Investigating a Severely Blocked Upstairs Toilet
Wilco Plumbing attended a large residential property to investigate a completely blocked toilet on the first floor. With the toilet unable to drain properly, our plumbers began assessing the blockage and identifying the most effective way to restore drainage.
An initial attempt was made to clear the obstruction using specialised handheld drain-clearing equipment. When this proved unsuccessful, our team recommended removing the existing toilet suite to gain better access to the internal sewer drainage.
The customer was kept informed throughout the process, with photographs and explanations provided to help them understand the blockage and the work required.
Hydro Jet Blasting Removes Baby Wipe Blockages
After carefully removing the existing toilet suite, our plumbers gained access to the sewer line and carried out high-pressure hydro jet blasting to clear the obstruction.
The team discovered a significant accumulation of baby wipes causing multiple blockages near the base of the sewer stack, where the drainage line changed direction towards the staircase area.
Using hydro jetting equipment, our plumbers successfully cleared the accumulated material and restored flow through the affected section of sewer drainage.
A CCTV drain camera inspection was then carried out to investigate the cause of the blockage and assess the condition of the surrounding pipework.
CCTV Sewer Inspection Reveals Significant Tree Root Intrusion
During the investigation, our team located an additional sewer inspection point near the property's pool pump, allowing further examination of the downstream drainage system.
The CCTV inspection revealed extensive tree root intrusion surrounding a section of the sewer system near the property's boundary trap or sewer shaft.
Due to the extent of the root intrusion and limited camera visibility, the exact condition and configuration of this section could not be fully confirmed. However, the findings indicated a potentially serious drainage issue requiring further assessment and repair.
Our plumbers showed the customer the CCTV footage and explained how tree root intrusion and deteriorating sewer infrastructure can contribute to recurring blockages, restricted wastewater flow and potential sewer overflows.
Restoring Toilet Function and Planning Future Sewer Repairs
While the immediate priority was restoring the upstairs toilet, our team also discussed the importance of addressing the additional sewer concerns identified during the inspection.
The property's layout, landscaping and limited access to the underground sewer would need to be considered when planning any future repairs.
After completing the hydro jet blasting and CCTV inspections, our plumbers carefully reinstalled the existing toilet suite, applied silicone where required and tested the installation to confirm it was operational.
The immediate toilet blockage was successfully cleared, allowing the customer to resume using the fixture.
The customer was provided with information about the sewer's condition and potential repair options, with further works to be considered at a later date.
This project demonstrates the value of combining professional drain clearing with CCTV sewer inspections, helping identify not only the immediate cause of a blockage but also underlying drainage issues that may require attention.
Project Completed: