Would a plumber come out at the moment?

[DebbieFiderer]

We have a blocked toilet. It's been blocked for a while, we've tried everything we can think of (washing up liquid and hot water, a plunger, a drain snake) and it isn't shifting. We have a bowl full of shit that we can't get rid of. We do have two other toilets so it's not an emergency as such, but it's still a toilet full of shit.

We also have a leaking washing machine. It works, but leaks water all over the garage floor. DH cleared the drainage pipe the other day and it seemed to be better but has just leaked again. I am frontline NHS need to be able to machine wash my uniform, so hand washing isn't really an option.

Given the current situation, would it be justified to ask our landlord to send a plumber?

Bump

Yes! Most plumbers and other emergency trades people are working

Well apparently the plumbing service he has a contract with don't see it as an emergency so won't send anyone 😢

Do you deal directly with your landlord or do you go through a letting agent? Could you phone Citizens Advice to check what your landlord is legally expected to do? Surely you can’t be expected to have a blocked toilet for the next few months - it’s a health hazard surely.

Directly with the landlord. It's not his fault, the plumbers have assessed it as not a priority. As I said, we have other toilets so it's not a disaster. I'm more concerned about the washing machine as I need to wash my uniform at 60 so no chance of hand washing. We've used some drain unblocker on the waste pipe now though so hopefully that will clear it

Our plumber came earlier this week, we had a leak. He’s a key worker

It's up to your landlord to ring round and find a plumber that will sort this out, surely? I think you can justify both of these issues as emergency in your situation. He can't just try one firm and say no go. The usual rules re landlords obligations and emergency repairs still apply. Even if he has to use BG or another firm that uses proper PPE that's more expensive.

Same as twosoups. I was lucky though because the other plumber I’ve sometimes used wouldn’t come out. Hope you can get it fixed.

It's British Gas that he has a service agreement with, who are refusing to come out. I think our neighbour may be a plumber (from the looks of the works van parked outside) so might see if he can help.