Contractors Filter

The bottom was behind a bush, my wife noticed the bricks behind the pipe were dark from wetness over time. The weight of the pipe had pulled it down from the extension at the top and water was draining onto the house. I’ve elevated the bottom of the pipe, pulled out the roots that have begun growing into the bottom, and I’ve poured hot water down the gutter from the roof to loosen and melt whatever dirt I could … but it’s still ‘plump’ from the middle of the drain pipe to the bottom. Any ideas ??

A combination of roof shingle fines and airborne dust/leaves has accumulated in the downspout. There are quite a few feet of it since it was heavy enough to separate at the top. If you live in an area where it freezes this material has frozen, expanded and either opened the manufacturers seal or has cracked the tube. In either case you must replace the tube – not worth cutting out the cracked section, if you could find it, since new tubing usually is sold in 8-10 foot lengths.

If you are certain the material has not frozen then try pushing a hose into the tube FROM THE BOTTOM- not the top. The material will dislodge slowly at first and then in a rushing mass. Water in the top simple compacts the material and can make it very difficult if not impossible to clear the tube.

put a screen over the gutters to prevent the leaves from going in now get a ladder and take them out by hand wear gloves

Would it have been worth saving for Science? I don’t live too far from University of Florida so I was just wondering if I come across it again.

Almost any species of animal can occasionally be albinistic. I don’t know the frequency in that particular species. I’m sure it is uncommon, but I suspect not a great rarity. Still, if you talk to someone in the entomology department of a university, I suppose they might be interested.