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Drain Unblocker Advice

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My tenant is reporting blocked drains. I’ve asked our management company to investigate if the block is somewhere in the communal pipe area, but in the meantime whilst awaiting to know exactly where it is; I was wondering if it’s worth buying. A heavy duty drain unblocking chemical to pour down all the drains in the flat to see if it helps the issue ? Could anyone recommend a heavy duty chemical to use for this ? Thank you 

Comments

  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 18,199 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Depending on where the blockage is, any chemical tipped down the drain will get diluted. Quite likely to the point of being totally ineffective. On top of that, you should be mindful of the environmental impact of tipping aggressive chemicals down a drain.
    Her courage will change the world.

    Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.
  • McKneff
    McKneff Posts: 38,857 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Just call in a drain clearing company. 
    They can sort it out virtually in the same day. 
    make the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
    and we will never, ever return.
  • theoretica
    theoretica Posts: 12,691 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited 25 May 2020 at 10:17PM
    If the drain is totally blocked it is unlikely chemicals will help - because they won't get to the block and they will just sit there and make the plumber's life harder.  If the drains are sluggish, chemicals can help - different chemicals work better on different sorts of blockages, which you can often deduce by which sink.
    But a banker, engaged at enormous expense,
    Had the whole of their cash in his care.
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  • clive0510
    clive0510 Posts: 890 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 500 Posts
    you can try one shot drain cleaner. but please read the instructions,wear gloves and do not breath it in.
  • bris
    bris Posts: 10,548 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    One shot is about as good as they get chemical wise but the rarely work. I often try them as a tenner is worth the gamble but so far it's never worked for me.

    The best way as always is water pressure, if you have a power washer watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VLIy5n1q1I
  • Adly812
    Adly812 Posts: 579 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 100 Posts
    Thank you for your advice everyone. I’m hopeful the company find the cause of the blockage. If not it sounds like I better get someone in rather than try anything else 
  • Jumblebumble
    Jumblebumble Posts: 1,991 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 26 May 2020 at 4:49PM
    One piece of useful advice is that in some areas your water/ sewage supplier will be willing to unblock as a chargeable job and much cheaper than other drain companies.
    This may save you a few quid
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