drain blockage methinks......

[Fruitbatlings]

I went out the door this morning and noticed a load of water a bubbles all over the place, obviously coming from the drain. DH had just had a shower.
I'm assuming there is a blockage. What do I have to put down there to clear it? I've used that sink block stuff before but I'm assuming the outside drain will need something a little more powerful?

Lived here for three years, clueless as it's our first place since moving out of parents

Do you have an inspection cover that you can lift?

I think so. I'll have to have a look tomorrow. Will I have to physically unblock it? Or is there something I can put down it to melt it?

I've read past threads and it seems people have had to physically unblock it

It sounds as though a physical unblocking may be required. Do you have drain rods?

definitely not. Coat hanger?

Erm, afraid not. I would go to HSS or some other hire shop and rent some drain rods. They sort of screw together into a great long flexible pole. You then push it down into the drain, shove and wiggle it, and hopefully the blockage will clear. The vile smell will also then go. Hiring the rods won't be cheap, but will be cheaper than a plumber. Whilst you have the rods, use them to your best advantage - push them down the drain as many times as you can bear. Afterwards, it is a good idea to flush down with a hosepipe and clean water.
Hope this helps.

ahhhhh, that eggy smell! God, that's been coming and going for months
I kept blaming it on the flat downstairs, just didn't want to accept it would have anything to do with us - Luckily I didn't actually tell them their drain stank! I just assumed it wouldn't be ours.
Right then, looks like we have a busy drain clearing Saturday ahead of us. Makes a change from wrapping presents

DH said he thinks we have to stick the rods down the man hole?
I thought we just poke them down the drain? no?

You need to get that big manhole cover up. It is metal and is about 60cm x 50cm. Underneath that is the drainage channel. If you have a blockage, this is likely to be full of water and, erm, solids. The smell will knock you back. Usually, the drain will run away from the property, so try that way first. Hopefully, that will work. After that, it is a good idea to go up the other way, just to be sure.
Once the channel is clear, you will be able to see the drainage channel. If you run some water down this from the house, you will be able to see that the drain is running freely.
Good luck - best to get it sorted before Christmas.

bugger. Looks like a job for DH and FIL.....
I'll bribe them with homemade truffles

thank you for all your help btw. You sound like you've done it a few times!

Oh yes, once was enough, but I remember it well. If truffles had been involved, I am sure it would have helped