Blocked drain!

[chris_and_julie]

and Good Afternoon!

We appear to have a partial blockage in the piping from our kitchen sink.  It's clear through to the outside of the house where the kitchen sink waste pipe enters the ground but is partially blocked some distance underground.  If I pour some boiling water down the sink, it gurgles like mad and does drain instantly and the gurgling is some of the water water coming back to the surface around the pipe outside at ground level.

My understanding is that we are on mains drainage so ..... as it's outside, is it our responsibility to get a plumber in (any recommendations?) or is it Service des eaux?

Thanks
Chris

[Brian]

If you're on mains drainage then I'd be inclined to try a caustic soda drain cleaner first - follow the instructions very carefully as it's nasty stuff but will get through most organic blockages.

However, I'm a bit concerned about the water bubbling up outside the pipe. Could an underground pipe have collapsed so that the blockage is caused by soil/clay? An exploratory dig should give you the answer.

Good luck!
Brian

[Fred]

Yes caustic soda and try rodding it (chimney sweep rods are cheap)

We had the same problem and after trying the rods I worked out it was just past our border, so I Sigep who sent a Man out to have a look. He said it's not on their line and it's not on mine so it's up to the Mayor.

After speaking to the Mayor he sent for a truck to come around and try and blow it through, but after that didn't work the Mayor came back with his workman and they both dug it up and put a new pipe in.

I have found caustic soda and keeping an eye on it works. If it does get little stuck I just rod it through again.

But don't call a plumber without contacting Sigep or your Mayor first.

[chris_and_julie]

If you're on mains drainage then I'd be inclined to try a caustic soda drain cleaner first - follow the instructions very carefully as it's nasty stuff but will get through most organic blockages.

However, I'm a bit concerned about the water bubbling up outside the pipe. Could an underground pipe have collapsed so that the blockage is caused by soil/clay? An exploratory dig should give you the answer.

Good luck!
Brian

Thanks Brian. I've tried the caustic soda route and that has the same effect as boiling water. Like you I am concerned that the pipe from the outside of the house has collapsed/broken and that's the issue. I suppose what I am really asking is where does the property end? The kitchen sink pipe leaves the through the kitchen wall and down into the ground on a public walkway.

Chris

[chris_and_julie]

Yes caustic soda and try rodding it (chimney sweep rods are cheap)

We had the same problem and after trying the rods I worked out it was just past our border, so I Sigep who sent a Man out to have a look. He said it's not on their line and it's not on mine so it's up to the Mayor.

After speaking to the Mayor he sent for a truck to come around and try and blow it through, but after that didn't work the Mayor came back with his workman and they both dug it up and put a new pipe in.

I have found caustic soda and keeping an eye on it works. If it does get  little stuck I just rod it through again.

But don't call a plumber without contacting Sigep or your Mayor first.

Thanks Fred.

I've tried the cuastic soda approach but without success. I've also tried putting a flexible wire drain cleaner down but the pipe is so small = approx 50 mm, that it goes no real distance. I suspect I need to talk to the Mayor and possibly have a little dig.

Thanks Chris

[Fred]

The property limit is marked on your Cadastral Map

This may help Géoportail Montmorillon and more

[chris_and_julie]

The property limit is marked on your Cadastral Map

This may help Géoportail Montmorillon and more

Thanks for that Fred - it's through an external wall straight into the street beside us, which is why I think it's not our problem (hopefully!)
Chris

[Jiml]

I would think it's probably the same as in the U.K.
If the blockage is on your property it's your responsibility. If the blockage is beyond your boundary then it's probably not your responsibility  
Just my thoughts


Edit I see there have been seceral answers while I was thinking

[little Al]

Ever helpful..........can you tie a rope round Julie`s waist, and gently lower her underground to explore???

[chris_and_julie]

I would think it's probably the same as in the U.K.
If the blockage is on your property it's your responsibility. If the blockage is beyond your boundary then it's probably not your responsibility  
Just my thoughts


Edit I see there have been seceral answers while I was thinking  

Hopefully!
Thanks Chris