Blocked Sewage Pipe

[BobbyBobBob]

We think we have a blocked sewage pipe. Can anyone tell me how much this sort of thing costs to rectify and reccomend any cheap companies that do this sort of thing?

We obviously are not covered on our house insurance for this sort of thing

thanks

[buildersmate]

Generally a call out cost, then time per hour.

What you don't want is to be pursuaded that the thing needs jetting with their hideously expensive piece of kit. It is typically a simple rodding job, but it depends where it is blocked in relation to existing access covers.

[seadogg]

You can use chimney sweepers rods if you are careful and give 'em a good sluice afterwards. I've had a set for years and found them handy.

[Buenchico]

Water companies are (from 1st October last year) responsible for more sewer pipes than thy used to be. It's possibly that it might be their responsibility to fix the problem (at their expense), rather than yours. Click on the relevant type of property, and then on the date of construction, here:
https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/household/wastewater-services/Private-sewers-and-lateral-drains.aspx
That will show you which pipes you're responsible for. (It doesn't matter that you're probably not with Anglia Water. The same rules apply across the country).


If it's your responsibility to fix the problem, your cheapest option is probably to hire a set of drain rods from a company like HSS. Prices here:
http://www.hss.com/g/51410/Drain-Rods-And-Keys.html
Instructions here:
http://www.hss.com/how-to-unblock-a-drain
Branch locator here:
http://www.hss.com/tpd/multimapstorefinder/Branch_Finder.html

Failing that, AVOID using the 'big boys' (such as DynoRod) unless you've just won the EuroMillions jackpot. Look in your local parish magazine, community newsletter or similar for a qualified plumber, who should be able to do the job for under a hundred quid (unless it's particularly tricky and, for example, he has to hire specialist jetting equipment).

Chris

[The Builder]

I was going to go into details as to how to clear it ................ instead, do follow Chris's advice first

[BillyBB]

nip to cheap local hardware like Wilkinson /Priceless/ Bobby Dazzlers and buy several pots of unbranded Sodium Hydroxide commonly labelled Caustic Soda. Tip it as close to the block as possible half a tub at a time leaving half hour between each dose. Nasty blocks under your drive might take three or four jars and some hours to clear.
Do not mix caustic with acid or bleach.
Give us a call if confused.
Avoid tipping fat down the drain in future.

[chas2008]

whereabouts is it blocked ? is the toilet backing up ?