Obstruction in water pipe in wall

[SharonRN]

New to this forum, and hoping someone has a fix for me! My water line was cut about 2 months ago while having major driveway work done. The driveway is red clay covered with gravel, so rocks everywhere. Since the line was repaired, I've had low water pressure leading to my washer and outside spigot (same source pipe). I'm thinking a rock got in the pipe and ended up getting wedged in the pipe leading to these 2 areas. Anything I can do besides have the wall and/or foundation torn up?

 

[jmcefai]

Its probably unlikely that a "rock got in the pipe" - it could simply be a leak. But if a "rock got in the pipe" you could try locating where the new pipe was added, dig a small area (or locate an exposed pipe) and make an opening at the very end of the pipe. Then temporarily connect a water source at the washer (using another source - preferable high pressure) - basically this way the water will go backwards - from the washer to the end of the new opening. If theirs a rock it will get washed away. For any rock to get washed away from a pipe, it needs to be on a straight line - so keep that in mind.


You could also try different methods to see if its a leak by for example, monitoring the water utility meter while the water is closed (if the meter moves then you have a leak)

But in either case, you probably still need to tear the driveway again to fix any problem.

Once you find the problem, be sure to test the water pressure before burying the pipe again!.

 

[SharonRN]

The low water pressure is only at the places I listed. I have normal (great) water pressure at every other location in my house-kitchen, bathrooms, and 2 other outside spigots. Also, there is no dirt in my water, no air, and no wet area in my driveway, so I do not have a leak. This problem is localized to the pipe inside the wall that feeds my washer and the spigot on the outside wall behind my washer. Maybe I shouldn't have described it as "low water pressure", but rather as less water coming out than before the line was cut, and less than every other location inside and outside my house. It takes my washer 15 minutes to fill up for a large load because the cold water is coming in so slow.

 

[jmcefai]

I see, maybe its just some dirt/small pebbles which accumulated at the end of the washer/outside spigot - try removing the tap or whatever its installed at the end of the "washer/outside spigot" and see if any pebbles come out when you switch on the water. You could also try inserting some Electrician Tape Conduit to see if you manage to move anything at that point.

If no success i would try to remove the exposed piping (if any) and switching on the water to see if you can find the obstruction or not (hint: start from where thers a single source pipe)

I dont think thers an easy solution for this unless you are a hands-on person - even if you are, the first thing i would do is to call whoever did the piping in the first place!

 

[frodo]

couple things you can look at.

remove the dishwasher hose. look in BOTH ends. you will find a screen. clean the screen. see if that helps

also, while the hose is off. wrap a towel around the faucet. turn it on, them turn it off

see if you blew anything out.

>>>> it will make a mess<<<<< you will be cleaning up water, so have towels ready

your outside hose bib.

take it apart and see if a pebble has lodged itself in the washer

same thing. take apart, turn on water blow it out.

note, I have seen pebbles in water lines hundreds of times, you aint crazy


if you need help taking the hose bib apart, post a picture of it. we can help

 

[SharonRN]

Hose bibs! Thank you MacGyver I'm fairly hands-on with basic things Jmcefai, like household, small engine and automotive repair. My daddy did a good job there. I have actually taken the hose off the washer and checked the bib, screens, hose and washer inlet. But I apparently had a brain block and didn't think about taking the bibs off at both the washing machine and the outside faucet and using my little pipe snake. Didn't think this problem through before I magnified it. I'm going to try my luck and hope I can dislodge the obstruction and pull it out instead of sending it to another part of the house that would be a major calamity. Stay tuned-I might need help again, and thanks again for jogging my brain Frodo!

 

[phishfood]

If the snake has ever been into a drain pipe, it should never be put into a pressure supply pipe.

 

[frodo]

use a coat hanger. "jewgle" the coat hanger into the pipe

them coat hangers are getting hard to find, dang it, i like em,

 

[SharonRN]

It's brand new; unwrapped. One of those Harbor Freight "Hey look, I might need that one day" purchases. That's why I'm head smacking myself for not thinking of trying it first...Frodo, I agree! I have to get those from the dry cleaners anymore. Wire hangers are great tools.