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Getting heattape in Downspouts? How to?

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Bsecdone

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I have a good size job with installing heattape in gutters and on the roof. The roof part is done.

I am having some trouble getting the wire up or down the Downspouts. Any suggestions?

Pics below. Thanks
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Image
 
#3 ·
An electricians fishtape might work. Or anoth thought, tie one of those flimsy plastic bags (like from the grocery store) to a good nylon string and use a shop vac to suck it down through the downspout. You may have to use rags, duct tape, etc. to get a good seal. We used to use this for fishing PVC conduit all the time, quicker than a fish tape.
 
#4 ·
A penal colony for failed abstract sculptors?
I don't think a golf ball would fall through that!
Suggest that the have the spouts hung by someone
not under the influence of ....?
 
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#5 ·
firemike said:
An electricians fishtape might work. Or anoth thought, tie one of those flimsy plastic bags (like from the grocery store) to a good nylon string and use a shop vac to suck it down through the downspout. You may have to use rags, duct tape, etc. to get a good seal. We used to use this for fishing PVC conduit all the time, quicker than a fish tape.
Click to expand...
Ping-pong ball and nylon masons twine is slick:thumbsup:
 
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#6 ·
WTF may i ask is holding that downspout up in mid air as is shown in the lovely picture?
 
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Discussion starter · #9 · (Edited)
Well, the golf ball idea didn't work, I also tried a mini soccer ball from a soccer table, and lead fishing weights. Anymore ideas?

I wish I could find a half pound round weight with a hole in the center or something. That would roll all the way down.

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better pics. I spent 2 days trying to figure this out.
I'm about to say get a new gutter guy then call me back.
 
#14 ·
Try a weasel with a string tied to it's tail. Drop a mouse in first if you want the weasel to go faster.

Slightly more serious answer: Maybe a real good shop vac would get enough air flowing through to get the right size ball to suck through.
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
nlgutters said:
keep in mind if u take them apart it will take a couple guys and a long time because u kind of take a pece or 2 apart then put it back before you start on the rest. but truthfully if i were u i would have them redo the whole damn thing first of it is hideous looking and is going to be a problem with all those bends
Click to expand...
Yep that is what I am leaning toward. Having the gutters redone, I don't want to take the gutters apart. I am fearing that I will be held responsible for any problems they may have in the future.

Looks like I will be returning payment. The cheap :whistling Landlord won't pay for new gutters.
 
#18 ·
I have a new plan for you. Don't pull the downspouts apart, just remove the lower sheet metal screws that are probably making the golf ball hang up. If there are no upper screws, install some so the downspout won't come apart. This all assumes there are no uphill runs. If the downspouts are ever horizontal, it'll take water behind the ball to move it along. Good luck.

Dave

PS Mono filament line might have less drag than string.
 
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Bsecdone
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