Advice needed - unblocking pipe work that traveled through walls/floors. Think the issue is limescale

[mushymat]

our first floor shower pipe work runs under shower then under the floor and connects to the sink pipe work in the same bathroom, then the pipe work travels into the floor, down the inside wall (but it is boxed in) to downstairs and runs out of the house, it’s PCV piping and there’s a few 90 degree joints and junctions.

At the moment water is running very slowly, I think that the pipe work between the shower and sink is clear, it’s the pipe work past this point that’s semi blocked.

I have blocked the sink plug (and overflow) filled the shower tray (easy todo when it’s not draining correctly) and gone at it with a plunger. First off a load of crappy stinky gunk came up, lots of it, this was then vacuumed up with our wet/dry vac. Then….lots of grit came up, I think it might be limescale. Again we vacuumed this up so it didn’t go back down the drain.

But this has not solved the issue.

From there we got some drain unblocked but that did nothing. I suspect because it is technically draining so any unblocked is simply draining away and does nothing.

My next idea (and I’ve not tried this yet, tell me if this is a good/bad idea) is to cap off the outlet and full the whole pipe work with some form of limescale remover or chemical unblocked and let that soak for a few hours.

Sadly because the pipe work goes though the floor and is boxed in downstairs it’s not practice to get access to it directly.

Anyone have any idea or tips?

 

[endecotp]

Use your wet&dry vac to directly suck from the shower and basin wastes.

 

[Wayners]

Block onerflow.
Use a hosepipe through window to blast water in the drain plug hole. If you get water pushing back hold your hand around plug hole if you think that would help to force water down and through.
Plan B
You need to fit an access point in waste pipe to either rod or use a hosepipe and push through.
We had similar from using Oilatum for eczema but I think any liquid soap and hair especially can clog pipes especially if they are on long runs

 

[foxhole]

Limescale would be very unusual from a shower , usually hair and soap scum build up .
Proprietary drain unblockers usually work with a thorough flush afterwards.

 

[robinbanks]

Be careful unblocking by pressurising the pipework if it's push fit. Vacuum cleaner on the wastes is a more sensible suggestion in that case

 

[Wayners]

Oh yeah. Push fit can be a big problem. A cause of many floods

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Whatever you do next, be mindful there may be some chemical left in the pipework, this stuff is nasty, and will melt flesh and tissue. Wear suitable protective Clothing and equipment, this is your last pair of eyes!

Going forward I would look at physical methods, a Drain Snake or something similar to agitate and loosen up the crud in the pipework, whilst running a little water to wash it through. Wet Vac is also an option, but if all else fails, you may have to call someone in with suitable cleaning equipment, a Picote machine will clean small diameter waste pipes.

 

[mushymat]

Be careful unblocking by pressurising the pipework if it's push fit. Vacuum cleaner on the wastes is a more sensible suggestion in that case

It looks like a lot of the pipework (that I can see at least) is glued.

My plan tomorrow I think is to fill the sink, cap the shower pipe and pull the water through from the pipe on the outside of the house. Keep repeating.

 

[mushymat]

Whatever you do next, be mindful there may be some chemical left in the pipework, this stuff is nasty, and will melt flesh and tissue. Wear suitable protective Clothing and equipment, this is your last pair of eyes!

Going forward I would look at physical methods, a Drain Snake or something similar to agitate and loosen up the crud in the pipework, whilst running a little water to wash it through. Wet Vac is also an option, but if all else fails, you may have to call someone in with suitable cleaning equipment, a Picote machine will clean small diameter waste pipes.

I did try a drain snake thingy, but we have a couple of 90 degree bends and I just couldn’t get it around those bends, so it just went to the bend and stopped sadly

 

[mushymat]

Limescale would be very unusual from a shower , usually hair and soap scum build up .
Proprietary drain unblockers usually work with a thorough flush afterwards.

That’s good to hear. I actually have the gritty stuff (currently sat in the vacuums) I could test it with some limescale remover, but if it’s not then hopefully that’s a good thing.

 

[mushymat]

Use your wet&dry vac to directly suck from the shower and basin wastes.

Yeah, I think this one’s an easy todo option that could work. I’m thinking I might fill the sink and pull the water through from the outside using the vac

 

[endecotp]

’m thinking I might fill the sink and pull the water through from the outside using the vac

Do take note of Hugh's comment about the pipes now being full of corrosive chemicals when you do that.

 

[mushymat]

Do take note of Hugh's comment about the pipes now being full of corrosive chemicals when you do that.

Totally, they should be clear now, we have had showers and what not since i put checmicals down it.