Help!

I have a 50 year old dam and just took the trees off it to get it back in good shape. Part two of the project was going to be to replace a rusty old intake pipe so we could get to full pool (about 4 more feet).

When the contractor arrived to fix the intake pipe, he noticed that it was entirely submerged, and water was only trickling through to the outlet. So he (and I) are assuming that we have blockage somewhere in the pipe.

He tried putting a 10' stick into the top of the pipe and didn't hit anything so we know that the blockage is deeper that that.

Any suggestions on how to clear the blockage? Know anyone who can do it around Ellijay GA?

Thanks!

Josh

Greg Grimes is located not far from there. He may could help you out.
He is a memeber here.
http://lakework.com/

You might want to contact a plumber who has a camera on a cable. He can run it into the pipe and see what the blockage is.

Unfortunately, being that old, and if it is a steel/galvanized pipe, it might be collapsed.

Be VERY careful of removing any blockage if there is water covering the pipe. Depending on what end of the pipe you are working from, you could get sucked into (or up against) the pipe, or get blown away from it by the force of the water and debris. If you're sucked up against the pipe, and underwater, you might not be able to work yourself free to get to air.

I agree with essup, be very careful. Personally I wouldn't do any work on the blockage until the water level is well below the top of the pipe.

OK, thanks. I'll see if I can find a plumber with a scope. Greg is great, and I'll be using him for restocking in a little while... I'll chat with him too...

If anyone has anything to add besides scoping, I am all ears...

All the best,
Josh

Jsfat

Being careful is the first line of business. Working from the bottom will get you wet, working from the top can be dangerous. When the pipe is opened up and the water starts to flow it will scare you if you have not seen it before.
A ten foot stick is a good idea but not enough. Something longer, a piece of 1 inch pvc pipe will help locate the blockage and be light enough to handle. They come in 20 foot lengths and you can add a second or third joint if needed.
A pipe that is full of almost anything it can be worked out with a little elbow grease especially if there is the weight of the water helping push. Just a little hole will often get the mess moving.
You said rusty pipe so I guess it is metal. If it was installed fifty years ago it will more than likely be gone. They can be left in place and filled with concrete, but you may end up removing the whole thing anyway, if so that will eliminate the worry about the blockage.
Otto

Well, does anyone have a recommendation of someone who can fix this in North Georgia this week? Greg referred someone, but he can't get out for two weeks and fix it for a few weeks after. I want to take care of things sooner

All the best,
J

Might want to try Kenneth McEachern (770) 540-8190. It's a father/son operation and they're highly regarded in our area. I've never used them so I can't vouch for $$.

-RFL