Clearing blocked (exterior) drains

lightisfading

We have 2 exterior drains blocked (rental property).

The bath and shower one just looks like a hole, about 10cm wide or so.

The kitchen one has a metal grate, one bar of which is missing giving a space of about 5cm (off the top of my head, not going out in the snow to measure ).

I've tried poking about a bit with a stick and can't get far down at all on either - thinking the pipe curves? Boiling water/chemicals do nothing. Whats the best way of tackling these? Had a look round and there are rods and strange wire contraptions, but i'm not sure what the difference is. Can you use rods on a curved drain?

Bearing in mind that I don't feel there's any point calling my waste of space landlord ... he'll take months to come out and then blame it on us and charge us either way (in the same way that it's our fault that the entire house needs decorating, 15 years since he's done any maintenance at all on it!!).

lagaaa

I had a problem with my drains and was recommended to buy some rods as apparently it is pretty easy, although not fun! I didn't bother as the builders were due in and I hoped they would sort it..if the problem doesn't go away I will try it though. Not much help I'm afraid!

Poppycat

If its not too bad soda crystal may work

I got mine from The Range last week

http://www.thegreenstoreonline.co.uk/default.aspx/Page/178

Drains, gutters and waste pipes - Pour half a bag (500g) of Soda Crystals directly down the drain and leave for ten minutes before rinsing with very hot water to keep them clear of grease and blockages. Wash gutters with half a cup of Soda Crystals per litre of water to remove rotting leaves etc

laurel7172

If the drains are still running but slow, then B&Q do a guaranteed unblocker (chemical)-money back if it doesn't work. I haven't used it, and I don't know how you'd claim, but I'd try something like that first.

If they're completely blocked, or that doesn't work, you'll need a set of rods. They cost about £20 from Wickes or similar.

Traditionally, you rod from the drain end, I think. So you would also need a set of manhole keys (about £3-£5 from wherever you buy the rods).

I have managed to rod from the house end...you just keep twisting and pushing with the rods until the blockage clears. But I may have been lucky. I also flushed with a hose (I dug a pit in the lawn to take the overflow) at the same time, but wiser people than me will tell you that's bad practice (compacts the blockage). And you do need to be able to get the rods and twisty implement thing down, so you need to be able to move the drain cover.

warpedchippie

There may be a number of reasons why the drains are blocked - not just because of what goes done there.

Could be tree roots obstructing the flow or partially collapsed areas, especially if the drains are made from pitch pipe (asbestos).

For those reasons, as a tenant, IMHO I would leave well alone, call your landlord (at the same time write him a letter and give it to him/or email him, just so you have proof that you have asked his assistance).

Give him 24 hrs to get someone round to sort it out.

If he does nothing tell him, because of it's urgency, that you will sort it yourself (in writing also) at his expense (deduct it from the following month's rent).

Ars**oles like this shouldn't be allowed to rent houses...

Steve

lightisfading

Thanks all!

Warpedchippie - no, they shouldn't. Current problems with the house include: 1) roof falling apart, no leaks yet, but it won't be long! 2) garden fence blew down 3 yrs ago and never replaced (luckily neighbour is barely there so doesn't mind), 3) single glazing... yes, we have ice INSIDE the windows today! 4) windows all need replacing anyway as the wood is rotting, 5) carpets need replacing, particularly the stairs which are a bad trip hazard, 6) toilet (cistern - clean water) is constantly dripping down the overflow pipe, which has led to exterior wall being badly affected by damp.

Just to add insult to injury OH was made redundant, and housing benefit give him next to nothing for rent because the house is 'too big for our needs'... yes, we know, please feel free to give us deposit and moving costs so we can get out of this sh*thole! :mad:

.... this would be why i don't see him coming to fix the drains anytime soon. Also I'm really worried that if it IS something of our making (OH isn't great about not putting food in drain, and I have long, plug-blocking hair ) he will charge us for the plumber, and we simply don't have the money.

ormus

Ars**oles like this shouldn't be allowed to rent houses...

i assume you mean tenants who allow the drains to become blocked by pouring junk/fat etc down the drains?

Poppycat

I read some where recently you have to be careful with rods whilst they are very effective if you do it wrong they can work loose if you do it wrong way

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/plumbing_DRAIN_UNBLOCKING.htm
http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/Unblockingdrains.htm

warpedchippie

ormus wrote: »

Ars**oles like this shouldn't be allowed to rent houses...

i assume you mean tenants who allow the drains to become blocked by pouring junk/fat etc down the drains?

Correct me if I'm wrong my friend, but is it not the landlords responsibility to sort out these type of urgent problems when the occur and not give the tenant the runaround?

Steve

lightisfading

ormus wrote: »

i assume you mean tenants who allow the drains to become blocked by pouring junk/fat etc down the drains?

Given i specifically said that the landlord hasn't done ANY maintenance for 15 years, i would be guessing warpedchippie meant that...

jackieb

We bought an attachment for our pressure washer. Cost about £35, but did the job great - this was after the rods failed. Mind you, you have to have the pressure washer in the first place.