Contractor Craig - Never Deal with a Clogged Spray Can Again

A brief discussion on how aerosol spray cans work and a tip to avoid having to deal with a clogged spray can.

[@munsters2]

Once you clear the nozzle out, I think it might still be good to store the can upside down so the paint (sludge) settles in the top of the can and not the bottom where the straw opening is located.

[@MaxGiganteum]

Correct... once you clear the pickup tube and nozzle, carefully leave the can upside down and store it that way. The idea is that the pickup tube is not in contact with the contents of the can anymore therefore cannot become clogged. It'll stay that way indefinitely too. The original plastic cap from the spray can often is an excellent base for storage but if it isn't, constructing a rack using duct tape or a glue gun and cardboard from boxes is a dirt cheap way to make a rack. If you store your cans in a fire cabinet, you'll need to make a rack out of non-flammable material, if you're going to follow the usual standards. Interestingly, when I was in college in the engineering program, several students made a rack that fit into a fire safety cabinet shelf as a project. They made it from expended metal spray cans and got props for the effort to recycle. Even all those decades ago, recycling and environmental concerns were a part of what we were taught. So how did it work? They cut off the bottom & top of the cans and sliced the body lengthwise down the cylinder. The metal rectangles were folded into the parts that comprised the body of the racks which were predestined to fit into the cabinet. They used a small benchtop sheetmetal brake to do the bending. You can think of it looking a bit like an erector set without most of the holes. Anyway, while I wasn't in that group of students or even in the program in the afternoon (I was in the morning half of the program), I got to examine the blueprints, spare parts and the finished product. Every group had their project on display which could essentially make you look good... or not so much. As far as I'm concerned, they did an excellent job, produced a professional looking product and it was far stronger than anyone thought it was going to be while using almost next to nothing in additional materials. IIRC, they put a total of 200 pounds of dead weight on a rack section just to test it out and it held up like a champ. Overkill? Yes. Impressive? Also yes considering none of them had any real practical experience designing or building anything prior to that according to what we were told. Of course common sense tells me that's why they ended up going overboard with their design... practical experience is worth a lot. They just didn't have any yet! The moral of the story is that you can do a lot with common items that most people throw in the trash... and you can do it for little to no money which is usually important when you're a poor, starving college student. Best wishes! ♻️🤔👍🏻 - Max Giganteum

[@halbrown7777]

First of all I love the history lesson and the accordion music. Being an accordion player, you definitely got my attention. but all of that aside, thank you for a most amazing and helpful instructional video. You are fantastic!

[@BungeeRooster]

Thank you Craig. That was very illustrative and very informative. One problem: when you said at the beginning that you'll help solve the problem of clogging, I thought you'd suggest ways to actually declog the can, not way to prevent the clog. I still like the video though.

[@MaxGiganteum]

Prevention is the best cure! Best wishes! 🤔👍🏻👨🏻‍🔧 - Max Giganteum

[@DavidDiaz-zp4hu]

To declog you've got to force air into the valve to push out the clog and then soak can in hot tap water periodically shaking thoroughly to ideally break up and dissolve the clog so that it cannot re enter the valve ..

[@OBXN]

Nicely done. I like your approach of first presenting an actually researched underlying basis for the main topic.

[@craigshotwellutube]

Thank you. Maybe I got a tiny bit carried away. I like giving credit where credit is due.

[@lancelot1953]

Brilliant! Thank you so much Craig for posting this informative video about a "classic" problem with spray cans that fail before being empty - you should teach, your video has very practical application and saves a lot of money (and frustrations, for me at least), Ciao, L

[@craigshotwellutube]

Thank you Lance. There will be many more to come. Subscribe and you'll be notified.

[@lancelot1953]

Hi Craig, I just subscribed - Happy New Year, Ciao, L

[@joedejesus6363]

We learn something new everyday. Thank you especially for both the history lesson and tips to preserving our aerosol spray cans.👍👌

[@jamiesale9460]

well done production - the quality adds to the lessons, makes them more interesting

[@TonyBarr99]

Excellent video, well produced, very informative and very helpful.

[@zatilismail]

Thank you so much. I had my sunspray clogged for a month. And it's expensive. I've tried every safe things i know. But no one worked for me. Then, i put i upsode down and spray. It worked! Thanks again

[@theartisanrogue]

Knew the upside down trick, but not all the other info and history! Thanks for including that!

[@craigshotwellutube]

Thanks. It was fun researching and making.

[@chinlee9666]

an old trick, it only helps a little, they will still clog

[@waltham1654]

WOW! That was very helpful and informative. I hate it when someone says just do this with no explanation. Your whole video was just cool. Thanks

[@HamptonRutland]

Got way more than I bargained for on this one. Nice little lesson there. Thanks for taking the time

[@craigshotwellutube]

Hey Hampton. Yeah this was my first. Thanks for watching.

[@DonatoGreco]

very informative and up to the detail of "why" and "how" things work

[@SecondComingTwice]

Gratitude for your research and sharing your findings. Thumbs way up.

[@retiredtom1654]

Well done. I now know more than before. I need to work on the 6-8 cans clogged & full of paint.

[@MrRodgerMoore]

That’s has been such a great video! Thank you for doing such a wonderful job explaining it.

[@joannemachold9906]

Fascinating ! Great job. Thank you.

[@moonolyth]

The old turn that can upside-down trick... .. . Good one you got me!

[@sandysue202]

Thank you for researching this and explaining how it all works. I think I have some cans that have semi dried up paint in the straw. So far, nothing I try will relieve this clog. At least now I can save any new cans.

[@MrM3ch]

That was really useful, thank you! I look forward to putting it into practise :)

[@craigshotwellutube]

Great!

[@FabianBarajas]

Very helpful and informative. Thanks for the post.

[@johnmitchell1326]

Very well made. Explained why those "any position" spray cans are a bad idea, if you can avoid them.

[@johnnyheightsplus8744]

This was awesome and detailed thank you very much

[@katiestevens7988]

Excellent tip many thanks !

[@michealhuff2299]

Thank you! You think like me. There's really no point in attempting to know how to get something tk work without knowing why it works the way it does. I thought this would be some cool mod. I have known for years to turn it upside down and clear the can but never knew the real history and theory behind the very can I've done so much art with. This is a very cool way to go about doing did vids. First of yours I watched gets an immediate subscribe! Got to see more!

[@craigshotwellutube]

Thank you again. I tend to get carried away sometimes with details and history. I've backed off a lot on that but I'm glad you appreciate this vid. Check back for more soon.

[@ritaschoch4073]

Craig, awsome video. I got a lesson history, mechanical engineering and chemical engineering all in less than 12 minutes! Great tip re: spraying upside down til clear. Thank you!!

[@AdamMargie4ever]

Awesome thank you for the tip and information

[@captainplanet1260]

Excellent video thank you.

[@jwalker9537]

Very informative - thanks Craig.

[@ramonac.6196]

Great show! Can I apply to a clog hairspray clan I just bought it and it seems to have no pressure so I’m wondering if that would be it? Thank you really enjoyed your educated performance have a great day.

[@dripsa]

this is the only video I could find explaining exactly how aerosols work, and it's much appreciated. could you advise on how to go about formulation mixing?

[@H07F337]

At first i was annoyed you were playing the history part first... but it ended up being really informative and im glad you did it.

[@craigshotwellutube]

Thanks. That was my first video. It annoyed some people. I doubt I’ll do it again. I like stuff like that but recognize that most do not. My future vids will stay on task. Thanks for watching and appreciating my e presiding. Keep checking back for new videos.

[@H07F337]

Craig Shotwell I think you should keep the history stuff but provide a timestamp in the description that people can click on to skip it. Best of both worlds. Like I said, I was really really glad I watched the history section. I feel like I actually learned something.

[@joshadsett4835]

Bloody nice one mate, thanks

[@moonolyth]

Nice history channel clip. Thanks was looking for unclogging a spray can 12 minutes ago. The old turn that can upside-down trick.. Thanks. It looks like if the deed is already dun you can shoot air into the can several times till it unclogs, drill the sprayer and the can out to fit a solvent can "red straw" and you may get lucky.. still hunting for more methods.

[@MariaLuciaGomezGreenberg]

Great lesson! Thank you! Less waste going to our dumps. ;--)

[@craigshotwellutube]

Yup! Thank you for watching.

[@erepsekahs]

Thanks for the education, luckily I had the sense to fast forward it to the important bit: as it says on click-bait: Never Deal with a Clogged Spray Can Again

[@Latanya-eq2hz]

I really hope you see my message, but which propellant would be best for non flammable pepper spray?

[@pikifrino]

Thank u for solving this problem!.

[@DukeOfMarshall]

Nice job! Good work!

[@brianbailey1933]

So you do exactly what the directions say to do "after use and to prevent clogging"?!?! Who knew! Sad how many people do not read the directions. Thst being said l, great presentation sir!

[@saadhasib9653]

Great video man, but my problem is still not solved antiperspirant deo can stopped working BECAUSE I shook the can! Why and how do I fix it?

[@makinggreatbread]

Very informative. Thanks!

[@christianaikido]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! YOU JUST TOOK A BIG WORRY OFF MY MIND AND SAVED ME MONEY FOR OTHER PURPOSES. ...THANKS!

[@craigshotwellutube]

You're welcome Eloy. Thank you for watching and commenting. Stay tuned. There will be many more to come.

[@frankc6430]

good tips, and history lesson always interesting... thanks.

[@craigshotwellutube]

Thank you Frank. I love history and feel it’s important to give credit where credit is due. Please check back for future vids

[@arrw]

Modern rustoleum cans can’t use the upside down spray trick as they spray from any angle now. What were they thinking? That was a feature. Is there any way to unclog them with the new cans?

[@vijayten4]

Wow, amazing. Thanks for sharing

[@carols8346]

Any idea how I can get a clogged butter spray can to work again? I have several of them. Waste of money to not be able to use them and they are pretty much full.

[@geekonomist]

Will this technique work for urethane foam (aka great stuff)?

[@seshachary5580]

very educative.thank you regards

[@dginta7932]

Awesome! Any tricks for silicone / caulk tubes, etc too? :)

[@deebonash1495]

Amazing video!!! CRAIG I have 2 maybe 3 questions and they're very important. First off thank you for sharing the knowledge of the aerosol it helps understand it and what not to do! Questions ------- 1. If I bought a six pack of any angle cans how long would they last till the stem clogs with the solid or would they not clog if never used? 2. There are cheaper cans for 1 dollar compared to the any angle spray cans from rustoleum, and they are very watery. If shaken it would make the solid lighter couldnt we not shake them to keep them more opaque? Thanks Craig!!!

[@davidparker3346]

Craig your "secret" is printed on the side of the can. But I still liked the video on the history of spray cans. 2 thumbs up.

[@douglasakerman5218]

Good basic information that I thought I knew but didn't. Thank you. Another tip Is to soak the nozzle in solvent and blow it out with compressed air after you ar finished with it.

[@craigshotwellutube]

Thank you. But as I stated in the video, the clog occurs below the nozzle.

[@permasealfinishing1273]

was wondering why i couldnt clear some cans with the upside down clearing trick THANKS!

[@rareword]

Good explanation.

[@brandonsalas6552]

Well done much appreciated

[@zeemixvideos6485]

Hello sir can i connect a nosel to it and refil it

[@camelliaruth]

Most epic video of all time ever.

[@craigshotwellutube]

Ha! You're funny. Stay tuned I will be posting more epic productions !!!

[@chadowensdesigns8552]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@christinewhite9962]

Will this work for hairspray as well?

[@thedjkay]

So if I want less liquid coming out as spitting and more vape come out as a smoke I increase the pressure in the can by adding more gas inside?

[@bestrong2047]

Thanks buddy. Informative.

[@craigshotwellutube]

You're welcome! Please subscribe if you haven't already. Share with your friends and family.

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

I have used the method of clearing the tube of paint, but in many cases I run out of propellant before I run out of paint when I use it the next time.

[@beautyactions]

Can you make video for hair spray can. I usually get 12 or 24 in a box and at least by the time we sell off, 1or 2 cans are full but, don’t spray. Or client brings back and it doesn’t spray. But, has lot of products inside or fairly new. Please show what happens or how to restore them

[@alexgomez795]

All you need to know about srpay cans in one video!!! Amaaazing man

[@craigshotwellutube]

Lol! Thanks dude. It was my first vid. Went a little overboard. I love to research. I know, I’m a geek. At least it keeps me out of trouble.

[@alexgomez795]

So being a "geek" is awesome hahah. I'm actually starting painting with can and with that info i can deal with a lot of problems, even in art you have to deal with a lot of science hahah

[@lcervantes8505]

How can you tell if a valve is the type that will spray at any angle?

[@tomgburklin1112]

good info... thank you

[@diane9725]

Very interesting to appreciate those who've gone before, and it was helpful to understand the workings of this kind of can. So nothing will fix the clog - the solids are dried in the dip tube and my Rustoleum is a goner...wasted product for all those that put their efforts in the product itself. In the beginning, you can add the short info that this is how to prevent future cans from being clogged and then tell us more (we can appreciate those brilliant minds that have gone before to help us in our lives). Thank you Craig for doing the research to explain this to us with the correct terminology and detailed explanation and visuals. So my dead Rustoleum led me to this video and so my money wasn't so wasted because I learned something for life and to share with others :)

[@munsters2]

Rustoleum I think is very good paint once you get it out of the can, but it is just terrible when it comes to clogging up inside.

[@MaxGiganteum]

You can always open the can, pour out the paint and use an alternative spray mechanism. Right? Yes. 🤔👍🏻🇺🇲 - Max Giganteum

[@MaxGiganteum]

@@AlienArteStoreMX How would I open a can? Somewhat carefully. Dangerous? Nonsense. All you need to do is bleed off the pressure still in the can then open it enough to pour out the contents. How to bleed off any remaining pressure? You can drill a hole into the top of the can near the seam where the top is crimped together with the cylinder. Use a small drill bit... 1/32 inch is good. That's .0312 in size for those that don't know - a #68 drill bit is almost the same size. When you do this, wear safety glasses (of course!!) and be ready for a tiny bit of spatter to possibly come out of the can. Won't the can burst open? No. A modern spray can is actually fairly tough. I've drilled small holes all over spray cans for paint, cleaners & lubes for decades and I've yet to have one burst or split. In fact, I stopped drilling holes and started dinging the cans LIGHTLY on the side of the can with a hand tool like a Crescent wrench to open up a pinhole in it. The pressure will slowly bleed off in a minute or two and voilà! You can open up the puncture point with a purpose-built center punch or a beater screwdriver to pour out the contents. How much PSI does a can have when new? Anywhere from 90 to 120 PSI is typical although the cans are manufactured to hold at least 150 PSI the last time I checked. Many won't fail until they hit well over 250 PSI if that tells you anything. What's the bottom line here? If you're prepared, you can safely open what is known as an aerosol can in order to save the contents if you cannot use air pressure and/or heat to clear a clog or if you cannot add additional air pressure through the stem. Two things: 1. I mentioned that it's important to be prepared. Wear safety glasses and clothing that can get slimed with paint. Remember to position the can so that you don't put a small hole in the can and allow the remaining pressure to push the remaining paint out in a spray. I've witnessed that one to great amusement. That's one of the reasons I say to drill a hole in the TOP of a can... do it while the can is setting on its bottom. You cannot get sprayed in the face if you do it that way even with a full can. 2. Make sure you're ready to use the paint! It'll dry in no time in an open container so the smart play is to have a brush at the ready or some other way to spray the paint. Airbrush setups work well as can a regular spray gun but keep in mind how much paint remains in the can by volume. It may not be worth using a regular gun for a little amount of paint. Note that an empty can should be recycled after you remove the plastic from it and cut the ends off - many recyclers won't take it unless both ends are removed. Check with your recycler for details some may allow you to split it open from end to end then crush it. One use of the cylinder portion of a can is as shim stock. Most non-machinists won't have a use for shim stock but if you do? Strip a can down and convert it for use as shim material. The thickness of any given can will vary slightly so check a few for thickness with a micrometer and save material at your discretion. Reality check: if you're not comfortable with opening up a pressurized container then don't. Dispose of it properly. You assume nor take on any risk. However, if you are willing to give it a go and assume a little risk then make a plan, prepare and go for it. You can save yourself a lot of money that way. In my past, I've saved the company I was working for a ton of cash by saving cans of paints, cleaners, lubricants and even adhesives. You can do the same at home... especially if the neighbors donate all their messed up or old aerosol cans to you. Free is a very good price! Best wishes!! - Max Giganteum

[@sandracrespo5059]

Thanks for the video...wondering, will this work on a hairspray can?

[@craigshotwellutube]

Give it a try. I don't use hair spray ;-)

[@badastronautgreatloser5421]

Great video! Good info.

[@craigshotwellutube]

Thanks Anthony. Keep the feed back coming.

[@reallystockmustang9014]

Did not know about turn vs volume and turn horizontal to vertical options. Great video.

[@craigshotwellutube]

thanks

[@soozspenser]

nice long video, pretty well informed. my problem is that new big white nozzle you showed at the end. I've shaken it s bunch and still nothing comes out. it's clogged. the can says use mineral solvent for the nozzle, but it still doesn't work. I'm bummed. so it's a third trip back to home depot to exchange it for just regular brush on glow in the dark paint for my awesome projects. btw I love Pinterest for great ideas.

[@craigshotwellutube]

+Susan Miller Yeah. I've learned to pare the videos down for You Tube. Sorry about the lost paint. Like i said in the video; this technique will not work on that type of can and the clog occurs down inside the dip tube as well as the nozzle.

[@VinDcator]

Won't spraying upside down also use up propellant?

[@mataskart9894]

I knew the upside down trick because it says really clearly on the can to do after every single use :) but all the other info was helpfull and I just wanted to find out why shake it and what's inside and how it works

[@sammyhyland]

Question: What can a person do with a clogged can of 3M Super77 spray adhesive? Great video BTW!

[@craigshotwellutube]

Very familiar with that product. Doesn't matter what the contents. Once clogged there is no remedy that I am aware of. Sorry. Just do your best to avoid.

[@vikramdaga4239]

How does an any-angle aerosol can work?

[@586Rexford]

Amazing, you're the man!!! :):)

[@craigshotwellutube]

Thanks Rex!!! I really appreciate the compliment!

[@lcervantes8505]

Good article. After turning the can upside down didn't work (didn't know about the 'any way valve"), soak the nozzles in acetone for a good while (in my case several days).

[@alberturzen400]

Lacquer thinner will clean it out quick IF that is the problem 357

[@freetrailer4poor]

i tried blowing 100 psi into tip and it worked. Just with a ryobi inflator, not car part, and it put some pressure in it.

[@onderturkkal8873]

wow thats what i'm talking about... thank you so much!

[@craigshotwellutube]

You're welcome. Keep watching. More to come.

[@mvmcali6900]

dude Nicely Done. you could have a show

[@pipemkr]

i finally understand why i have 8 f ed up Rustoleum cans on the shelf. i only buy krylon now. easy to clear them and use many times. thanks for your video

[@craigshotwellutube]

Thanks. Good to hear. Love the feed back.

[@coopidydoopidy]

Really informative video, but do you know how to unclog a can that's already clogged??

[@craigshotwellutube]

Cooper Epps Nope. Sorry. Do you? I'm afraid the horse is out the barn my friend.

[@bradyspace]

Spray air in it with air Chuck. While nozzle soaks in acetone. Light spray of carb cleaner in nozzle also works. Pick off paint of nozzle with finger nail also.

[@BungeeRooster]

@@bradyspace pray tell what air Chuck is?

[@TheLayinLo]

Air chuck is common vernacular for the device that attaches on the end of an air hose and is used for inflating tires (and other things). It’s what you press against the Shrader valve to get air into a tire.

[@putheflamesou]

How do you know its the upside down nozzle? Do they all say it on the label?

[@65csx83]

Trick? Been a while since I bought a spray can, but that was always included on the can's instructions.

[@Blue2crows]

I love learning something

[@TheTwinRabbitMan]

Thanks for the useful information! This stuff should be printed on the side of every can so consumers can make the best use of their product. But of course, the corporations would rather have use spend a bit more for a replacement can. It's all about making more money for them.

[@patriciagrimaud2613]

I was interested in learning how to get hairspray cans to work again. I use them sparingly so lose a lot of product in the end. I guess I'll have to use spray bottles instead.

[@craigshotwellutube]

Hmm. Hair spray. Did you try my method after using? Not sure if it will work on hair products or not. Do t use um. Thanks for watching anyway.

[@jeanallen5361]

STORE the hair spray can upside down--it keeps the spray nozzle working much longer.

[@Star-dv3uc]

Tripper good video but how do you and unclog the spray can.

[@craigshotwellutube]

Is that a serious question? Can’t tell on text thanks for watching.

[@Fobius8]

Thank you so much! I put to garbage 100s spray cans... You saved me a lot of cash man! God Bless YOU!

[@craigshotwellutube]

Thanks for watching. Let me know how it works for you. Keep checking back for more videos. Subscribe if you have t already.

[@perpetualjon]

Fantastic video! I was taught this since I was a kid working for my dad but now I actually know why it's done! Bravo

[@samking4179]

11:10 ... the trick may not work but they can be stored for a long time. I just used a can with the any angle head that has been sitting for years. shook it up and it worked perfectly.

[@bludelphinium994]

Excellent

[@sonyalenz]

Thank you!

[@brandonsalas6552]

With these few pointers I will be the best graffiti artist ever

[@Tardigradeblast]

hi, my spray paint has a problem of leaking, i bought an Amstradam acrylic (water based)paint (for my school art works) and if I'm correct i think i haven't had used it for about less than 6 months and when i opened it today, it wouldn't work, it worked for the first one minute and then stopped, strangely making noises and its leaking out, i tried your method of spraying it upside down, its still not working, can you please help me? thanks!

[@craigshotwellutube]

Well Beau, my technique is to prevent a clog not unclog a clog. It's too late for my way. There are a lot of vids on here to show you that. Thanks for watching and for your question. Please check back for more tips.

[@Tardigradeblast]

Craig Shotwell well, i couldn't find one that relates to mine but thanks! Cheers.

[@aaronfuksa2047]

Great job, basically what he's secretly implying there, is the propellant dilutes the paint, so putting it back in a can & refilling with more propellant will dilute the paint mixture. Imagine how diluted two colors mixed together would be & adding liquid repellent gas to it. Maybe it is better to add air sometimes in refillable cans. Any thoughts?

[@lancegoodthrust7819]

What if I use the can for several very small jobs and repeat the process of spraying upside down until it runs clear. Won't that use up my air before the paint is gone?

[@mantolis33]

Yes it will. That is why I watched this video because I thought there is some smarter way.

[@legalsolutions07]

So how common is it for a can to lose its propellant in a can of product like WD40 when the can is still nearly full? If the propellant is lost, in a can that is still nearly full, is the can still under too high of pressure to punch a hole in and remove the product/lubricant?

[@craigshotwellutube]

Not really sure. I've never had that issue. I'm sure it's possible though. Solvents will constantly try to escape like a wild animal. They will find their way out eventually. If so, you could release all of the remaining pressure from the top, just to be sure and safe, then poke a hole in the bottom of the can to capture the remaining unused product in a bottle. The only challenge then would be to apply the lubricant to the area needed. Spraying with a directional straw is most convenient for application. You could use a brush I suppose. See this You Tube link by my "brotha from another motha" to see how its done. He uses paint but the same technique could be done with a solvent. Please be careful and use extreme caution. Be sure that there are no open flames or ignition sources near. I'll post the link next below. Thanks for the great question. I hope this helps.

[@craigshotwellutube]

shoot!!! I can't find the link now. The guy used a nail, a plastic cap, and a wooden handle to create a tool to release the pressure all the way. Then he poked a hole in the bottom of the can to drain the product out. Maybe you can have better luck trying to find it here on You Tube.

[@dougalannh]

I slowly push an ice pick into the side or bottom of the can.The taper on the tip seals the hole as it goes in, you can then back off the pressure on the ice pick slowly letting remaining pressure out of the can, then you are safe to drain the can.

[@ohyeah3750]

I thought everyone knew that. But very well done. I always save the nozzles from the old cans in case I get one that clogs, and they do clog no matter what you do.

[@craigshotwellutube]

Well I have had different experiences. If I do this trick they do not clog. They can also clog below the tip and in the tube, so saving the tip does nothing...

[@ohyeah3750]

I have never had one clog in the tube, only in the nozzle. So if you do as they say, no problems.

[@Aman-nk2pu]

S o you are saying that we have to boil the spray can in water. Please help me i am i a hurry to unclog my spray can because i am working on a project .please help me .

[@craigshotwellutube]

You can buy new nozzles for that. Or just do as I have suggested and keep your money in your pocket. I know you were kidding about the question of boiling the can. ;-)

[@Aman-nk2pu]

No the problem is not of nozzle its in the pipe inside the can. please guide me what to do