Blocked drain

Gloomtastic!

We have a shared drain in our back garden that is continually getting blocked with wet wipes.

Despite requests to neighbours not to use them, they still do. So once a month or so I have to unblock it.

Here's a link to the type of drain we have http://chestofbooks.com/home-improvement/construction/plumbing/Principles-Practice/images/Fig-171-Section-of.jpg

I remove the stopper marked T and allow the access to drain away. Then I unblock the u-bend marked M. When it's all clear I put back stopper T.

What would happen if I didn't put back stopper T? Would it solve my problem or would it just create another one?

K.Flyer

It would create a larger problem over time.
When the lower trap blocks and the sewerage flows out through the rodding eye sediment and grease would build up in the lower channel and pipe leading back to the house which would be a bigger task to clean effectively when it blocks up.
Are you certain that there is nothing caught on the other side of the bend that keeps causing the blockages to occur so often.
I know baby wipes and facial wipes are the scourge of drains, but there may be an issue with the trap itself that may need closer inspection.

Gloomtastic!

Ok, thought it might be too easy!!!

Are you talking about a camera inspection? Or just shoving a sewer rod through the u-bend to see if it makes a difference.....

K.Flyer

Gloomtastic! wrote: »

Ok, thought it might be too easy!!!

Are you talking about a camera inspection? Or just shoving a sewer rod through the u-bend to see if it makes a difference.....

I found the best method is to block off all incoming pipes with drain plugs, vacuum out the trap, then get the camera around the bend and down the rodding eye.
It could be anything from a sealed plastic bottle, a fracture in the pipe, grease or roots.
Some authorities will allow you to remove the trap completely and have a straight outflow, but you would need to check that out.