Toy (plastic chalk holder) lodged in skimmer drain pipe

[jong112]

Hi all, have a unique problem and looking for advice. One of my kids’ plastic chalk holders is lodged in the skimmer basket drain pipe. We have an older pool and the drain pipe in the skimmer is the main drain and the only drain. Pump wasn’t pulling water and come to find out this chalk holder is blocking the tube. I can see it and just barely fit a longer pair of needle nose pliers down there and grab part of it but I don’t have enough space to get real leverage to pull it up. It’s stuck in there good but I’m convinced this thing will come out but wondering if anyone has suggested methods of trying to dislodge this thing. Thanks!!

 

[MiloD]

I am qualifying my response with “I am not an expert”.

If it’s really wedged, you may be able to push it out with a jet of water from the hose.
To do this you need to run water backward through the skimmer line ( i.e. toward the skimmer):
Stop the pump, set your jandy valve to-> the appropriate skimmer on, other skimmers/drains and main drain off.
Remove the pump lid and basket.
Put your garden hose into the space where your pump basket was and then through the large hole where the water normally enters the pump/ you will need to wrap a towel around the hose so the water doesn’t just spill out around the hose ( hose is small /opening is big)
Then turn the hose on full force. ( someone with eye protection on can stand by the skimmer and try to give a little pull)
There are videos on youtube describing how to do this.
It’s worth a try at least.

 

[MiloD]

Some other things you could try with the pump off and the hose on (to prevent it getting wedged more/ pieces breaking and traveling deeper into the plumbing):
1) Very clean toilet plunger
2) an “AhSo” or “Durant” cork puller
3) a shopvac with the filter removed (pump off /hose off)
4) breaking it up and carefully retrieving the parts ( but there is a risk of the small pieces getting stuck in the middle of your plumbing) so I’d have the hose on for this one
Let us know how you resolve it

 

[1poolman1]

Hi all, have a unique problem and looking for advice. One of my kids’ plastic chalk holders is lodged in the skimmer basket drain pipe. We have an older pool and the drain pipe in the skimmer is the main drain and the only drain. Pump wasn’t pulling water and come to find out this chalk holder is blocking the tube. I can see it and just barely fit a longer pair of needle nose pliers down there and grab part of it but I don’t have enough space to get real leverage to pull it up. It’s stuck in there good but I’m convinced this thing will come out but wondering if anyone has suggested methods of trying to dislodge this thing. Thanks!!

Try one of these from the pump to the skimmer not the other way. It needs to be forced back into the skimmer. Something that large probably didn't get past the first 90 after the skimmer. If it doesn't come out, there are pool companies that will use high-pressure nitrogen to force it back out.

 

[jong112]

Thanks for the advice all. Tried hose with towels from pump back to skimmer to add some reverse pressure to no avail. Bought some hook tools and long pliers and no success. It’s wedged in there good. Drainking tool might have to be next but I’m becoming skeptical. Will keep at it!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

What's the inner diameter of the chalk holder?

If you can find the appropriate size extractor, something like this might work...

Orbit 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. Plastic Nipple Extractor 26076 - The Home Depot

Get the Orbit 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. Plastic Nipple Extractor 26076, sharp teeth combat even the most stubbornly stuck nipples at The Home Depot

www.homedepot.com

 

[JoyfulNoise]

How long is the run from the pool equipment to the skimmer? Perhaps a plumbers snake run from the backside of the blockage might dislodge it. If you have that kind of access, then there are pressure washer attachments that are designed for clearing out pipe blockages. You could run a pressure washer hose from the equipment pad to the blockage and use water pressure to blow it out.

 

[jong112]

How long is the run from the pool equipment to the skimmer? Perhaps a plumbers snake run from the backside of the blockage might dislodge it. If you have that kind of access, then there are pressure washer attachments that are designed for clearing out pipe blockages. You could run a pressure washer hose from the equipment pad to the blockage and use water pressure to blow it out.

Only about 12-15’ at the most. It’s close but the skimmer to pump pipe has two 90 degree elbows and two 45 degree elbows so I might need to cut the pipes to get a more direct shot for the pressure hose

 

[jong112]

What's the inner diameter of the chalk holder?

If you can find the appropriate size extractor, something like this might work...

View attachment 585562

Orbit 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. Plastic Nipple Extractor 26076 - The Home Depot

Get the Orbit 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. Plastic Nipple Extractor 26076, sharp teeth combat even the most stubbornly stuck nipples at The Home Depot

www.homedepot.com

About an inch, maybe a bit more. I’ll see if I can find this tool though. Thanks!

 

[reggiehammond]

Try some long-handle pliers? You may be able to get enough leverage on the inside of the holder to pull it up if you can't grab the plastic tabs.

Amazon.com

 

[jong112]

Try some long-handle pliers? You may be able to get enough leverage on the inside of the holder to pull it up if you can't grab the plastic tabs.

Amazon.com

Bought some extra long pliers to pull at the tabs but no luck. I think pulling one tab is creating tension on the bottom such that it’s not a clean pull up since it’s too one sided. This still might be the best option but I’m trying a few other things first. Unfortunately the drainking bladder broke the instant I put it in the pipe. So I’ll be returning that to Amazon. Next is the extractor tool

 

[jong112]

About an inch, maybe a bit more. I’ll see if I can find this tool though. Thanks!

What's the inner diameter of the chalk holder?

If you can find the appropriate size extractor, something like this might work...

View attachment 585562

Orbit 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. Plastic Nipple Extractor 26076 - The Home Depot

Get the Orbit 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. Plastic Nipple Extractor 26076, sharp teeth combat even the most stubbornly stuck nipples at The Home Depot

www.homedepot.com

Went to Home Depot and found this tool - it was the only size they had but it was too small. Checked the plumbing section for other sized extraction tools but most options won’t work with how far down the pipe the toy is stuck. Good suggestion though! I never knew about these tools so good for later use with the lawn irrigation system!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I was googling, I did see one that was about 1 1/4 in. Not sure if that size would work.

 

[jong112]

Hi all, have a unique problem and looking for advice. One of my kids’ plastic chalk holders is lodged in the skimmer basket drain pipe. We have an older pool and the drain pipe in the skimmer is the main drain and the only drain. Pump wasn’t pulling water and come to find out this chalk holder is blocking the tube. I can see it and just barely fit a longer pair of needle nose pliers down there and grab part of it but I don’t have enough space to get real leverage to pull it up. It’s stuck in there good but I’m convinced this thing will come out but wondering if anyone has suggested methods of trying to dislodge this thing. Thanks!!

SUCCESS! Got it out the old fashioned way- kept at it with the long pliers and after a lot of cajoling it finally lifted free! Thought it was going to have to cut it with a hack saw blade but thankfully didn’t need to. Thanks all for your help!