Garage flooding - thoughts?

[joemcrae]

Hi everyone I just registered to get some advice.

I started renting a bungalow in August and noticed that there was a really damp smell in the bathrooms and in the garage, where all the drains lead out to. Twice since I moved in the garage has flooded with an absolutely almighty smell which lingers for a few days. It's usually after a lot of water has been used ie/ the shower and the washing machine both at the same time.

I've told the landlord both times who has come and done something like unblock the drains which then causes the water to drain away. However, theres nothing to stop it happening again and a few times ive noticed the drain almost full to the brim and about to flood again.

The landlord's told me that this can't be fixed but obviously I can't have flooding every month or so as I want to be able to put stuff in the garage.

Any thoughts? What does it sound like is happening and would it be able to be fixed? The drain is actually on the property so as far as I'm aware it is the owner's responsibility to fix it.

Shortened version - outside drain in garage overflows. Landlord says live with it, I just want it fixed so it doesn't happen again. what do i do?

 

[Burnerman]

In short, there is a blockage between your garage inspection chamber and the main street sewer.
The blockage may be clearable by professional pressure jetting, but if there are tree roots etc in the pipe, then things are much more difficult.
Either way, its not acceptable for foul water to escape into any property or come to the surface.
John

 

[joemcrae]

Thanks thats really helpful

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Might also be worth a chat with Environmental Health at the local Council, if there is an issue with foul water backing up and entering areas it shouldn't they might be interested as it could affect the property being habitable.....

 

[Agile]

A proper 100 mm drain should be able to manage at least 100 litres per minute.

You could try to test yours by discharging a bath and seeing how long the volume of the bath takes to empty.

Then add in as much flow as you can get from the mains water.

Regardless get some old pallets and store your things on them just in case.

But you should be able to manage what water you are discharging so you don't overload the drain?

Tony