On Jan 29, 2:55*pm, Jim Elbrecht wrote:
I get ice dams. * *I've chopped them, I've salted them, and last time
I ran hot water over them. * I like the last method best.

My current set up is a gutter cleaner along these lineshttp://www.idealtruevalue.com/servlet/the-128449/Detail

My gutters on the north side of the house are about 22 feet up. *So I
have it duct taped to a swimming pool extending aluminum pole.

I want to eliminate some of the Rube Goldberg-ness of that setup and
extend the handle of the wand down to the ground. * It will be a
little lighter than that rubber hose + the pool tool, I'll have a
shutoff right at hand, and it will keep my hands warm with the hot
water.

Will [1/2? 3/4?] thinwall conduit survive very long with water running
through it a couple times a year and otherwise being stored in a
basement? * And is there a way to make a good sturdy, watertight
connection between two sections of it?

What else might be strong enough to poke around a stick 22 feet long
nearly straight up in the air without being too heavy?

There's a pretty decent scrap yard nearby that I haven't been to in
ages- maybe I find something there if I know what I'm looking for.

Jim

Jim-

EMT will survive just fine, it aint water tube / pipe but for your
limited use it will serve.

A compression fitting (electrical) will be close to water tight but
you can slather it up with silicone seal (remove the rings & nuts /
then replace) prior to assembly. A completely water tight
connection.....soldered coupling if oyu can find a glavanized, brass
or copper item that has a close slip fit. You could drill out an
brass pipe nipple & use it.

An assembled pipe 22 ft long is LONG.....3/4" or larger is way stiffer
than 1/2".

What else might work? A couple used pool skimmer poles, the
telescoping type.

cheers
Bob