How would you push a cable in an underground conduit?

[roche]

Hi,

I need to push a heating cable into a gutter downspout. It connects into a 4" underground drainage pipe. The underground pipe freezes and its a mess in the spring when the snow melts on the roof.

I would like to push a heating cable into the underground drainage pipe. Problem is that I don't have access to the other end of the pipe so most standard methods won't work. It goes into an underground drain.

I basically need to push the cable into the conduit but it is too easy to bend and its hard to keep it going straight after a foot or two.

I was thinking about attaching the cable to something stiffer to help?

I figured some of you guys might have an idea.

Thanks!

 

[Thumper68]

Lightly tape the cable to a glow/fish rod and then when it is deep enough hold tightly to the cable and push the rod hard to sepperate them and pull the fish rod out.

 

[nadogail]

Thumper got it right.

 

[toplessHO]

make a parachute and blow it in
I use the cheap shopping bags which will fall apart in no time

 

[rockwithjason]

you could also use a piece of fish tape or stiff wire. cut and abandon in place. the steel will rust away eventually.

 

[unsinkable]

typically, i cut three sides of a small square hole in bottom of downspout and pull it down with snake.
afterward, just fold the "lid" of the hole over, barely noticeable.