Blocked Toilet

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Toilet is (partially) blocked, I believe, somewhere between the toilet and the nearby inspection chamber.

At the moment, toilet is still usable but need to get it sorted.

Problem is, I am struggling to open the inspection chamber as it is cemented/grouted in.

Wondered, if I call someone like Dynorod, would they be able to unblock the toilet with rods or similar via the toilet bowl.

Anyone experience of this?
 
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Wondered, if I call someone like Dynorod, would they be able to unblock the toilet with rods or similar via the toilet bowl.

Anyone experience of this?

Possible, but not advised, depends what has blocked it for a start. You will also need deep pockets.

Really would be to your benefit to get the chamber cover up, and see whats going on there first. Get the hammer and chisel out!
 
Possible, but not advised, depends what has blocked it for a start. You will also need deep pockets.

Really would be to your benefit to get the chamber cover up, and see whats going on there first. Get the hammer and chisel out!

Appreciate the reply.

Have tried, on and off, for a few weeks now to chisel the cover free but not having much luck.

Looks like I will have to give it another go at the weekend.
 
Can you put a pic up of the cover? May be able to offer some tips.

Possibility it could be blocked downstream of the chamber, even if not, ideally you want to try and at least see what it was blocking it, if a foreign object, then try and get it out before it causes more chaos downstream....
 
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A couple of things.

1/. You could make an Insurance claim under the blocked drains [Underground services] of your Property insurer?

2/. Does the blocked drain only service your property, or is it a shared drain meaning does it serve another property as well as yours? if so it can be classed as a Sewer, this means the local water board will have to unblock it.

As for Dino-Rod ?? money pit, stay clear.if it comes to it find a local independent drain cleaning specialist

Ken.
 
Thanks again for the replies.

So far, I have put off calling anyone (insurance company, drains specialist) because, in my mind, they will want access to the inspection chamber so didn't want to call them out and possibly incur a call-out charge for a wasted visit.

We are a row of about eight houses (semi's in pairs) and I believe the drain is shared - it blocked a few years ago and after some troubleshooting, we determined the blockage was the main sewer on the street so we badgered the council who un-blocked it. I have asked one neighbour if his toliet is blocked and he said no and am assuming, at this stage, the others are also OK.

My understanding is that, if the drain is on your property, then it is your responsibility.

We don't use rim blocks so very un-likely a foreign object has dopped down there - genuinely, we are careful not too put too much toilet paper down the toilet.

For information, the wall you can see behind the toilet, the other side, is the garden - this is a downstairs toilet/shower room in a 30yr+ extension and, as such, doesn't get used as much as the main upstairs bathroom.

Pictures below.
 

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Ok, not an easy one.

2 large screwdrivers pushed in between the lid and edge and use a 'walk up and down method'.

I take it you have tried using the handles.

Andy
 
Is that not a couple of lift up handles I see? Like on a recessed cover?
 
If its a shared sewer that is the issue, then it is the Water Company's issue. Likewise, a private sewer (serving one property), from the point it goes under the boundary into a neighbours property, should be the Water Co's remit.

With the Cover, pull both handles up, and if need be, get an assistant, and try and lift it squarely upwards. It must be lifted square or it'll pinch and jam.
 
Google "responsibility for drains " and loads of diagrams will be revealed . Not necessarily as you thought nowadays;) As to the manhole , maybe there are keyholes under the black strips.
 
Believe those covers can be deep & heavy so having built in handles or a pair of keys would be most helpful
 
Yes, it has recessed handles which you lift up to use.

Have tried lifting with the handles but would not budge so have assumed there is still some grouting in place which needs to be chiselled out but, for the life of me can't see where.

Tried to pry one corner with a small pry bar and there was some movement but was worried about cracking the tiles so stopped - felt as if there was still some resistance so again assumed there may still be some grout in situ but based on some of the replies here could be the weight of the hatch.

Family consensus does suggest it is a shared sewer serving our row of houses.

Should I continue to try and gain access to the inspection chamber or, now that it is likely a shared sewer, refer to the water company.
 

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