As stated in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, If a drain becomes blocked through tenant misuse, then the tenant is liable for the cost of repairs. If our contractors find that a blockage is caused by your lifestyle choices then you will need to pay for the repair.
Around 7 out of 10 blockages are tenant lifestyle related so here's things that can help prevent this issue from happening.
- Pour all cooled cooking fats, oils, and grease into an old milk carton, can or container with a lid & dispose of it in the trash.
- Wipe down greasy pots, pans or dishes with a disposable cloth before washing, then dispose of cloth or towel in the garbage. Liquid oils and grease will solidify and clog pipes, causing blocked drains.
- Keep cold water running when using garbage disposal. Do not use warm water and soap to wash grease down the drain.
- Don’t overload the garbage disposal.
- Don’t put fibrous or stringy food into the disposal. This includes onion skins, banana peels, celery, corn husks or artichokes.
- Don’t put starchy foods down the drain; no potato peels or rice.
- Keep bottle caps, coins, and other small items out of the drain
- Use mesh screens or a tub stopper with screen to keep hair out of the drain
- Use sink strainer for kitchen, bathroom sinks, and the bathtub
- Don't let hair wash down the shower/bath drains, place it in a bin before leaving.
- Don't flush women products, wet wipes, nappies, tissues or anything except toilet paper down the toilet.
Minor blockages can usually be resolved simply using a home remedy and without having to involve us. Should the issue continue to occur, however, then this could be indicative of a larger, more sinister issue in the drainage system. This, as well as any major blockages in an exterior drainpipe, will be the landlord’s responsibility to clear and repair.
Reminder You May Be Charged - 1. Please make sure you attend. Where our contractor has arranged a time with you to attend and you postpone, cancel, don't show up or where it is your fault for the appointment not proceeding you will be responsible for paying the call out charge for the contractor and potentially any restocking fee for parts. 2. Where the fault, issue or damage, is put down to your or other tenants, permitted occupiers, or guests actions, you will be responsible for paying for the repair. These terms are already part of your Tenancy Agreement.