Blocked Drain

[JDUFF]

I have used caustic soda and other drain cleaners, have also checked manhole and still drain is blocked, can't see what with - it is the one from the kitchen sink and is used also by the dishwasher and shower.

[Kos]

You could try a length of flexible pipe (such as a hosepipe) with something harder securely stuck in the end (such as a piece of bamboo cane or old screwdriver)
Keep pushing this down the drain until it comes to a block then withdraw a foot or 2 and 'pound' the hose until the blockage gives way and the hosepipe moves freely.

[Postdog]

Go to a plumbers merchants, and buy a couple of bottles of the proper stuff, smething like shift or one shot. You will probably only need one bottle(if that) but always handy to have.

Should cost around �5.00 a bottle.

It is serious acid, has ALWAYS done the job when other stuff has failed, and providing you are careful, is OK to use.

[chakka35]

postdog is right. It's concentrated sulphuric acid and works like a dream.
But please be careful. Keep away from it. It gets very hot when in contact with water.

[nonomaybe]

Just to add to your options; Use a pressure washer with a drain-cleaner attachment. This is a flexible small diameter hose with a wobbly metal bit on the business end which whizzes around under pressure,clearing all before it.
So first get your washer.........

[buildersmate]

If you don't already have a pressure washer, a far cheaper option is �20 for a set of manual drain rods.
Agree the acid should work though - it depends over what length the blockage has occurred (acid has to eat away from one end).

[clever trev]

And you still have the drain rods for the next blockage. and if you really get into it, you could earn yourself a few bob unblocking the rest of the street.

[Naomicorlett]

I was clearing a blocked hopper when my dad helpfully put the pressure washer into the bottom end and turned it on. It cleared the blockage alright!! I was covered in gunk.

[Twenty20]

Caustic soda may do the trick but rods are probably going to be more effective if its a serious blockage. You could try a plunger as this may shift the blockage. Try and work out where the blockage is if you can or work back from the manhole - but this will depend on how far away the manhole is.

If you do use caustic soda, buy the proper stuff as Postdog says, not stuff from a supermarket. To be pedantic, caustic soda is actually alkaline not acid but equally harmful if you get it spilled on you.

Once you get it cleared, using caustic soda once a month or so will help to keep it clear.