What a start to the day!

Slow showers - I explore the drain with a crotchet hook occasionally Especially after a daughter visit.

We have the drain for 4 properties in our garden . We have had blockages in the past that results in our toilet also blocking - my oh has spent many an hour peering down it trying to unblock the blooming thing, even going out and buying an extending rod thing. He has seen disposable incontinence pants, knickers, wet wipes and even colourful aquarium gravel ! Oddly no neighbour ever offers help ! Once it blocked up whilst he was at work and when he came home he opened the drain cover to take a look and his mobile fell in from his shirt pocket ! Gone forever !

I was told that hair removing cream, the evil smelling stuff ,Nair I the ink is good for squirting down showers plugs where people wash their hair or you have very hairy men in the family.

Hope everything is sorted out now Rubylady. I really must read posts more clearly as I thought Merlotgran suggested tying a plastic carrier bag around your head and using it as a mop.

Angela1961, if your sewer is shared, the water company is now responsible, even if it is on your property, you responsibility stops as soon as it joins another sewer. This changed a couple of years ago. No need to DIY, they come out very quickly.

This diagram shows who is responsible (this is from Severn trent, but it is the same for all water authorities)

severntrentwater.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/224/~/who-is-responsible-for-the-sewer%2Fdrain-on-my-property%3F

I had this problem about a year ago. In desperation,I got a wire coat hanger,untwisted it and poked it round the u-bend. Gave it a good shove a few times,then flushed the toilet. The water rose up to the top of the toilet for a few seconds,then there was a huge slurping sound and it went back down and cleared. Phew!

For £2.5, one of these is worth having to hand.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-Metre-Drain-Waste-Pipe-Sink-Cleaner-Rods-Spring-Tool-Unblocker-Plumbers-318707-/281952235067?hash=item41a5a9ae3b:g:wjoAAOSwv9hW11MI

I only had to phone the repairs anyway, as it is a social housing home. But yes, it is sorted now, all is flushing through. I wish I could say the same for my own system, I'm crippled up with wind!

chrissiebee You really made me laugh with that. My hair was like a mop earlier when I did a shop dash with my son. It doesn't matter, I'm invisible in the car!

Thank you everyone, you are all wonderful.