I’m looking for some help researching how to clean long tubes, such as maybe 1/4 inch pickup tubes for a water pump that may be 20 feet long. I’ve been able to find hydration bladder cleaning kits that allow for cleaning the first 2 or 3 feet of these tubes, but beyond some sort of high pressure/high flow system with high caustic cleaning solutions, I haven’t found a good way to swab out a long tube.
Just use a snake?
If you put a couple of scrunchies or a tiny sweater on the snake, it works better. Also, snakes aren’t particularly food motivated unless they’re really hungry, so if you’re intending to use a mouse or something to lure the snake to the other end of the tube, it would be best to prepare by not feeding the snake for a prolonged period before attempting the cleaning. Also, plain water or a non-irritating mild detergent are all you should need to use - remember, if it stings your eyes, it will sting theirs!
Still looking for a snake that’s small enough. My normal goto, copper wire, is a challenge to use in small tubes as well.
It’s called a a skinny snake or instrument snake and comes up easily on Google when you include sizes. Lots of choices.
If you can angle the tube and open both ends, would a weighted string attached to a brush work? If you’re worried about it getting stuck inside due to blockage, attach two weighted strings to it but only send one through and let the other hang out from the end you stick the brush through.
If you have access to both ends, maybe cotton balls and a shop-vac?