Intermittent slow draining toilet

[Mike Renwick]

My downstairs toilet has suddenly started draining slowly (it's been fine since we moved in 3 years ago). It now take about half a minute to empty the bowl, and doesn't cope well with solid waste/toilet paper. At first I thought it was a blockage, as it seems to clear it after a good plunging. However, I come back to it some time later and it's back to draining slowly? This has been going on for weeks. It's the fact that it's so intermittent that's confusing me. Even without use it will go back to draining slowly...?
Tried plunging (various types), drain snake (useless), drain cleaner (no effect).
Any ideas?

 

[Harvest Fields]

Blockage somewhere. Have you lifted the manhole cover outside and had a look see?

 

[Mike Renwick]

I haven't managed to get the cover off. The screws are jammed in on one side... Not sure I'd know what to do if i could get it off? Sounds like that may be the next stage though?

Thanks

 

[Harvest Fields]

I would say so.

 

[Riley]

Get a jetter company out. Sounds like a blockage further down

 

[Harvest Fields]

Get a jetter company out. Sounds like a blockage further down

Don’t need a jetter. Some decent rods will fix that .

 

[WC1]

Don’t need a jetter. Some decent rods will fix that .

Should do, even if it doesn't it's character building!

 

[Burger]

Don’t need a jetter. Some decent rods will fix that .

Depends on blockage. Tree roots - no chance, Wipes - optimistic, fat/grease - will take some doing.

 

[Welder]

Depends on blockage. Tree roots - no chance, Wipes - optimistic, fat/grease - will take some doing.

Never a single puking emoji when you want TWO at least

 

[Best]

Never a single puking emoji when you want TWO at least

 

[Mike Renwick]

Thanks for the input. I reckon if I can get the cover off this weekend and can't see anything I'll get Dynorod to flush it...

 

[WC1]

If you can't see anything then lift the next lid. Get a recommended local guy once you've had a good look. Recommend not to use dyno rod.

 

[HoodedClaw]

I always get the customer to have a look at what blocked it - only one has thrown up All stopped throwing baby/toilet wipes down it.

 

[HoodedClaw]

Just had a thought, reminds my of a broken AAV/Durgo. Does it have an external stack or internal vent?

 

[Mike Renwick]

Sorry not sure what that means? However, I managed to get the cover off and found the problem. Looks like several drains running into one which is blocked somewhere - "toilet paper soup". At least I know it's not a problem between the toilet and there!
I might have a go at unblocking with a 6ft "drain snake" I bought for the loo (but found it was too big to get round the bend). Other than that I'm not sure even who to call. I have drain cover through BG but I think that only covers the house bounderies. This looks like it could be further down the pipes :-( (?Yorkshire water)