Locating Drains and Blockages:

The location of inspection openings is made easier if the plan of the drain is available, a drainlayer who understands drainage layouts and uses probing rod should have little trouble in tracing the line of the drain and inspection openings.

Locating the position of a blockage is a process of elimination. First, we inspect the trap (DT), then the toilet bowl if it is on the ground floor. If the toilet bowl is clear but the FAI is overflowing, the blockage is probably at the interceptor trap or between the trap and the sewer.

Interceptor traps have a tendency to block, so this is a good place to start.

If the interceptor trap is clear then the blockage must be farther up the drain. However, if sewage is backed up at the interceptor trap then either the trap is the problem or the blockage is on the sewer side of the trap. Perhaps the sewer is blocked. Check neighboring drains to eliminate or confirm a sewer blockage. Remember it is the responsibility of the local authority to maintain sewers. Contact them directly in the case of a sewer blockage.

Clearing a blocked interceptor trap: When something is lodged in the trap, we try to remove the obstacle rather than plunge it through into the sewer.

Other Blockages:

If the blockage is in the property drain its then a matter of working back towards the head of the drain and checking individual branches. Look at the water levels in the gully traps or WC bowls.

We have many other methods of locating blocked and damaged drains including CCTV drain inspections.

For more information and reliable advise please speak to one our registered Drain Layers. Call Free on 0508 446 892.