Generally, it is the responsibility of the landlord to maintain the property and keep everything in working order, which includes the plumbing system. This means that they should take care of clogs that are caused by the following: Waste build-up. Pipes can accumulate waste materials that lead to blockages over time.
Items like cotton swabs, hair, paper towels, and toys should never be flushed down the toilet, but unfortunately, such misuse can lead to clogs. If the clog is a direct result of the tenant's actions, such as flushing inappropriate items, the responsibility to fix it typically falls on the tenant.
At the tenanted property, the landlord is responsible for clearing blocked: Sewers. Drains.
Generally speaking, it's the landlord's responsibility to ensure the maintenance of his property's plumbing system, and that includes a choked-up drain. However, it's a different story when the tenant caused the blocked drain. His negligence will make him responsible for the costly repairs.
Landlord Responsibilities: In most cases, landlords are responsible for maintaining the plumbing system and addressing issues that affect the habitability of the rental unit, such as leaks, clogs, or broken fixtures. They are usually required to ensure that plumbing complies with health and safety standards.
Sewage backup or flooding requires immediate response. Lack of heating or cooling, cutoff of potable water, and some lock issues require response within three days. In your situation, the lack of a functioning toilet warrants a response and repair no later than 3 days.
Generally speaking, you're usually responsible for drains inside the boundaries of your property, while the sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains, which are usually outside of property boundaries, and sewers. Although most sewers are now publicly owned, there are still some private or unadopted sewers.
Most home insurance policies do not cover sewer line backups and clogged pipes. If your toilet or sewage system overflows and causes water damage, you will be responsible for the repair costs.
If the toilet is blocked and the signs of the blockage are evident or worsening, it's time to call in the Drain Doctor toilet unblocking service team. Our team of blocked toilet specialists are experts in plumbing and will have the tools at hand to give you advice and provide solutions quickly.
Costs Associated With Unclogging A Toilet
Toilet unclogging projects can range anywhere from $85-$600, depending upon the overall extent of the clog. Basic cleanouts will only cost around $80-$150, but serious clogs may require more sophisticated drain cleaning technology that increases the average costs to $150-$300.
A clogged toilet can certainly qualify as a plumbing emergency, especially if it's causing a backup or overflow that risks damaging your floors or walls. If left unattended, a clogged toilet can lead to more serious issues like sewage backup, making it crucial to address the problem quickly to avoid costly repairs.
Baking soda
Pour the vinegar and water mix into the toilet bowl and close the lid. When this combines with the baking soda it should start a chemical reaction that will generate a lot of foam. Allow the mix to work for 30 minutes then flush the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared.
If your toilet won't flush, don't panic. There are a few things you can try to fix the problem yourself. However, if you can't fix the problem yourself or don't know what to do, call a plumber.
If this isn't the first time your toilet (or toilets) experienced a clog, calling a plumber is your best bet. That doesn't automatically indicate a blocked main sewer. However, a stoppage has likely occurred in your toilet drain pipes.
Blocked toilets and clogged sewer lines are common, and we shouldn't be embarrassed to call a plumber to sort the mess out.
If your plunger can't break up the clog, it's unlikely that baking soda and dish soap are going to work. If, after five or so minutes, the plunger isn't working, it's time to call a plumber.
Landlord's Responsibilities
If a blocked drain is caused by structural issues, natural wear and tear, or problems existing before you moved in, it's typically the landlord's responsibility to get it fixed.
One of the strongest substances for unclogging a toilet is a commercial drain cleaner specifically designed for toilet clogs. These cleaners typically contain powerful chemicals that dissolve organic matter and stubborn blockages.
However, when it comes to problems caused by plumbing malfunctions (like stopped up toilets or clogged sinks), the landlord is the one responsible for paying the fees.
Call a Professional Plumber for Toilet Issues
Attempting to fix a clogged toilet on your own can cause more harm than good and lead to more expensive repairs down the line. Additionally, a licensed plumber's work is backed by warranties and guarantees, so you can trust that the issue is fully resolved.
Buildings insurance is designed to help protect you against sudden, unforeseen events like burst pipes. So if your toilet suddenly backfills or your pipes burst due to freezing temperatures, your buildings insurance should cover you for the damage the water causes to your building.
Clogged Plumbing
A clogged sink or toilet is not an emergency. However, it is a maintenance emergency if the whole plumbing system is clogged.
Cost Factors of Cleaning and Unclogging Drains
The overall cost of drain unclogging will depend on the blockage type, for instance, a small blockage in a toilet or sink is normally only priced at around £50 to £70. However, a more extensive blockage deep in your drains could end up costing you around £150 to £200.
Sewer laterals are the underground pipes that connect your home wastewater to the main sewer line in the street. Homeowners are responsible for their sewer laterals, while problems with the public sewer main line are managed by the city or municipality.
Who is Responsible for the Water Line From the Street to Your House? Water service lines within the bounds of your property are considered your personal responsibility to maintain, while public water pipes outside of private property lines are the city's responsibility.