Macerator pipe. 21.5mm

[roons111]

About 7 years ago had a downstairs bathroom put in, with a macerator. Other than a few repairs its been ok. Just recently been overflowing and upon investigation its the obvious, blocked pipe (where there are two 45 angles over a short space).

Researching and it looks like they have used 21.5mm rather than 22mm pressurised pipe. Replacing the 21.5mm seems like a big job as its boxed and plastered.

How bad is it to replace (about a 200mm) with the 22mm.

I think i know the answer but dont really have the funds to do this properly so if i can delay a year or so i would like to.

 

[just pumps]

The existing pipe is fine.

 

[endecotp]

it looks like they have used 21.5mm rather than 22mm pressurised pipe.

Plastic or copper?

If plastic, what sort of fittings? Push fit?

 

[mattylad]

Did someone put wipes down it?
Needs a little reminder stuck to the cistern: "If it's not been through you, it's not going through me".

0.5mm is not going to make a jot of difference.
The 45 angles might though.

Can you get at the macerator end of it?
You (expect lots of mucky water here) be able to disconnect and shove a flexible rod up - like a long sprung net curtain rail, in order to dislodge the offending blockage.
One of the jobs plumbers just love to do except they prefer to use Napalm on it

 

[just pumps]

Did someone put wipes down it?
Needs a little reminder stuck to the cistern: "If it's not been through you, it's not going through me".

0.5mm is not going to make a jot of difference.
The 45 angles might though.

Can you get at the macerator end of it?
You (expect lots of mucky water here) be able to disconnect and shove a flexible rod up - like a long sprung net curtain rail, in order to dislodge the offending blockage.
One of the jobs plumbers just love to do except they prefer to use Napalm on it

What is wrong with using 45 degree elbows?

 

[endecotp]

What is wrong with using 45 degree elbows?

Well I’m wondering if they are plastic push-fit elbows, which I believe are somewhat constricted compared to copper. @rooms111 doesn’t seem to have returned to let us know. But you’re the expert!

 

[roons111]

Plastic and solvent weld.

AI said it 21.5mm isn't pressurised so should be ripped out. This was my main concern.

Tried flexible rod but no good, cut away the bit with 45 degrees and it was solid with muck. The vertical has scale but looks ok-ish.

Based on feedback will replace the bit I cut away

 

[roons111]

Plastic or copper?

If plastic, what sort of fittings? Push fit?

Plastic and not push fit

 

[Mottie]

Tried flexible rod but no good, cut away the bit with 45 degrees and it was solid with muck. The vertical has scale but looks ok-ish.

Couldn’t you replace that section with copper with a large sweeping bend? Mine has never blocked.

 

[just pumps]

Well I’m wondering if they are plastic push-fit elbows, which I believe are somewhat constricted compared to copper. @rooms111 doesn’t seem to have returned to let us know. But you’re the expert!

That is a label applied by others! I do have knowledge of munchers and the associated pipes but am always interested in the view of others such as mattylad whose post I quoted and you replied to.

 

[endecotp]

Researching and it looks like they have used 21.5mm rather than 22mm pressurised pipe.

AI said it 21.5mm isn't pressurised so should be ripped out.

Ah, I did wonder if your “research” might involve “AI”…….

Maybe 21.5mm plastic pipe (and fittings) is not as strong as 22mm copper, and potentially subject to failure under pressure. But that’s not the issue you’re experiencing - it hasn’t failed under pressure, is has blocked.

Solvent weld elbows are full-bore (right?) so they should not be causing much of a restriction.

What is the route of the pipe? Does it have appropriate gradients?

What sort of usage does it get? I have a macerator in my en suite, and I think it works well because it gets a lot of “clean” flow from the shower and not much from the loo. Any evidence of wipes etc. in the muck you have removed?

 

[roons111]

Have cut above the second elbow.

AI was starting point, i never fully trust it so checked on here

No wipes and lowish usage.

Going to replace like for like.

Thanks all for the input, appreciated.

 

[polesapart]

No wipes and lowish usage.

Going to replace like for like.

Pragmatic and sensible approach.

 

[mattylad]

What is wrong with using 45 degree elbows?

I don't know, the OP posted that they had to close together, I was saying that the 0.5mm will not make any difference, the elbows might but I don't know.
I take it from your response they will not and looking at the later supplied pic it seems clear they will not.

 

[mattylad]

Have cut above the second elbow.

AI was starting point, i never fully trust it so checked on here

No wipes and lowish usage.

Going to replace like for like.

Thanks all for the input, appreciated.

Was it blocked at the elbows?
If not you could just use a double joint and refit it all.

Is/was the blockage further up the piping?

Here we are chaps, talking about a ****muncher blockage... lol