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Freeholder causing distress by inaction re drain blockage
Comments
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Jon1969 said:[Deleted User] said:Another option is to block the plug hole it is coming up through, say with a plunger or something very heavy on the plug.
With a proper seal, would the water then just rise up to affect the next door's ''inlets''. Or worse, could it cause pressure and damage/burst the pipes ?0 -
Jon1969 said:[Deleted User] said:Another option is to block the plug hole it is coming up through, say with a plunger or something very heavy on the plug.
I will keep pressure on with emails, as i have done so since it began.
But if the problem is genuinely as you describe it is not appropriate. You've been advised what to do, and of course the decision is yours, but if you've any sense, and actually want some action taken in the immediate or short term, then follow that advice.
In fact follow it for the long term too, since if, for example, you ended up in court claiming for ... whatever, the judge might well ask "And on what date did you first report the problem as required in your tenancy agreement to the proper LL's supplied address as per section 48 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 ?"0 -
Jon1969 said:propertyrental said:https://www.homebargains.co.uk/products/30041-equip-9-metre-draining-rod-set.aspx
That might go round shallow bends but certainly not a Ubend beneath a bath. You'd need an access point into the downpipe, and as OP is on the 1st (?) floor he'd also need a ladder outside (even assuming there IS an appropriate access point lower than roof height).
A plumbers snake/drain coil might work.....
https://www.screwfix.com/p/drain-coil-7-6m/186xg
But be warned. Cause any additional damage, or if the snake breaks off and further blocks the downpipe, and the OP will be responsible.....
It appears to be a dire situation and creidt to you for putting up with it.
Good luck1 -
Jon1969 said:[Deleted User] said:Another option is to block the plug hole it is coming up through, say with a plunger or something very heavy on the plug.
With a proper seal, would the water then just rise up to affect the next door's ''inlets''. Or worse, could it cause pressure and damage/burst the pipes ?
I will keep pressure on with emails, as i have done so since it began.
1 -
[Deleted User] said:Jon1969 said:[Deleted User] said:Another option is to block the plug hole it is coming up through, say with a plunger or something very heavy on the plug.
With a proper seal, would the water then just rise up to affect the next door's ''inlets''. Or worse, could it cause pressure and damage/burst the pipes ?
I will keep pressure on with emails, as i have done so since it began.
Mad idea.0 -
Jon1969 said:Hi
11 days ago i made my landlord aware of what is probably a main drain blockage. This blockage has caused my bath to flood each time my neighbour next door and one above to use their bathroom! As my waste water entries are lowest, the standing water in the main down pipe has nowhere to go but into my bath ! Its getting more putrid in the water now, only draining very slowly over hours.
The landlord has made the freeholder well aware of the situation, yet i have not had any call from ''his builder''. My landlord has tried to get him to act. It apparently is the freeholders obligation, not my landlord, as the problem involves more than one flat (but mine is the only one affected!) and is the main drainage pipe going through 3 flats.
Its becoming a health and safety issue now. Just wondering if theirs any actions i could take ? Re sueing etc ?
Any response i would be very grateful, thank you. This is distressing me now.
These suggestions of trying to stop it getting into your flat do not resolve the problem
If you think the blockage is 100 feet away at an inspection chamber why don't you get the lid off and find out
If that chamber is full then the problem is further down the line and could be the local water board problem.
Thats where I would be now, explaining to the water board you think their drain is blocked in their system and if they don't come out and check you will report it to the relevant authority1 -
propertyrental said:[Deleted User] said:Jon1969 said:[Deleted User] said:Another option is to block the plug hole it is coming up through, say with a plunger or something very heavy on the plug.
With a proper seal, would the water then just rise up to affect the next door's ''inlets''. Or worse, could it cause pressure and damage/burst the pipes ?
I will keep pressure on with emails, as i have done so since it began.
Mad idea.
What's mad is that the people above haven't stopped doing it even though they know what is happening.0 -
Soda crystals and boiling water down the drain?Yes, the vinegar one does seem strange (acid plus alkali), I suspect its pressure released that forces any blockages. All I know is that before I used it our toilets did not flush properly (almost flowed over) but after, the blockage had been pushed further down the system to the drain.It may not be the most effective but I'd rather try that first than find pipework issues further down the drain.May you find your sister soon Helli.
Sleep well.0 -
Thanks for all your help. freeholders builders actually came yesterday and unblocked the pipe. It was apparently in a bend (as it came out the floor and levelled with the ceiling of the unit). I couldnt access the drains anyway, as they were in the locked unit, i found out. I did inform the neighbours, one of which is quite a horrible person and i think he filled up his bath more the next morning lol . I wouldnt have waited a day longer to contact the EH as i had had enough of it after near on 2 weeks.
Cheers1
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