Drain blocked

[Oxo01]

Any advice prior to calling a pro in.
Our kitchen is in front of house.
We usuarly clean out outside drain on a monthly basis to prevent build up of bits etc.

We did this on Saturday as we noticed some water overflowing, we used our long bendy steel rod (but its not that long,) which has worked before and it seemed OK.

Since then if we use the washing machine or wash up the water is overflowing from the drain into the soil, and the water is still just below the drain cover.

I was going to buy a set of rods to see if that would reach the blockage before calling someone in.

I assume its our out outside drain blocked rather than the one on the pavement.

Has anyone used rods if so are they good ? I have tried hot water etc nothing has worked so far.
Any reccomedations pls.

I have used rods, but from an inspection cover. You may find that the drain itself has a 'U' bend and a drain rod will probably not get round it.
I would look for the large round or square inspection cover and work from there. If you lift it (they are heavy and cumbersome) and it has water in it you know the blockage is on the outgoing side, if it is more or less empty the blockage will be towards the drain.

Thank you TwoLeftSocksWithHoles.
So you mean the large square one on the pavement to look at ? Re : ubend when we clear our drain we can only put arm so far so thought rods may be able to reach further , sorry not that savey on this 😐

If your drain is something like this (below ground), then drain roads may not get round the bend.

I would be looking for this sort of cover...

Rods are good, they'll clear it if it's just something blocked in the pipe - wet wipes, congealed fat. We've had to do ours a few times as the drain slope is very shallow.

Just remember to always rotate them the same way going in and out.
It's important.

My one of theses often gets blocked. Touch wood I have always been able to sort it myself .

My one of these once got blocked . I put my hand in a black bin bag and put my hand in there . I found a tennis ball blocking it. And a toy car and a pencil

Thank you all, I do think it maybe bits of fat or some pebbles as we had them covering the soul but pulled most up recently.

I am not sure what the drain is like that the kitchen, washing machine water etc goes into, all I know i was able to get some bits of what looked like small fatty bits but not much, out with my arm and use of the shorter steel bendy rod we have. No pebbles etc.

The picture of the grey cover is on the pavement between ours and neighbours house.

We will have another go and look at the street one if we can get it up.
Thanks again for your help your all so helpfull.

Laundry powder is another great one for blocking the drain if you're a bit heavy-handed with the scoop.

Thanks @DogInATent
I've tried washing up liquid, drain unbloker ( don't really like to use that too much as it can damage pipes et ) viniger,
hot water soda crystals so far.

Umm.. I did say for blocking, not unblocking!
Rodding out a build-up of laundry powder in the drain is something we've had to do at least once.

I had no idea washing powder would clog the drain - thought it would dissolve 🤦‍♀️

You know the lumpy bits at the bottom of the box? so hard you need to chisel them out with a bread knife and the rolling pin... 😂

oh yes!

Oppps

I had this from outside drain, flooding outside anytime shower or washing machine was on. I phoned water company, man came out next day early doors. He said it was blocked with tree roots. He cleared it no bother it's been fine since. Even better no charge!.

You're not supposed to lift sewer manhole covers in the street. That's a task for your water and sewerage company. Ask your neighbours if their drains are blocked too. It gives a good indication that the public sewer is blocked.

No one's talking about lifting manholes in the street.

You're responsible for the drains as far as the edge of the property, and the water company will charge you for call outs and work on your bit of the drains.

If you do use the rods, PP's advice on always rotating them clockwise is important, but as a pro tip I'd suggest going one further and gaffer taping the junctions so they don't come apart.

If they do, you really do have problems...

Thanks @ CountAdhemar
Taking all advice /tips on board
I read about the gaffa tape and watched videos on use.

Typical there 2 big water vans just on the corner at mo they usuarly there at night every month or so I assume to manage drains around there, tempted to walk round and ask them to help 😁

the drains on our property were recently blocked, paid a company to come out to unblock them and was told that even though they are in our property if it runs to a public sewer, which most do they are the responsibility of the water company. They came out the next day and sorted it with no charge. They'd always be my first call now.

A storm drain cover (which is what the oblong cover is) can be lifted and is designed to be lifted.

Sewer manholes are round and are locked and can only be opened with a special key.

Even better, splash out a bit more cash and get a set of rods with lockable joints. You NEVER want a set of drain rods to become uncoupled while you are using them.

The sewerage authority only takes over responsibility at the boundary of your property. Within your property boundary it's entirely on you.

www.stwater.co.uk/my-supply/wastewater/sewer-pipe-responsibility/

Odd they came and sorted ours then.