How to Clean and Unplug or Unclog a Sand Point Well

Welcome to my channel, Homes for Beginners where I show you how to do repairs around the house yourself. Please don't forget to hit that LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE for future videos.
In this video I will be showing you how to clean a sand point well. I do have a video on how to remove the well, so if you’re needing that, be sure to check it out. The reason for the removal is that I was to determine it’s condition and if it required a replacement. Over time, either from usage or not, corrosion and minerals can build up on the sand point’s mesh, eventually plugging it. You’ll either notice a drop in water supply or in this case, no water at all.
In order to clean the sand point’s mesh, I purchased a length of ABS 4” diameter along with a cap and I had some abs glue already at home. Using a gear clamp, I measured the desired length, the pipe should be anywhere from 6” to 12” longer than the coupler where the sand point connects to the main pipe. The gear clamp provides a guide so I can cut the pipe fairly square with a hack saw.
Using ABS adhesive, glue the cap onto the end of the pipe and then allow it to dry for a few hours.
Considering I didn’t completely break down the pipe, it needs to be held into place securely when it’s being soaked for cleaning.
I dug down in the dirt about a foot, places the cap end of the pipe in the ground and packed the dirt around the outside. Then used a strap to hold it into place.
I used water bottles to measure the amount of water used, this is just regular tap water. You’ll need about 1.5 to 2 litres of water, these bottles are 500ml each.
Place the pipe in the tube and hold in place using straps. You may even consider making a wood frame to securely fasten it down.
Next is adding the muriatic acid which can be found at your local pool supplier. This can burn your skin, damage your clothes and other object, handle with care and be extremely careful. I am using a respirator mask in a well ventilated environment with safety glasses, extra clothing and glove. I also have the hose close by, if I do accidentally get acid on myself, it can be neutralized with water to minimize the harm.
Add the acid to the water, do not add water to acid as you can cause a reaction and this may result in harm to yourself. Slowly dump the acid in the pipe, the abs plastic will withstand the acid. Another option is only using vinegar, however it may not clean as effectively as it’s a much more milder form of acid. Soaking items in vinegar is a great way for removing rust.
This will need to soak for 24 to 48hrs depending on the severity of the build up. As a peak after the bubbling has settled you can already see the rust on the iron pipe has been removed.
After a day of soaking, the pipe was removed. Baking soda can be sprinkled on the pipe to help neutralize the acid, then this can be rinsed off with water afterwards.
As you can see the mesh in the pipe has been cleaned. Unfortunately some of the mesh is deteriorated, but hopefully this will be fine for watering the grass, I will most likely be running a filter after to remove any sand which maybe present in the water supply.
Next the water can be ran inside the pipe to ensure it’s not plugged inside. As you can see it’s now functioning correctly.
After that the pipe can be reinstalled and the system can be reconnected again. I did cover the installation procedure in my removal video, be sure to check it out if you are seeking more information.
© Homes for Beginners 2019
All Rights Reserved
No part of this video or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the author.