Toilet/Drainage problems - who best to contact?

declanmcc

Hello!

We've been having a bit of trouble with the toilets in the house and the drainage around the house. I'm not sure if the 2 are linked - but anyway ....
When our downstairs toilet is flushed the water floods right up to the rim and eventually drains away (takes about a half hour). I've used a plunger and a wire coat hanger and both have made no difference. Also, when the ensuite toilet is flushed, the shower plughole starts to gurgle and bubbles/suds appear at the plughole. All a bit mad - I'm wondering who's best to contact around the Derry area to try and sort this out.

As for the outside drainage - I'll get a pair of gloves and lift the plastic grids on and try and hoke out whatever gunk is there!

meadowcat

You may have to rod your sewers. Are you mains or septic tank?

We used to live in the country and had a septic tank. Everything worked fine until we put in a paved driveway all the way round the house and a big area to the side in front of the garage. We had three big drains put in, but if we got very very wet weather the amount of water from the paved areas going into the drains and then into the soakaways, meant that the septic tank was not able to drain away properly. We had no problems at all until the paving was laid.

Anyway, the result was that we used to have to rod the sewers a couple of times a year. Completely and absolutely disgusting. I used to be afraid I would fall down into the manhole.

I think if you have to get Dynarod or somebody like that it can be very expensive. Sometimes in mains sewers you may be rodding somebody else's "you know what" if their sewers cross your property. This happened to my sister. She had to get someone out to clear their sewer during a holiday time and I think it cost her about £100. Turned out to be a backlog from a neighbours sewer who had been putting all sorts of unmentionables down their toilet.

If you are going to rod the sewers, you'll need more than a pair of rubber gloves. It splashes. :snow_laug :snow_laug :snow_laug

hitchins

We had this problem last year, the water was coming up to the rim, got a bin liner on my arm and had a good rummage round the U bend and plunged the toilet (use a mop but make it so no water can escape, so sort of plug round the bottom of toilet with plastic bags etc) this sorted it! Or so I thought, the water was coming out in the back yard.

Anyway to cut a long story short, we were petrified at the thought of having to pay dynarod, cost a bomb, so we were both out in the yard dressed like martians with arms down manhole!! We finally cleared the blockage using our pressure washer (knew it would come in handy!) so if you have one or know anyone who has one that is all dynarod do (in a fashion) is jet the drains. Anyway it worked and I am pleased to say my drains are now clear!

BNU_2

Before you pay a contractor to rod the drains it is worth knowing that if your house was built before 1936 (I think it is) and if the main drain takes discharge from more than just your house (perhaps on a run from other houses behind or in front of yours) your local water authority is responsible for them and has a duty to clear them at their expense!

They will argue the toss of course, but this is correct and if you stick to your guns they have to honour it. We have had ours cleared 3 times in 10 years and have not had to pay once (apart from the regulation 3 cups of tea that is - in disposable cups mind!!!) - and we even got a new manhole cover from them last time because they damaged the old one getting it up! Now that's service!

Good luck, such a nasty business, hope you get it sorted soon!