When the Fence is in the Way and the Apprentice Doesn’t Know It’s a Septic Tank
This one’s a little messier than most — in every sense.
Rich was called out to follow up on an emergency job where one of our Plumbpups had been sent to assess a blocked drain sewerage issue at a commercial site.
He meant well… but quoted to bring the van and jetter around the back — completely unaware there was a giant fence in the way, and that access would involve a 5–10 minute walk around the block.
💬 “Blockages usually take a dozen trips to the van and back — this would’ve been a nightmare.”
Needless to say — Rich wasn’t particularly impressed. 😂
🔎 Step 1: Quick Site Assessment
Rich arrives and starts piecing it together:
• Above-ground pipework visible — traces what’s feeding what
• Spots a rock that seems a little out of place… sure enough, it’s covering the septic tank access lid
• Lifts the lid and sees what no one wants to see:
Backed-up sewerage in the inspection square
🪠 Step 2: Improvised Fix
Without the jetter (thanks, fence), Rich grabs a length of spare waste pipe lying nearby and gives the system a few plunges.
• The blockage clears — likely wet wipes (and a few mystery items)
• Classic moment of the day:
“Oh, there’s your lunch — a little bit of sweet corn!” 🌽
🚽 Step 3: Test & Recommendation
To finish off:
• Rich flushes the customer’s toilet to confirm the flow
• Water passes through cleanly — job temporarily sorted
• Recommends a jetter clean-out in the near future to ensure the system stays clear
💬 “Not ideal, but we made it work. And we’ll come back with the right gear to finish the job properly.”