Patent ID: 7398785

Claim:
A method of cleaning an underground culvert, comprising: extending a first cleaning tool into the culvert through an end opening in the culvert, which first cleaning tool includes a cutting implement mounted on an end of an extension rod, which extension rod is coupled to a series of extension rods moved by a directional drilling machine; loosening debris lodged in the culvert with the first cleaning tool; removing the first cleaning tool from the culvert; replacing the first cleaning tool with a second cleaning tool including a bucket having an open end mounted on an end of an extension rod, which extension rod is coupled to the series of extension rods moved by the directional drilling machine; inserting the second cleaning tool into the culvert using the directional drilling machine in a manner effective to cause debris to enter the bucket through its open end; withdrawing the second cleaning tool from the culvert; and discharging the debris from the bucket.