If you are a renter, you probably appreciate that the landlord shoulders most of the burden of home maintenance. However, every lease is different, and you could be liable for more than you realize. The key to protecting yourself is prevention. Here are two common plumbing issues caused by renters and how to prevent them.
Clogs Caused by Hygiene Products
Some individuals have the impression that it’s ok to flush hygiene products (particularly tampons) down the toilet. This is not the wisest decision in any home. In older rentals, it is particularly inadvisable. Even if the landlord calls a plumber, he or she can legally hold the renter responsible if the clog discovered is hygiene products (or any other foreign object flushed by the tenant.) Here are just a few hygiene products you should never flush down the toilet:
- Tampons
- Pads and liners
- Diapers
- Wipes (don’t flush flushable wipes in an older home)
- Copious amounts of toilet paper in one sitting
Clogs Caused by Hair
Another potential type of clog that landlords will typically list as tenant responsibility is hair clogs. Luckily, this is an easily preventable fix. For shower or sink clogs, use a drain cover to prevent hair from going inside the drain and creating a clog. Simple snaking tools can pull hair out of a drain easily, as do wire hangers in a pinch. With permission from the landlord, try using basic drain cleaning chemicals to break down the clog if it’s too deep to reach.
Simple Toilet Clogs
Toilet clogs are usually caused by a combination of human waste and toilet paper. Invest in a good plunger to keep around. Before plunging a clog, start by adding some almost-hot water to the toilet. Create a good seal and plunge until the toilet flushes. If you or a child in the household flushes a foreign object down the toilet, the landlord may hold the tenant accountable for the repair.
If you are in need of plumbing services in Houston, contact Mr. Rooter today! We are happy to use our experience to solve the problem efficiently and quickly.
