How to get gravel out of pipe?

[2LaneCruzer]

When I had my pool built they got gravel in the pvc pipe and used shop vac to get it out

Then there's the high pressure air hose...be sure to wear your safety glasses!

 

[Lou66]

Shopvac, air pressure, water jets,, come on men the only real way to get that gravel out is to take six steps to the east tunnel down 6 ft. then tunnel west for 8 ft. given yourself plenty of room to tunnel up.. 2ft and 2 inches,, climb out of the tunnel .. go back to the plugged pvc door rebar holder and attach a 750 mobile air diesel compressor with full 2 inch reduced to ¾ inch hook up. When the pressure builds to 175 psig throw the 90 degree valve wide open forcing the gravel from the pipe into the tunnel.. Shutdown and Disconnect the air blaster piping and check for rock removable,, back fill the tunnel,, job complete,, also I could come up with a plans for some explosives,, let me know.. Lou

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

How about a shop vac.

Had a similarissue with yard gates and the shop vac was perfect for the job.
every year...

 

[IslandTractor]

How about bubblegum on a stick? Get it out one rock at a time. Great job for a guilty 3yo.

 

[/pine]

You might find some sort of adhesive (something really sticky like pine tar etc.) and a stick and lift them out one at a time...

 

[creekbend]

When I was younger, I used to help a friend of mine who had a Stucco business. On one job, the drywall crew got mad at the electricians and put marbles in the electrical PVC pipe. The electrical crew just attached a Shop Vac to the pipe, sealed the connection with duct tape to provide a better vacuum, and all the marbles came out.

 

[aczlan]

The problem with using a vacuum is (to be effective) there needs to be a source of air with enough volume underneath to lift the stones

Hence my idea of reducing it to a 1/2" OD pipe...

Aaron Z

 

[/pine]

Hence my idea of reducing it to a 1/2" OD pipe...

Aaron Z

Sorry, I did not read every reply suggesting vacuum thoroughly...you made a viable suggestion that would probably work...

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

reverse the setup
solid bar in the ground with the pipe on the door.
Fix it right.

 

[/pine]

reverse the setup
solid bar in the ground with the pipe on the door.
Fix it right.

The OP did not state where the "pipe" is in relation to the door opening...if it's wide open and against the wall that would be OK but IMO the pipe in the ground just barely above flush with grade is the safest application...rebars sticking up create a hazard just about anywhere...JMO