Can 4" Plastic Drain line be augered?


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Old 09-19-18, 07:03 AM
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Can 4" Plastic Drain line be augered?

I have a number of 4" drain lines installed underground that come from my roof.
The one on the front has a pine tree that puts needles in it and it clogs from time to time resulting in a back up that overflows the gutters.
I have tried putting a hose down the line to clear it and it no longer works.
Can I rent an auger and use it on this type of line?
If so, what type of tip would I use?
This line is the ribbed flexible type, black in color.
 
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Old 09-19-18, 08:36 AM
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If it were smooth, white PVC it can easily be augered. Corrugated black plastic can also be augered with a drain snake but you have to be careful. Inspect the tip of the auger and make sure it doesn't have sharp edges or a protruding wire near it's outer edge that can catch on a corrugation and chew into the pipe.
 
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Old 09-19-18, 08:47 AM
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You can water jet them but pressure has to be low!
 
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Old 09-19-18, 10:40 AM
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resulting in a back up that overflows the gutters.
The connection between the downspout and the underground drain pipe should be open to allow the water to drain out there instead of backing up to the roof in case of a clog. This is also important in a cold area where the underground drain line can freeze.
 
 

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