NEEPS

Smooth Hound · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 12:14 pm Post subject:

so have you got some alkathene then, or shall i bring some over tomorrow, if it is fat, youll need boiling water too , if you pour it down the drain and rod it at the same time, but itll need to be alot of hot water

wildgarlic · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 12:34 pm Post subject:

Thanks Misteralz - oh joy

Will try again after lunch. Friend's hubby is coming to look later too.

Smooth - I do have some pipe but I've no idea whether it's long enough. (a common complaint I think

)

I've tried to contact the bloke that installed it too in case he knows of any rodding points that I've missed along the way. I can't see any other than those right next to the house and the drains extend a fair way down the drive after that.
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Smooth Hound · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 12:48 pm Post subject:

ive got hold of some drain rods, which ill bring with me tomorrow, just in case , can use your hose if you have one, to push down as far as it will go and put it on a hot tap, as mr alz says, and between the 2 that should clear it, proffesionals will charge a fair bit, and cant do much more anyway, unless they start poking cameras down itm in which case the charge is high

but get what info you can from the bloke who did the drains, it will be useful

wildgarlic · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 2:21 pm Post subject:

ok - well I've managed to clear the biggest bit. Can't believe it but someone had left the cover to the drain on the window sill!!! There was a plastic plant bag down there causing the biggest blockage so I fished that out - it was jammed fairly hard. Still some crap down there and would be very grateful for a shot of the drain rods tomorrow Smooth if you don't mind.

Anyway - biggest panic is over, thanks for all suggestions.
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Smooth Hound · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 2:40 pm Post subject:

its a good job you didnt get the proffesionals out, youd have felt a right nana,

sounds like that was the main problem though, ill bring them over anyway, it wont take 10 minutes to do,

hopefully

Smooth Hound · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 10:15 pm Post subject:

as a matter of interest

talking about oil and fat down the drains,

there apparently is talk of a ban,

or something anyway about the use of oil etc , because of people putting it down the drain,

although the talking about the main sewage, apparently its blocking things up

alyhough i would imagine its more to do with the fuel crisis myself , as the sewage roblems been going on for yrs, i remember watching something on it some 10 yrs or more ago

Sassinak · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:03 pm Post subject:

Yes but most problems with the main sewers are probably getting worse as more houses use low flush toilets. Things won't be getting diluted as much now.
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Julie · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:08 pm Post subject:

The worst culprit for stopping septic tank systems working is fat. I can't help wondering if every time this happens it only gets partially cleared WG. It's happenning too often to be a fresh problem every time.
If it was my drain, once I had some flow going, I would put something a bit more caustic than hot water down it to shift everything once and for all and then get the tank emptied to get rid of it all and start afresh. The problem with hot water is it doesn't stay boiling and may just emulsify the fat into a skin on the surface of the tank, causing other parts of the system to slow or stop working. You could end up having to clear out the soakaways or herringbone systems instead (or whatever you have ) because your excess isn't draining away.
I had a conversation with the boss at Rhinds last time I was there. They use some chemical that completely breaks down the fat so it can be washed into the sewer. He gets such a lot of grief from head office for using three times more than all their other places, but that's why it doesn't stink there. Anyway, I'm rambling, my point is, if you can find out what they use, it (or something similar) might clear the system once and for all.
I shouldn't really say this but, it might cure D from putting fat down the drain if he gets a nice big bill from a pressure hosing company

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Maidenstone · Neepster Joined: 14 May 2008 Posts: 303

We've had problems before - the blockage was in the drain just before the septic tank. We've got an inspection lid about 4 foot before the septic tank and stuff was bubbling up through that, so OH poked through from inspection area to septic tank and that cleared it. Had problems years ago when we bought a very fat lamb for the freezer and fat blocked the drain from the washing up water. Have learnt to skim off as much fat as possible before cleaning roasting tins etc.
Our septic tank went for 12 years before needing emptying, but now needs it every few years of so. Once you start messing about with it the delicate balance is ruined and you are morel likely to have problems.
The last time it was emptied the driver asked if he could park up at our place so he and his mate could have their lunch. I asked if they would like to come in and wash their hands, and he said "Nah, we never bother!" !!! He probably has fantastic immunity to bugs!
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Maidenstone · Neepster Joined: 14 May 2008 Posts: 303

One of the worst things for septic tanks is bleach - it kills of the bugs that 'eat' stuff in the tank. Also cotton buds can clump together and cause blockages, and also 'female products'. They say never put anything down the loo that you haven't eaten first, plus loo paper. Loos don't need any more cleaning than a good scrub round with some Cif and some ordinary household cleaner - after all, as soon as someone uses the loo all that disinfecting is undone. Just keep the loo clean and the bugs have no where to stick.
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