tiles overhang too far and leave a smaller gap but you can make / buy different nozzles
you should learn how to use a gutter vac then!
can't see where is the prob? buy a proper gautter vac then  ;)
do you think because you have a very power vacuum, you can clear the gutters better? NO!
can't see anything wrong with your pics! no need to use a ladder, much safer and quicker with a very good equipment  ;)
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: rosskesava on April 14, 2014, 12:27:27 am
e-mail sent

Thanks.

Reply sent.
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 14, 2014, 12:29:49 am
So can you do all your gutter clearing jobs from the ground?
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: ben M on April 14, 2014, 12:38:43 am
So can you do all your gutter clearing jobs from the ground?
yes Sir! so far so good but only do 5 or 6 every month.
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 14, 2014, 12:45:08 am
It's only then a matter of time then when you do enough jobs you will come accross ones that you can't use a guttervac on. Trust me like this one ;D




So can you do all your gutter clearing jobs from the ground?
yes Sir! so far so good but only do 5 or 6 every month.
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 14, 2014, 12:49:24 am
It would be physically impossible to try and suck this type of sod through such a narrow gap.

I even had to bend the guttering to get the broken up sods out.
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: ben M on April 14, 2014, 12:52:35 am
It's only then a matter of time then when you do enough jobs you will come accross ones that you can't use a guttervac on. Trust me like this one ;D




So can you do all your gutter clearing jobs from the ground?
yes Sir! so far so good but only do 5 or 6 every month.
you are probably right on this one but it is not gutters clearing but roof tiles cleaning, not the same thing!
i don't clean roof,sorry  ;)
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: ben M on April 14, 2014, 12:53:35 am
It would be physically impossible to try and suck this type of sod through such a narrow gap.

I even had to bend the guttering to get the broken up sods out.

can do it,no prob! probably quicker with a ladder but not safer! but if you like to use your ladder,please do!  ;)
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 14, 2014, 01:11:30 am
I'm sure you can  ;D

I like do a proper job that I'm being paid to do unlike some who don't use ladders for whatever reason when they need too.

It would be physically impossible to try and suck this type of sod through such a narrow gap.

I even had to bend the guttering to get the broken up sods out.

can do it,no prob! but if you like to use your ladder,please do!  ;)
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: ben M on April 14, 2014, 01:21:32 am
I'm sure you can  ;D

I like do a proper job that I'm being paid to do unlike some who don't use ladders for whatever reason when they need too.

It would be physically impossible to try and suck this type of sod through such a narrow gap.

I even had to bend the guttering to get the broken up sods out.

can do it,no prob! but if you like to use your ladder,please do!  ;)
you need to use a ladder to do a proper job? ok fair enough,carry on then  ;)
i am wfp so i don't use ladder, i don't want to take any risks to clear gutters with a ladder, if you think it is worth taking the risk please do it  ;)
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Colin h on April 14, 2014, 07:05:04 am
3 weeks ago today,I fell off ladder doing gutter clearing,
Broke 3 bones in my foot.me and my employee will not
Be going up ladders.ive bought a vac
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: robert mitchell on April 14, 2014, 07:16:41 am
I have removed sods like that with an 1800 vac , even through small gaps .

It's all about technique , you can break them up using a tool made from some crimped 15 mm pipe on an angle adapter .

I have unblocked down pipes with it too but if one was too stubborn people on here have come up with several different tools to use from the ground .
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 14, 2014, 09:05:10 am
Sorry to hear that bud, what happened exactly?

3 weeks ago today,I fell off ladder doing gutter clearing,
Broke 3 bones in my foot.me and my employee will not
Be going up ladders.ive bought a vac
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 14, 2014, 10:24:00 am
Regarding tenchnique I have an array of tools to break up sods etc when using a guttervac as I've been doing gutter clearing & downspout unblocking for a long time now. Yes a guttervac is a handy tool to have on some jobs but others still need to done by hand.

First example pics I posted was a job I was called out to do and all 3 houses that had plastic gutter guards. They had not been cleared since being fitted so sods were growing all along under the gutter guards and the downspout bends were also blocked too. Needless to say a guttervac would have been usless on that job.

For roofline work where ladders can be setup the trple ladders as posted in the previous pics I use are fitted with an ankalad stabaliser (blue outriggers) which stops the ladder slipping backwards, sideways and also takes the bounce out of the ladder too. Not only that I use a microlite standoff that can rest on roof tiles so make the job easier and safer to do. The ladder is not going to go anywhere and I also have a ladder fall arest system that the likes of sat installers use.

Where ppl get hurt or even killed using ladders they don't use the right ladder safety devices to minimise the risk nor follow basic ladder safety guidance.

I have removed sods like that with an 1800 vac , even through small gaps .

It's all about technique , you can break them up using a tool made from some crimped 15 mm pipe on an angle adapter .

I have unblocked down pipes with it too but if one was too stubborn people on here have come up with several different tools to use from the ground .
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: JetVac Cleaning on April 14, 2014, 10:40:04 am
Regarding tenchnique I have an array of tools to break up sods etc when using a guttervac as I've been doing gutter clearing & downspout unblocking for a long time now. Yes a guttervac is a handy tool to have on some jobs but others still need to done by hand.

First example pics I posted was a job I was called out to do and all 3 houses that had plastic gutter guards. They had not been cleared since being fitted so sods were growing all along under the gutter guards and the downspout bends were also blocked too. Needless to say a guttervac would have been usless on that job.
I have a gutter vac system and use it a fair bit but would never go to a job without my set of ladders on the roof rack. Both have there uses and sometimes you need to remove broken roof tiles from the gutters ect. Great outrigger system and can I ask where you got it from ?

For roofline work where ladders can be setup the trple ladders as posted in the previous pics I use are fitted with an ankalad stabaliser (blue outriggers) which stops the ladder slipping backwards, sideways and also takes the bounce out of the ladder too. Not only that I use a microlite standoff that can rest on roof tiles so make the job easier and safer to do. The ladder is not going to go anywhere and I also have a ladder fall arest system that the likes of sat installers use.

Where ppl get hurt or even killed using ladders they don't use the right ladder safety devices to minimise the risk nor follow basic ladder safety guidance.

I have removed sods like that with an 1800 vac , even through small gaps .

It's all about technique , you can break them up using a tool made from some crimped 15 mm pipe on an angle adapter .

I have unblocked down pipes with it too but if one was too stubborn people on here have come up with several different tools to use from the ground .
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 14, 2014, 11:06:29 am
Hi David, If you do a search google for "Ankalad" you will find who sells them. Likewise do a search for "microlite standoff" They also come up on ebay from time to time as that is where I picked up 2 unused ankalads and a microlite cheap ;)

To be honest I would not still be doing gutter clearing by ladder without them as it makes the job so much safer & easier to do
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 14, 2014, 11:53:26 am
Here is another good example why guttervacs are useless on some jobs

Try doing this one by guttervac ;D

Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Dave Willis on April 14, 2014, 12:26:21 pm
Unfortunately unless you have a nozzle that will perform a complete 'S' in the downpipe then you haven't a hope in hell of clearing it.

So far I've not seen a nozzle that can do this. Most vac users are claiming wonderful things because they aren't checking the s bends to see if they are totally clear!
They get out of it by claiming the customer only asked to have the gutters cleared  ;D
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 14, 2014, 01:03:12 pm
Indeed...Sometimes a guttervac can remove the blockage from not so badly blocked downspouts but then an object that caused the blockage in the first place can remain in one of the bends.

I've found the best way to check & clear blocked downspouts properly is by hand using my gutter clearing ladder setup and if need be take the joints apart.

Unfortunately unless you have a nozzle that will perform a complete 'S' in the downpipe then you haven't a hope in hell of clearing it.

So far I've not seen a nozzle that can do this. Most vac users are claiming wonderful things because they aren't checking the s bends to see if they are totally clear!
They get out of it by claiming the customer only asked to have the gutters cleared  ;D
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Colin h on April 14, 2014, 04:28:57 pm
Smurf you have done a lot of gutters mate,my ladder slipped back.
If the vac won't do a job then I will leave it,no way am I going up
Ladders again
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 14, 2014, 05:01:37 pm
Sorry to hear that Colin as must have been a life changing experience for you.
Not to mention the loss of income whilst the broken bones in your foot healed properly.

Was a shame you never new of the type of kit I use on my ladder beforehand as if it had been used would have prevented that from happening.

Smurf you have done a lot of gutters mate,my ladder slipped back.
If the vac won't do a job then I will leave it,no way am I going up
Ladders again
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: lee_dewing on April 14, 2014, 05:34:34 pm
Thanks everyone for your input.

Ross sorry I didn't read your post properly the first time re
Hose top and bottom of downpipe.

Colin h very sorry to hear of your accident mate and a speedy recovery
To you.

I will go ahead with the gutter vac later this year and if I come up
against a downpipe that requires a ladder then I will have to be beat and charge a reduced rate
Or maybe not charge.
Rather walk away out of pocket than risk not walking away at
All.

Gutter vac systems do some good tools; weed hook which having
Spoke to the guy there reckons it gets the crap out the top no need to have vac on but hook gunk out


Smudgers method of squash ball with vac on then turn vac off ball drops down is a great
Idea to test downpipe is clear.
Also will have a camera to see what's going on.

Plan on doing a good job but custie won't be checking it afterwards  :-X
Smurf I see your ladder setup very impressive but what do you do at the side of a semi detached
House tight space as there is no room for all that surely?

Thanks everyone.
Lee.
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 14, 2014, 05:44:32 pm
I can use both methods and many a time I use both methods on the same job. I also use a vac from a ladder aswell on some jobs too.  ;)

Thanks everyone for your input.

Ross sorry I didn't read your post properly the first time re
Hose top and bottom of downpipe.

Colin h very sorry to hear of your accident mate and a speedy recovery
To you.

I will go ahead with the gutter vac later this year and if I come up
against a downpipe that requires a ladder then I will have to be beat and charge a reduced rate
Or maybe not charge.
Rather walk away out of pocket than risk not walking away at
All.

Gutter vac systems do some good tools; weed hook which having
Spoke to the guy there reckons it gets the crap out the top no need to have vac on but hook gunk out


Smudgers method of squash ball with vac on then turn vac off ball drops down is a great
Idea to test downpipe is clear.
Also will have a camera to see what's going on.

Plan on doing a good job but custie won't be checking it afterwards  :-X
Smurf I see your ladder setup very impressive but what do you do at the side of a semi detached
House tight space as there is no room for all that surely?

Thanks everyone.
Lee.

Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Colin h on April 14, 2014, 05:56:23 pm
Ive had 3 weeks off with 3 broken bones in my foot,I did a
Few houses today,we have a employee and he is flat out doing
£350 a day.he was useing a clx I gave him my slx,he is getting
Through the work a lot quicker with the slx.
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Dave Willis on April 14, 2014, 06:01:03 pm
I would keep him flat out and never work again.
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: wfp master on April 14, 2014, 06:19:51 pm
Ive had 3 weeks off with 3 broken bones in my foot,I did a
Few houses today,we have a employee and he is flat out doing
£350 a day.he was useing a clx I gave him my slx,he is getting
Through the work a lot quicker with the slx.
ah the slx with go faster stripes.
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Colin h on April 14, 2014, 06:20:49 pm
Maybe,he will burn out thou
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Colin h on April 14, 2014, 06:22:33 pm
I used the clx today,it needs chucking in a skip.so much bend
On the bloody thing
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: lee_dewing on April 15, 2014, 11:11:02 am
Goood you have an employee, Colin h.

I haven't.

Smurf: I understand ladders and vac whichever works.

Thanks everyone.
Lee.
Title: Re: unblocking a gutter downpipe.
Post by: Smurf on April 15, 2014, 12:36:00 pm
No probs bud just keep safe if/when using ladders... ;)

Maybe a drain jetter pressure washer hose might work but seems a lot of faffing around to me. I suppose it all depends if you can gain access to the bottom of the downpipe, what psi/flow rate pressure washer you use, whats causing the blockage in the first place as you still may need removing from the top.  A telescopic pressure washer lance with a gutter clearing tool would work just as well I would have thought but whatever method you use you would need be carefull the pressure doesn't blow the downspout joints/bends apart.

If customers have an outside tap for downspouts that are too awkward to get at safely by ladder I would simply connect a garden hose & cone nozzle to a wfp like so in the pic below.  At the time the pic was taken the nozzel was angled to flush through the gutters after clearing them. However I've found 2 plastic angle cranks work better if you want to point it straight down a downspout.

P.s if the don't have and oustide tap then you will need a pressure washer that can suck from a tank/water butt unless you can fit a garden hose onto a tap inside the house instead.