Drain Blockage in Rented House

[bigbadostric]

The drain in our main bathroom is blocking up while we have showers casuing us to be standing in water up to our ankles. Generally I am using Mr Muscle drain unblocker and leaving it in overnight to clear this. It does the job temporarily, but the drain rarely stays clear for longer than 6 weeks. It's three lads that are in the house so it's not an issue of our hair clogging the drain, however we have only lived here 4 months so the previous tenants could have been girls, and there may be a blockage left over from them.

Is there a product anyone could recommend from a hardware store that would do a stronger job without any risk of damaging the plumbing or water tanks? Reluctant to use anything too strong as it's a rented house, but also don't want to call the landlord to arrange a plumber unless absolutely necessary.

 

[bren1916]

Most likely hair etc in the u-bend causing the problem.
Is there access to the u-bend under the bath and is there a local valve on the piping to knock the water off to the bath?
If so - any handyman could sort it in a few minutes without having to knock all the water off..

 

[bigbadostric]

Bren,

Not that I can see - no way to unscrew plughole to get to the U bend as far as I can see. No idea about a local valve on the piping, am a bit useless with these sort of isses! What would I look for?

Thanks

 

[andy]

had the same problem in my place go at it with a good plunger and it should clear up

 

[bren1916]

You could try plunger first to see if it works.
You access the u-bend from under the tap end of the bath.
If you're unsure about pipework and valves - I'd recommend getting a mate who's a bit handy to have a look for you.

 

[bigbadostric]

I know where the U bend is alright, just not sure how to remove the grille above the plughole as there doesn't appear to be screws to remove with it.

Can I plunge while the grille is still over the hole?