On benefits and have a blocked drain - is there anywhere I can get help from?

CazGreg

Hi all. I'm on benefits and only just scraping by. I've got a blocked drain that is overflowing and I was wondering if there is anywhere that can help me for free/for a reduced rate?

It is my responsibility because I own the house (with a mortgage), so I don't have a landlord!

I've tried Mr. Muscle type stuff, caustic soda, drain rods, plunger ... I've done everything I can think of so I think it's time to call someone in ... but I can hardly afford milk at the moment, so I don't know what to do. :-( I've thought round all my friends and I don't know anyone who knows about that sort of thing.

tanith

Do you know where the drain is actually blocked? Is the drain linked with any of your neighbours or does it run straight out to the main sewer? If its linked its possibly one of your neighbours who is actually causting the blockage . I think there is something about when the house was built also , someone will be along with more info I'm sure..

paddedjohn

hi i work 46 hrs a week and dont claim any benefits, i own my own house and just about scrape by after paying all my council tax/ income tax and ni etc, where can i get someone to do jobs around my house for free? oops sorry i dont qualify because i dont get benefits!
try house insurance.

CazGreg

Ah, paddedjohn, you again with your unfriendly, unhelpful comments.
I made it very clear that I have tried all the DIY options and now have no option but to call a plumber, which I simply do not have the money or credit to pay. I am hardly just looking for 'help with odd jobs'.

Thanks Tanith - good idea about checking with the neighbours.

lucinad

have you thought about applying for a budgeting loan from the social fund?
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018905
i know it isnt really great to borrow money when you havent got enough to live on but desperate times cause for desperate measures, and they are interest free i think
sorry i couldnt offer anymore help hth

also apparently you can get help off the council with fixing things in your house not sure of the terms and conditions or if they all do it but here is the page for you to have a look at

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Planning/GrantsFundsAndStandards/DG_10027032

welshmoneylover

CazGreg wrote: »

Hi all. I'm on benefits and only just scraping by. I've got a blocked drain that is overflowing and I was wondering if there is anywhere that can help me for free/for a reduced rate?

It is my responsibility because I own the house (with a mortgage), so I don't have a landlord!

I've tried Mr. Muscle type stuff, caustic soda, drain rods, plunger ... I've done everything I can think of so I think it's time to call someone in ... but I can hardly afford milk at the moment, so I don't know what to do. :-( I've thought round all my friends and I don't know anyone who knows about that sort of thing.

Have you tried a string type mop? This worked a treat for me when I had a blocked drain it got the blockage moving along.

Edinburgh65

I had to call out Dynorod a few years ago when I had a blocked drain, and it was covered by my household insurance (although there may have been a £50 excess). Not all policies cover such things, but if you have insurance, might be worth a try.

AnxiousMum

Ask around friends and neighbours to see if anybody owns a drainage snake that you can borrow. If you live anywhere by a farm, chances are they have one and might loan it to you. Also, try freecycle/freegle - someone may loan you one.

Have you checked the covers along your drain to see exactly where the blockage is?

Oldernotwiser

You've said that the drain is blocked and then you say you've used Mr Muscle and a plunger; do you actually mean that the sink outlet's blocked? If this is what mean, have you tried undoing the trap under the sink (put a basin down first!) to see whether you can unblock it that way?

http://www.handymantips.co.uk/plumbing_drainage_how_to_clear_a_blocked_trap.html

sunnyone

Melin wrote: »

Or get down to the nearest hire shop and for £10 hire a decent set of rods long enough for the job.

go away andy.

[Deleted User]

paddedjohn wrote: »

hi i work 46 hrs a week and dont claim any benefits, i own my own house and just about scrape by after paying all my council tax/ income tax and ni etc, where can i get someone to do jobs around my house for free? oops sorry i dont qualify because i dont get benefits!
try house insurance.

was the sarcasm needed?did it make you feel better?