A couple of years when I had a new underground electrical service installed, I had two other small (3/4") PVC conduits installed for phone & cable TV in the same trench. Earlier this week the Frontier (phone co.) guy came to install the cable in the conduit from the pole to the house. He said he tried both conduits from both directions, but couldn't get the fish tape to go through either. He said it stopped about halfway through. As these conduits are new, I was surprised to have trouble with them. I know the one for the electric (3.5") is OK as I've not had any problem with the power. Anyone got any ideas as to what could be wrong, and how to fix it?
Problem getting wire into conduit
- Thread starter circlew
- Start date
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well, there are times for outside/underground installs, if not capped off, you can get vermin of all sorts making it their own, hiding places, underground railroad, home....
if anything, try bursting compressed air through the pipes.....
or, there is also lube made especially for helping wire slide through the pipes.....
if anything, try bursting compressed air through the pipes.....
or, there is also lube made especially for helping wire slide through the pipes.....
I wonder if you could maybe use a plumbing snake to clear the blockage? You would probably have to remove the larger end on the snake so just the cable would fit through the conduit, but even if it ruined the snake, if it cleared the blockage it would likely be cheaper buying a new snake than paying an electrical contractor to make the repair. You also may need to approach clearing the blockage from both ends of the conduit to be sure its cleared. Seems strange that such a new conduit would be blocked already. Good luck1
Eddie
Eddie
vacosaurus
Active member
Like Yogitunes said try blasting compressed air into the conduit with some one else on the other end to confirm the conduit is not blocked. You did not say how long the run is or if you have any elbows in the run.If it is clear you can try making a small wad of paper towel the appropriate size with strong string tied to it then put the wad in the conduit and using a rag to seal the air in conduit put the air blast nozzle in end and try blowing the wad with string attached thru the conduit then tie your wires to the string and pull your wires thru.
Have had this problem also in the past. The cause of mine was that with the freezing and thawing of the ground heaved the conduit up and down leaving it uneven and unable to pass wires through. Had to dig them up take them out dig deeper lay new conduit put small stone about a foot deep then laid underground insulation over them and then fill with earth. Have not had a problem since. If not installed correctly in a deep freeze area they will buckle. When taking the old ones out they were cracked and had broken off at some of the joints. Don't know how low yours are but I guess you need to go below the frost line.
Jon
Jon
Thanks for the replies.
Martin, I've thought about using compressed air, but will have to borrow or rent a compressor to do so. I also wonder if bugs, etc. have gone down into them and made nests.
Eddie, As for a plumbing snake, I don't think it would fit down such a small conduit.
Jon, I'm not sure how deep it is, especially under the driveway. I think it was laid in gravel (or sand), but I can't remember. This work was done during the time I was on some medication that was causing memory problems, so only have foggy memories of this.
From what the Frontier guy said, it may be under the gravel driveway where it's hanging up on something. The drive used to be asphalt, but I had it taken up a year or so ago and graveled. It's possible the driveway guy damaged them with his equipment, and didn't tell me, or didn't notice he'd done so. I do know these are above the one for the electric. Hope I don't have to dig it up and re-do it.
Martin, I've thought about using compressed air, but will have to borrow or rent a compressor to do so. I also wonder if bugs, etc. have gone down into them and made nests.
Eddie, As for a plumbing snake, I don't think it would fit down such a small conduit.
Jon, I'm not sure how deep it is, especially under the driveway. I think it was laid in gravel (or sand), but I can't remember. This work was done during the time I was on some medication that was causing memory problems, so only have foggy memories of this.
From what the Frontier guy said, it may be under the gravel driveway where it's hanging up on something. The drive used to be asphalt, but I had it taken up a year or so ago and graveled. It's possible the driveway guy damaged them with his equipment, and didn't tell me, or didn't notice he'd done so. I do know these are above the one for the electric. Hope I don't have to dig it up and re-do it.
