BLOCKED OUTSIDE DRAIN

[Jeff613]

The last drain on our property (ie before the runway leaves our front garden to join the public sewer -presumably under the pavement/road in front of our house) keeps blocking up.


We have lived here for over 30 years without any previous problems!


I have bought some rods, used the plunger attachment and successfully removed whatever was causing the blockage under or beyond the U bend.


The water starts to flow again and then blocks up again after a couple of days.


I have gone through this routine several times and it's now blocked again for the 4th time!


I have contacted our water authority who say that this (final) drain is on our property so is our responsibility.


Has anyone any ideas on what is causing the problem and how it can be permanently cured?

 

[AMGasServices]

Have you got any plumbing and drainage cover with your home insurance may be worth giving them a call.

If not get a drainage company to put a camera down to inspect it. See what they advise.

If not dig it out and see what’s causing the issue.

 

[Rob Foster]

Rods and plunges are ok, get a traditional proper mop , wet it up getva hose going and vugouriusly pump,it up and down, the traction achieved this way is considerable , wives are usually better at this esp.when it’s smelly going dark and the television is good ..Rob Foster aka centralheatking

 

[Aire]

How old is your property? Is it likely your drains are clay? If so then part of it could easily have collapsed. Only way to tell would be with a camera or dig it up yourself. Just because the drains on your property doesn't mean it's your responsibility. If your in a semi or row of terraced houses and their drains connect into yours then this is the responsibility of the local water authority.

 

[WC1]

+ 1 for collapse, I'd try and get the water board out, or pay a cctv survey. While you're at it get all your drains surveyed if you're not thinking of moving.

 

[Rob Foster]

It it’s a

+ 1 for collapse, I'd try and get the water board out, or pay a cctv survey. While you're at it get all your drains surveyed if you're not thinking of moving.

private not shared drain no chance of a utility freebie but give them a go ....Rob Foster aka centralheatking

 

[WC1]

Always worth a punt. "Theres a blocked drain, not sure whose it is" offer them a tea and a biscuit when they turn up and see if they'll have a look.

 

[townfanjon]

As above ^^^^ maybe on a collapse , but unless you have actually pulled something out you may just be actually moving the blockage .
Defo moan at the water board / council though .

 

[Jeff613]

Thanks for all replies and advice.

I have cover under my home insurance so will put a claim in just as soon as it next gets blocked. At present I am checking drain 2 daily! House is built on London clay so could be subsidence - presumably insurance call-out engineer will use camera.

Tip re traditional mop noted!

Affinity water has confirmed that our drains are not shared with our semi-detached neighbour.

If problem eg subsidence is on our side of boundary then hopefully our insurance will respond (possibly excess to pay). If trouble is on public side of boundary then I presume Affinity/Thames Water will do the required work and foot all the bill!?

Again, thanks for all your help and advice.

 

[Rob Foster]

Thanks for all replies and advice.

I have cover under my home insurance so will put a claim in just as soon as it next gets blocked. At present I am checking drain 2 daily! House is built on London clay so could be subsidence - presumably insurance call-out engineer will use camera.

Tip re traditional mop noted!

Affinity water has confirmed that our drains are not shared with our semi-detached neighbour.

If problem eg subsidence is on our side of boundary then hopefully our insurance will respond (possibly excess to pay). If trouble is on public side of boundary then I presume Affinity/Thames Water will do the required work and foot all the bill!?

Again, thanks for all your help and advice.

Just watch out going down the subsidence route ..it might end up with an adverse report when you come to sell up. Centralheatking