Drain blocked, but cannot access inspection chamber

PBA

We seem to have a blockage in the drain from our house. Unfortunately the previous owner installed decking over where the inspection chamber appears to be, and has done such a good job I can't shift it without damaging the boards.

Our house has a 2 pipe wastewater system. I can access the yard gully which doesn't appear to be blocked. There appears to be standing water (and a foul odour) under some of the decking, which is why I'm assuming there's an inspection chamber there, and assuming it's the exit pipe from that chamber which is blocked.

I'm after a bit of advice on the best way to proceed from here. Is it likely I'll be able to clear this myself without removing the decking, either using a chemical cleaner or with a drain rod? If not, is this something a professional is likely to be able to do, or is lifting some of the decking realistically the best way to proceed? Any advice would be much appreciated!

jemw

What facilities in the property are affected? Toilet or sink draining slowly? Is it "just" a smell? Reason I ask is that a smell wouldn't automatically just mean a blockage, but potentially a crack in the pipework or collapse?

How old is the property? Some local authorities take responsibility for drains where the property was built pre 1937, so call them to check?

I don't know what the best way to tackle the problem, but if suitable, a professional would be able to make a 'point of entry' in the pipe to gain access, rather than dismantling the decking... however, this may be more expensive in the long run...?

Sure someone else will come along shortly with some other suggestions. Good luck!

27col

You won't find out by guessing what is under there. But you will find out by lifting some of the decking. Screwed or nailed, it should be easy enough to lift. When you replace it, make sure that you arrange an easily removable area where the inspection cover is situated. There is no way that a professional will want to excavate the pipe and make a point of entry unless you are prepared to pay a lot of money for his time. It is a no-brainer really. It is only a bit of wood after all, not an elaborate area of paving.

ormus

you need access to the chamber.
if you cant remove the boards for some odd reason, then get the jigsaw out. and cut em.
replacing a few boards is gonna be far cheaper than dynorod etc...

PBA

Thanks for the advice. The boards are screwed with (now) rusty nails that won't budge, but shouldn't be anything a crowbar can't shift. Will give that a go.

ormus

you cant screw nails!

go carefully with a pry bar and you can lift them with no/little damage.
softly softly now.

keith969

ormus wrote: »

you cant screw nails!

...but you can nail screws, if you use a fitter's screwdriver (a hammer for the uninitiated )

27col

We always used to call a hammer a Birmingham Screwdriver, when I was an apprentice.

ormus

around here, we called it an irish screwdriver.

the paddys called it a lancashire screwdriver!

PBA

Thanked you all for pointing out my mistake :P

Seriously, thanks all for the advice. Took the jigsaw to it, turned out the idiot (thinking of a much stronger word) previous owner hadn't bothered to put the cover back on the inspection chamber before fitting the decking. Unsurprisingly, various debris had fallen down and was blocking the pipe. Several pretty unpleasant hours and 3 trips to B&Q later and all is running as new!

27col

All's well that ends well.