Debunged and flowing

Update on our blocked drain pipe.
We were on the job sheet for 9.30 last night and had a call at 9.25 to say the team were on their way and would be with us between 10.30 and 10.45.
I was asked about access so explained where the manhole cover was and that we’d moved the car accordingly. I said we’d wait up for them anyway, kettle on and offer of tea or coffee at the ready. She laughed and said thanks on their behalf.

Our neighbours rang at 10pm to say they were going to bed, which was perfectly OK as the drain was on our side and unless there was a major problem, the team didn’t need to access their property.

The van arrived at 10.28. Hubby went out to greet them and offer tea or coffee, which was declined by the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Armed with a phone camera, a young man of about 28 trotted up the drive as we explained the problem.
He was quite content to set to work and didn’t our help as it appeared straightforward.

There was a knock on the door shortly afterwards asking us to flush the loo and send water down the bath waste pipe.
‘All done!’ he beamed.
We asked what it was and he said just a wad of paper which shifted as soon as he prodded it with one of his rods. He’d only needed two and that was to reach the soakaway to see which direction the drain flowed.
Had we known that was all it would take, we could have poked the mass with a stick.
Quick squiggle on his work pad, and away he went.
Time on site , less than ten minutes.

Hubby now intends to invest in a set of drain rods……… just in case.

Note:
As our drains are shared with next door, the responsibility of keeping them clear is that of the water board. Had it just been us, or the problem was inside our property, we would have been charged for it. We were confident that wasn’t the case as the water coming back up the pipes after plunging was clean and clear.

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