DIY drain unblock?

fleeze69

Hi

We had our drive blocked paved a last week and I noticed that the builder had dropped some tar down the drain, he "removed it" (but I fear he may have smashed it up a bit and left it) just before he left but now the drain seems to be blocked, it is very high (and disgusting to look in) but hadn't reached the top yet. I would call the builder back but I don't think he was very reputable.

Is there any chemicals that I can put down the drain to hopefully dissolve the tar (other than petrol), without having to call someone out.

Many Thanks

ormus

nope.
go and buy a set of drain rods. wickes or BQ etc...
or call Dynarod out and pay 150 quid ish.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

ormus wrote: »

nope.
go and buy a set of drain rods. wickes or BQ etc...
or call Dynarod out and pay 150 quid ish.

I don't think drain rods would help against tar.. ?

fleeze69

1984ReturnsForReal wrote: »

I don't think drain rods would help against tar.. ?

That's what I thought, if anything it would just push the blockage elsewhere (down the roads house). I just wondered if there was anything I could pour down that would loosen or dissolve the tar - am I right in thinking tar is made out of small stones and oil.

May have to call out Dynarod if this isn't an option but doesn't look like it'll be cheap.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

fleeze69 wrote: »

That's what I thought, if anything it would just push the blockage elsewhere (down the roads house). I just wondered if there was anything I could pour down that would loosen or dissolve the tar - am I right in thinking tar is made out of small stones and oil.

May have to call out Dynarod if this isn't an option but doesn't look like it'll be cheap.

If it has stones in it it is Tarmac. This will solidify & will crumble if prodded with a rod a few (many many ) times. If its tar, a liquid that cools to form a sludge, it will flex with a rod & pretty much stay where it is until its dug up or jetted off with high pressure.

Disclaimer: I would of thought...

27col

I would have a go with rods myself first. I don't suppose Dynarod would anything other than rod or pressure spray. Both of which will presumably breakup and move the blockage elsewhere. Much the same as you would be likely to achieve yourself using rods.

ormus

exactly.
..........

benood

You could hire some drain rods - I did a couple of weeks ago total cost <£10 and you don't have to store them afterwards. I'd have thought you'd get rid of the tar with them - unless it's a huge amount...

Avoriaz

fleeze69 wrote: »

Hi

We had our drive blocked paved a last week and I noticed that the builder had dropped some tar down the drain, he "removed it" (but I fear he may have smashed it up a bit and left it) just before he left but now the drain seems to be blocked, it is very high (and disgusting to look in) but hadn't reached the top yet. I would call the builder back but I don't think he was very reputable.

Is there any chemicals that I can put down the drain to hopefully dissolve the tar (other than petrol), without having to call someone out.

Many Thanks

Tell the so called builder that he has 48 hours to resolve the problem before you report him to the Local Authority, Water Board or whoever it is that is responsible for prosecuting people who illegally pollute the drains.

Don't take carp from anyone.

ormus

benood wrote: »

You could hire some drain rods - I did a couple of weeks ago total cost <£10 and you don't have to store them afterwards. I'd have thought you'd get rid of the tar with them - unless it's a huge amount...

a full set is about 14 quid from wickes.
store them? good god they take up no space in the shed etc...

what are you going to do next year? hire another set?:eek:

cyclonebri1

Get a set of rods as suggested, then mega gallons of water, once the obdtruction hits the sewer it will clear easily.

Whatever you do do not put petrol or thinners etc down the drains:eek::eek::eek: You could blow up your house or the water board guy having a quick drag just around the corner. Let alone inccur the wrath, (correctly) of the environment people.;)