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.