Blocked drain.....rod snapped inside!!!

[Dan909]

Was just unblocking (trying to) a drain when the bloody rod snapped inside.

There is a rubber plunger on the end and at least one length of plastic rod is stuck, I'm guessing somewhere about a 1m-1.5m from the point I started rodding.

I already tied a binliner round my arm and had a fumble to see if I could grasp it but my hand barely reached the hole.

What can I do now? All advice apprecieted.

TYTY.

 

[kirkgas]

you can get a "worm" which screws onto the end of a rod instead of a plunger which might catch the rod (you will need to be lucky but got to be worth a try) or if you can get to another manhole or rodding point before the blockage, you might be able to push the broken rod back to where you can reach it (use just rods, as the plunger will fill the whole pipe the rod will push against it)
you might have some success by getting in a jetting mob (technical term, showing full respect for my fellow tradesman!!) who will be able to force the rod back along to your starting point, but be prepared to pay a few hundred quid and get pelters at the same time

 

[Dan909]

If I was to come at it from the other end there is a massive distance to cover....about 40 foot maybe. And with that much pulling and prodding over that distance..tbh...I wouldn't want to risk another snapping.

The rods were supposed to have been the best in the shop but this is the 2nd time they have snapped just under one of the little brass screwey bits (non-technical term, no disrespect meant)

If the "worm" looks like it fell off Abu Hamza's right arm I have one of those...seems like a long shot but got to be worth a try.

I was thinking of the possibility of getting some sort of jet out of the local plant hire place...and having a go myself? Im sure they could provide whatever extensions I need. You think that is viable for a complete novice?

 

[Blackcatgas]

Although I have never used one, or seen one used you can get a drain rod retrival tool which is designed especialy for the circumstance that you now find yourself in.

 

[Dan909]

OK...went over to septic tank and it looks like the last time the council emptied the tank they didn't put the lid/manhole back on.

So from last August the rain has been getting in and instead of a blockage as originally expected the septic tank has filed with rain water and is full.

Council have been rang...will get it emptied then need to get my hands on one of those retrieval tools mentioned above.

Will post a conclusion when I get it sorted...it might help a future poster.

Thanks lads.

 

[Puddle]

could try

If not far in get a short length of 32 mm waste pipe that will fit down man hole and a say 300m shorter length of 40mm,slip longer 32mm inside 40mm,around longer 32mm sticking out pipe end ,rap rope loosely around(with few loose knots if possible but not loose enough to go over 40mm outer pipe,reach down push down drain and thread remaining drain rod through 32mm pipe,once done pull out 32mm pipe keeping 40mm in place,this will transfer coiled rope from 32mm pipe to rod end ,pull tight ,then remove 40mm and then pull rod out with rope

May be better doing after tank emptied

imho

 

[Dan909]

could try

If not far in get a short length of 32 mm waste pipe that will fit down man hole and a say 300m shorter length of 40mm,slip longer 32mm inside 40mm,around longer 32mm sticking out pipe end ,rap rope loosely around(with few loose knots if possible but not loose enough to go over 40mm outer pipe,reach down push down drain and thread remaining drain rod through 32mm pipe,once done pull out 32mm pipe keeping 40mm in place,this will transfer coiled rope from 32mm pipe to rod end ,pull tight ,then remove 40mm and then pull rod out with rope

May be better doing after tank emptied

imho

Christ...sounds like an episode of MacGyver. Appreciate it, though I think this beyond my talents tbh.

Will get it emptied first off all and take it from there.

 

[ecowarm]

Goggles and a snorkel?

 

[stevetheplumber]

in thirty years ive never snapped a rod maybe i dont try hard enough once pit is empty you should be able to rod back especially as theres no blockge
sounds like one of those days

 

[kirkgas]

hopefully its not just me, but dont you get a weird sense of pride(?) when you rod a big full manhole and hear that great sound as it just suddenly "goes", and also when you have someone with you who hasnt seen a choked manhole its like car crash telly for them, they want to be sick but they cant look away

 

[Dan909]

in thirty years ive never snapped a rod maybe i dont try hard enough once pit is empty you should be able to rod back especially as theres no blockge
sounds like one of those days

This is the ones

https://www.heritage-homeandgarden.co.uk/product_info.php?language=en&products_id=20335

Snapped 1st of all maybe 3 years ago...then today was the 1st time the replacements were used...only to snap in the same fashion.

Is Kingfisher a reputable brand or are they cheapy?

 

[Winston]

Cheap I always use Bailey rods and never use the plunger it can compact the blockage, always use the worm or scraper.