Culverts channel water under driveways and streets. These pipes often collect debris such as sand, dirt, and branches which get washed into ditches during storms.
If the sediment builds up too much, the culvert can become blocked, leading to flooding and erosion. It also poses potential damage to nearby roads or property.
Table of Contents
Use a long shovel
A long shovel is a digging tool used for clearing out culvert pipes. It typically consists of metal or fiberglass and comes in various shapes and sizes. It features a handle and blade attached to its shaft for ease of use.
Shovels have a primary purpose of moving soil or other materials, but can also be used for scooping, scraping or digging. Although shovels come in many designs and can be utilized for many different tasks, those ideal for this job require a flat tip with either round or pointed blade.
When working with soil, the shape of a shovel blade depends. A flat shovel works best for looser, softer soils; while a pointed or round shovel works better in hard or compacted conditions.
Another essential feature of a shovel is its kickplate, located on the upper edge. This allows you to apply pressure while digging, helping achieve more accurate digging and remove larger amounts of material in shorter bursts of time.
Some shovels may feature a metal or plastic grip at the top part of their shaft to help prevent splinters. On other types, there are no handles at all and you must hold onto just the shaft and blade to use them.
Generally, the longer the handle on a shovel, the easier it is to use. This is especially true when comparing short-handed shovels that may be difficult to maneuver in tight quarters.
It is not uncommon to find shovels with long handles, usually found on garden spades and round point shovels. On the other hand, some people prefer buying a transfer shovel with this feature since it makes moving large amounts of loose soil easier.
A long shovel can be useful in many different situations, but you should weigh its weight and size before making your selection. Also take into account your height and how much work needs to be done – if you do a lot of yard work or are an expert then investing in a heavy-duty shovel might be beneficial; otherwise, lighter models may suit occasional users better.
Use a culvert-cleaning tool
Culvert pipes are underground sections of pipe that channel water away from your home without flooding it. Unfortunately, they often become clogged with debris after heavy downpours because runoff from these storms can carry stones, sand, and other materials into the culvert pipes – leading to flooding in nearby neighborhoods or driveways as well as road erosion.
To effectively clean out a culvert pipe, utilize a culvert-cleaning tool. This hoe-like device has an integral pivoting joint that you can push into the pipe on top of debris and then pull out to remove it.
It is essential that you select the proper culvert-cleaning tool for your culvert. Ideally, this should be long enough to reach into the center of the culvert and can usually be found at a local hardware store or plumbing supply.
To use this culvert-cleaning tool, attach it to a pipe long enough for your culvert. The device features a hoe-like head with a pivoting joint so you can push and pull it out with ease.
When you pull out the tool, its hoe-like head is activated and pulling action causes it to dive into debris. This means that you can quickly and efficiently clean out your culvert pipe in just a few seconds.
Culvert-cleaning tools can also assist in eliminating soil sediment, debris and other material trapped inside culverts. This makes your work more efficient and safer for yourself and other workers.
If you are uncertain which culvert cleaning tool to purchase, consult a contractor or your local municipality for advice. They may be able to suggest an item specifically designed for this task.
You can also use a pressure washer to force dirt and debris out of your culvert pipe. This method is especially helpful if you don’t have access to long shovels or special tools for the job. With just one session, pressure washing eliminates time-consuming manual labor while saving both time and money in the long run.
Use a pressure washer
Pressure washers are powerful cleaning tools that can be used to easily eliminate a range of stains, including those caused by sewer clogs. They’re available from home improvement stores or purchased for your own use; gas or electric models range in cost from several hundred dollars up to thousands of dollars.
Light-duty electric pressure washers are compact and quiet, making them ideal for light outdoor work that requires power. More powerful medium and heavy-duty models run on gas engines which tend to be more expensive than their electric counterparts; however, they offer greater mobility and are ideal when working outdoors in conditions requiring power.
Some gas-powered pressure washers offer up to 3,000 psi, while many electric models deliver between 1,000 and 2,300 psi. The higher water pressure of gas-powered units makes them suitable for bigger tasks like prepping siding for painting or removing “aging” stains from wood decks.
When using a pressure washer, selecting the appropriate nozzle or tip is paramount for getting maximum cleaning results. Failure to use one that’s suitable can damage concrete, window seals and other surfaces so it’s best to select one specifically designed for the task at hand.
Pressure washers typically come with an assortment of nozzles to choose from. To determine which one is ideal for the job, look at its psi rating and spray angle. However, you can also consult the owner’s manual for tips on using specific nozzles for specific jobs or surfaces.
When using a pressure washer, be mindful that it can cause serious injuries if not handled correctly. It’s especially essential to stand away from the nozzle and not touch it; otherwise, the force from the nozzle could cut into skin or injure nerves.
Furthermore, when cleaning a culvert pipe, it’s essential to be mindful where the spray is directed. Spraying water directly at a sewer clog could splatter sediment and debris which could be hazardous for your health.
Some pressure washers feature an all-in-one adjustable nozzle that lets you alter the spray pattern and width. This feature is especially handy, as it enables you to tailor the spray for different tasks.
Get help
Are you facing a major blockage in your culvert pipe? It may be time to seek professional assistance. Clogged culverts are hazardous for property and can lead to flooding and erosion – especially if you live in an area prone to frequent rainstorms and flooding.
Culverts are pipes installed under your driveway to channel runoff water away and prevent flooding of your driveway and property. However, after heavy storms these pipes can become clogged with debris like sand, dirt, rocks, trees and branches – leading to property damage and costly repairs.
Clearing out a culvert requires the appropriate equipment and strategies. This can be accomplished using a long shovel, culvert-cleaning tool, or pressure washer.
To start, assess the depth and size of the clog by looking at its location and how much debris has built up around it. A deeper clog typically has more material present and will require more effort to clear away.
Once you have an accurate assessment of the extent of the clog, you can begin removing it with your shovel or culvert-cleaning tool. Keep in mind that this process may require considerable time and effort.
Another option is to hire a professional who can use powerful pressure washer to unclog a culvert without harming either the pipe or drainage area. This can be an effective way to unclog a culvert without causing damage to either the pipe or drainage area.
When selecting a professional, make sure they are licensed and insured. Doing this will protect you in case any damages occur while clearing out the culvert.
If your culvert pipe is severely damaged or worn out, the company may be able to replace it for you. This will protect your property and make future maintenance much simpler.
Once the clog has been cleared out, it is necessary to clean out the drainage area around it. This can be a tedious task but necessary in order to avoid further issues.