Clogged 3/4" Gray PVC conduit

   / Clogged 3/4" Gray PVC conduit #1  

socallly

Bronze Member
Joined
Jun 20, 2005
Messages
66
Location
california
Tractor
L3400 HST
Hello All,

I built a block wall with 6' x 18"colums that my entry gates are mounted to. I installed 3/4" conduit taped on both ends. I went to install the light and found the pipe is blocked with concrete down at or above the 90 which is 16" below grade.

Iv´e tried jamming a piece of 3/8th rebar, using 4000PSI pressure washer, air compressor and whatever else I could find that would fit.

I hope the pipe didn't come apart inside the column but the more I try and fail it seems this might be the case.

The attached picture shows the column on the right side of the driveway with the light on top (For looks Right Now).

If anyone has some idea's, short of tearing down the column please let me know?

Thank you,
 

Attachments

  • Block wall.jpg
    Block wall.jpg
    423.1 KB · Views: 533
Last edited:
   / Clogged 3/4" Gray PVC conduit #2  
Can you come in from the other end with a small "snake"?
 
   / Clogged 3/4" Gray PVC conduit
  • Thread Starter
#3  
I tried a snake with a cutter bit but it wouldn't go past the bend in the 90.

Thanks,
 
   / Clogged 3/4" Gray PVC conduit #4  
Looks like you (or the company who did the stone work) will have to start digging. At least it is below grade so you won't damage the nice looking stone. I'm thinking you have a pretty good size footer due to the large gate so this can be a royal PITA to chip out part of the footer. Good luck to you sir!!! Keep us informed here (with pictures please) how things are progressing.
 
   / Clogged 3/4" Gray PVC conduit #6  
It's probably frozen water, not concrete. Can you wait for the thaw?
 
   / Clogged 3/4" Gray PVC conduit #7  
If I understand it, you are working from the top down? The conduit must exit the concrete somewhere 16" below grade. Have you dug that end up and tried working on it from that end?

Very nice gates!
Dave.
 
   / Clogged 3/4" Gray PVC conduit #8  
Very nice looking gates and entry. Have you considered checking on the rental availability of a 3-4 inch round diamond tipped hole cutting tool like those used by plumbers to cut holes for pipes in block/concrete walls. Depending on how thick the footer is at the 90 degree turn point you may have to drill 2-3 inches and then chip out the core to gain access to the 90 degree bend so you can remove it. You should then be able to snake or fish the wire up to the light. I don't think I would even consider tearing down the column.
 
   / Clogged 3/4" Gray PVC conduit
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Inveresk, Thank you.

Tcartwri, The PVC isn't frozen its 50ºf today.

Dave1949, I've tried top and bottom for approach, the problem is if I shove something in from the bottom it either snags on the bell end of the 90º or is not rigid enough to knock free the obstruction. I appreciate the comments on the gates!


Gator6x4, Thanks,I will look into the mentioned tool. The footing is 24" square x 28" deep the PVC 90º's out mid footing. You did give me a idea, I could core drill like you said except go thru the PVC then use direct bury cable run that from the exposed PVC end to a junction box.

Keep it coming Guy's.

Thanks,
 
   / Clogged 3/4" Gray PVC conduit #10  
:confused2: sand blasting through a hose from the bottom??? :confused2:
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2015 Dodge Challenger Coupe (A50324)
2015 Dodge...
2023 BOBCAT 776R SERIES SKID STEER (A51242)
2023 BOBCAT 776R...
KUBOTA M6800 TRACTOR (A51243)
KUBOTA M6800...
2014 AUTOCAR EXPEDITOR GARBAGE TRUCK (A51219)
2014 AUTOCAR...
2019 INTERNATIONAL LT625 TANDEM AXLE SLEEPER (A51222)
2019 INTERNATIONAL...
Western Snow Plow with Brackets (A50515)
Western Snow Plow...
 
Top