Stopped up hose

[Chris Cianci]

The bag on my CT26 got full but I didn’t know it. I was cutting plastic but now the hose is blocked. I’ve slammed it on the ground , stuck a long rod in it , I hooked it back up to the CT26 I can’t relieve the blockage any ideas. I’m unsure if it’s wood chips or plastic chips or a combination

 

[demographic]

I usually drop a decent diameter SDS masonry bit down the tube if it gets blocked.
Kind of bounce it about and its always done the trick so far.

 

[Svar]

Look up drain cleaning tool. They are cable like implements often with hooks that you stick into the drain and rotate. They loosen up the blockage rather than push forward and compress it.

 

[Alanbach]

Have you tried compressed air ?

 

[Birdhunter]

I use a 2 1/2 foot long 1/2" steel rod down the hose. The rod seems to jar loose any obstruction.

 

[cpw]

I ended up using a 8' 3/8" quarter round I had lying around; it was long enough to go through the hose and clear the obstruction, and flexy enough that I could actually get it in there.

 

[Mario Turcot]

Do you have access to a water pressure machine?

 

[Chris Cianci]

I appreciate the multiple responses I’ll answer them at one time , I tried compressed air but didn’t have a good seal, I have access to high pressure water I’ll try that, I’ve tried a 1/2 “ rod that wouldn’t push through the blockage , I tried a snake (drain cleaning tool) and it wouldn’t push through the blockage either. I’m headed to my shop now to give these a whirl.
Many thanks for all of your ideas
Best Chris

 

[AlexThePalex]

If that doesn't work, throw it in a tub with hot water and a bit of ammonia added and let is soak over night. And try kneading it piece by piece to work the inside loose.

 

[Cheese]

I've tried 3/8" diameter steel rods, aluminum rounds 12" long by 1" diameter, the end of a broom stick all with varying degrees of success.

My most successful effort was to take a 1/2" wide by 1/8" thick aluminum flat 6 foot long and fashion a point and a hook on the end. I then remove the hose and lay it down flat on the floor. Because it's only 1/8' thick and pointed it will usually push through/into the clog. Once in the clog I then retract the aluminum flat and it will remove and break up the clog. It may take several repeated steps to remove the clog fully.

It works especially well when metal chips/strings are the issue.

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[Svar]

And if that does not work cut the hose open, remove the derbies and ... oh wait.  [sad]

 

[nvalinski]

And if that does not work cut the hose open, remove the derbies and ... oh wait.  [sad]

That's why he needs the hose with the zipper on it.

 

[Mario Turcot]

another thing you can try if it`s still blocked.

-Push through an electrical fish wire,
-attach a 1/4" rope to the end of the fish,
-pull back the rope to the other end,
-on the entry end attach a round 1/2" plywood piece with a hole in the middle smaller then the inside (hose),
-pull through the rope until the plywood comes out,
-If you get too much restriction make the plywood a little smaller and repeat.

Good luck!

 

[RKA]

If it's really so packed that you can't force anything through the obstruction, try Alex's suggestion of kneading the blocked section as if it were bread dough.  That stuff can get packed in there, but the hose is flexible enough that you should be able to start loosening the ends of the obstruction until you're able to push something through to clear it. 

 

[Chris Cianci]

Thanks Guys! I’m still not unclogged but will try the additional recommendations since my last thank you post to you all. So far nothing is pushing through I’ve tried 1/2 “ and 1/4” fiberglass rods.
Thanks again Wish me luck

 

[Svar]

Thanks Guys! I’m still not unclogged but will try the additional recommendations since my last thank you post to you all. So far nothing is pushing through I’ve tried 1/2 “ and 1/4” fiberglass rods.
Thanks again Wish me luck

You shouldn't push it, you need to loosen it up instead of compressing. Take that rod, sharpen it flat like a chisel, stick into a drill and "drill" through. Or attach a corkscrew to the rod.

 

[Chris Cianci]

FINALLY  I got the hose unplugged It took a combination of using a chimney sweep pole w a castle nut on it on a drill and finally a 10 foot pole hooked to and air compressor
Festool definitely needs to get that full bag alarm
Thanks for all the advice

 

[DeformedTree]

FINALLY  I got the hose unplugged It took a combination of using a chimney sweep pole w a castle nut on it on a drill and finally a 10 foot pole hooked to and air compressor
Festool definitely needs to get that full bag alarm
Thanks for all the advice

They have it, when your hose clogs, your bag may be full.  Buy a new hose and maybe festool will toss in a replacement bag with it  [wink]

 

[BJM9818]

I keep a 10’ piece of 1/2” copper pipe laying around. Just long enough to attack the clog from
Both ends and get it suckling  again.

 

[Chris Cianci]

Thanks for your reply........it’s all helpful......I’m hoping it doesn’t happen again....I gotta keep an eye on it
Best