How To Get Sand Out Of Drain Pipes

Sand and grit washes down through down spouts and into drainage pipes. These pipes run away from the house and sometimes under the lawn, taking the water to other locations. The sand eventually clogs the pipes or reduces their effectiveness. To clear out the debris and get the drain running the way it used to, you must force the sand out of the pipes.

Step 1

Fill large containers, such as 5-gallon buckets, with water. Use hot water if you think there is something other than just sand in the pipes, such as mildew and other gunk.

Step 2

Disconnect a section of the pipe from the downspout or other drainage area so you can access the pipe's interior.

Step 3

Scoop out as much of the sand that is near the pipe opening as you can, using your hands.

Step 4

Pour as much of the water down the spout as you can, in one large dumping motion. The large quantity of water moving through the pipe will stir up the sand and rinse much of it further down the pipe. Pour water down a second time and see if more sand is flushed out the other end. If it is, keep flushing until no sand comes out. Only do this if the drain is still flowing.

Step 5

Insert the nozzle end of the pressure washer in the drain. Turn it on to force pressurized water through the pipe to break through any clogs.

Step 6

Slip the end of the plumbing snake into the drain pipe. Extend the snake until it hits the clog. Push into the clog until you feel it break through. Move the snake around a little to break up the sides of the debris, then use the pressure washer to force the particles out the other end.