Durgo valve installed, now toilet bubbling when taps run

[Jimbo]

Hi all

Had solar panels put on about three weeks ago. I asked them how they would deal with the stench pipe and they promised me they wouldn't cap it in the loft, but would but in an alternative exterior vent underneath the panels.

When they finished, I popped up in the loft, and lo and behold there was a Durgo valve.

This morning, my wife was cleaning the bathroom. She was running both bath and sink taps, and flushed the toilet. The water filled the toilet and nearly spilled over. Then it slowly drained to normal level.

If I run the sink tap, then the water level in the toilet slowly rises by about half an inch or so, before starting to bubble. This bubbling stops after 30 seconds or so.

Opinions? Is this due to the Durgo valve, or is this just a coincidence? It's been three weeks since the panels were fitted, I'd expect to see any problems sooner.

I've been onto the installers (Carillion) who can't get anybody out today. So we're stuck with the problem until after Xmas.

I don't know whether I can run baths for the kids etc. Appreciate some advice!

Thanks
Jim

 

[cantaloup63]

Remove the valve and see what happens.

However, I suspect you've got a blockage somewhere, not related to the durgo. Check any inspection chambers outside.

 

[Jimbo]

Remove the valve and see what happens.

However, I suspect you've got a blockage somewhere, not related to the durgo. Check any inspection chambers outside.

Thanks for the quick reply. I can borrow my neighbor's drain rods. If the inspection chambers look okay, what's the best approach? Take off the valve and put the rods down from the top?

 

[cantaloup63]

From ground level is your best bet.

 

[Jimbo]

From ground level is your best bet.

If the blockage is upstream of the inspection chamber, won't that make things worse?

 

[cantaloup63]

Not necessariry - you're trying to dislodge enough to allow subsequent flushes and water from bath/sink etc to flow sufficiently to do the rest for you - use the corkscrew attachment rather than the rubber disc plunger.