Tried the shop vac route once—honestly, it sucked up more water than sludge and I ended up with a muddy mess to clean out of the tank. Might work better if things are pretty dry, but otherwise, I’d stick to a shovel and a strong stomach. Those grates really do bend easier than you’d think...
I tried the shop vac thing too, and yeah, it was a disaster. Ended up with this gross soup in the tank and had to dump it out in the yard, which just made another mess. Honestly, I think the shovel is less hassle, even if it’s more work. Those grates are way flimsier than I expected—one time I bent one just trying to pry it up with a crowbar. Not my finest moment.
Those shop vacs always sound like a good idea until you’re actually dealing with the aftermath. The “gross soup” is right—never fails to turn into a bigger mess than you started with. I’ve seen folks try to use them for heavy sludge and it just clogs up the filter or burns out the motor if you’re not careful. Honestly, a sturdy shovel and a heavy-duty trash bag are usually your best bet, even if it’s slower.
About those grates—yeah, they’re way flimsier than people expect. I’ve had to replace a few after homeowners tried to pry them up with whatever was handy. Really, if you need to lift one, using a proper grate hook or even a big screwdriver (with some leverage) is safer for both you and the grate. If the city’s responsible, sometimes best to just call it in rather than risk bending it or hurting yourself.
Sometimes, though, even after clearing everything out, the water takes its sweet time draining. Roots or collapsed pipes can be the real culprits and that’s when you’re looking at a bigger job... not just some leaves and muck.
You nailed it about the shop vacs—people always think they’re the magic fix until they’re knee-deep in sludge and burnt-out motors. I’ve seen more than a few folks regret not just grabbing a shovel from the start. And those grates... yeah, they look tough but bend way too easily. I get wanting to solve it yourself, but sometimes it really is safer (and cheaper) to let the city deal with it, especially if you suspect roots or a collapsed line. It’s frustrating, but you’re not alone—these jobs are almost always messier than anyone expects.
Yeah, the shop vac thing cracks me up every time—folks think it’s gonna suck up a whole street’s worth of muck. I’ve seen more motors fried than drains cleared. Honestly, I get the DIY urge, but once you’re dealing with roots or a busted pipe, it’s a whole different ballgame. Those grates are a joke, too—one good whack and they’re toast. Sometimes you just gotta let the city earn their paycheck, even if it means waiting around in rubber boots.
