Who Cleans Out Underground Gutter Systems?

[Anonymous]

We think one of our downspouts that goes underground in our backyard is clogged because water is coming out of one of the elbows in the gutter when we have significant downpours. Who would assess this? I think we hired Gutter Maid or a similar company a few years ago to clean our gutters (before our lawn guy does it regularly) and we were told by them that they don't deal w/underground systems. Would this be a gutter installation company? A landscaper? Who is the best one to assess and clean out the underground system? We likely need to replace w/pvc since I don't think what is there is pvc right now, but for now, just want to see if they can unclog and clean it! Anyone had this problem before?

[Anonymous]

Depends on the pipe.

If it is PVC, a plumber can snake it. If it is the typical black landscape pipe, you might be looking at a landscaper digging up the pipe. Sorry.

[Anonymous]

We used a snake that you attach to a drill - some one we used when we have to snake a drain. That worked for us. The bigger issue is if you're buried 'pipe' is the black corrugated stuff rather than PCV, it may have collapsed and no amount of snaking will clear it.

It's not hard to dig up and replace the piping. You can do it yourself or have it done by landscaping people.

[Anonymous]

OP here-thank you. yes I think it's the crappy black plastic type and not pvc. I'll connect with some landscapers who can handle it--sounds like we need to run a new pipe. I dont trust myself with the grading etc. In the meantime, should I at least cut off at the base and run the downspout out myself along the side of the house and away as an interim fix. It's near a window well and water is collecting there and getting into the well.

[Anonymous]

I think our guys stick a leaf blower down there to blow the leaves out? I would start with a drain snake, it seems worth a try. If it’s roots or something the snake will just get stuck and you’re only out $50 or whatever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here-thank you. yes I think it's the crappy black plastic type and not pvc. I'll connect with some landscapers who can handle it--sounds like we need to run a new pipe. I dont trust myself with the grading etc. In the meantime, should I at least cut off at the base and run the downspout out myself along the side of the house and away as an interim fix. It's near a window well and water is collecting there and getting into the well.

Yes. You got it. Run it s far from your house as you can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here-thank you. yes I think it's the crappy black plastic type and not pvc. I'll connect with some landscapers who can handle it--sounds like we need to run a new pipe. I dont trust myself with the grading etc. In the meantime, should I at least cut off at the base and run the downspout out myself along the side of the house and away as an interim fix. It's near a window well and water is collecting there and getting into the well.

we used aerotech gutters and they removed the old crappy plastic black pipes and redid our underground area... reasonable price and great service (they spent lots of time trying to accurately diagnose with a hose, leaf blower, etc, what was going on)

[Anonymous]

Ours gets a buildup of leaves and debris at the end where the water comes out. Do you have a pop up drain out in the yard or do you know where the water comes out? It should have a cover or clean out at that end. Remove it and you’ll probably find your clog.