Arthur bought Gladys a bottle of whisky. He cleaned his mother-in-law’s knitting needle. And he learned the true moral of the story: Don’t push the problem down. Clear it from the bottom. And if all else fails, find an old lady who knows where the real blockage is.
She didn't use a hose. She didn't use a coat hanger. She put her ear to the pipe, then went to the bottom where the pipe turned into the underground drain. how to clear blocked downpipes
Arthur had two choices: call a plumber (who charged £300 just to look at a pipe) or watch his house dissolve into a puddle. He chose a third, stupider option: Arthur bought Gladys a bottle of whisky
"Arthur," she said, "you’ve been pushing the blockage down . It’s now wedged in the bend like a cork in a wine bottle." Clear it from the bottom