Charging for Maintanence

[jmadero]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

My apartment has a reputation of clogged pipes (quite a few complaints on yelp about it). Today we were informed that if they come out more than 3 times to unclog our sink, that the next time they get a plumber and the bill comes to us. Just asking for general input. We go out of our way to not put much down our sink (we're not dropping apples down there or anything ). Not taking a stance or saying it's unfair, just asking for input/advice. Much appreciated as always

 

[FarmerJ]

If its clogged at the J trap its from what ever was put in to sink , BUT if its clogged farther down then it may be poor slope on the pipes , SO do you know if it was just the J trap or was it alot farther down ?

 

[sandyclaus]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

My apartment has a reputation of clogged pipes (quite a few complaints on yelp about it). Today we were informed that if they come out more than 3 times to unclog our sink, that the next time they get a plumber and the bill comes to us. Just asking for general input. We go out of our way to not put much down our sink (we're not dropping apples down there or anything ). Not taking a stance or saying it's unfair, just asking for input/advice. Much appreciated as always

If the cause of the clogs are not a result of negligence or misuse by the tenant, then the tenant shouldn't have to bear the cost of the repairs.

The opposite is also true - if there is something you are doing (such as using too much toilet paper, or putting things down the sink that it can't handle or shouldn't be put down there - such as grease), then you absolutely SHOULD be charged for the continued repairs.

What are YOU doing when you get a clog? You realize that there are many self-help options available that don't require calling out a plumber. Grab yourself some liquid or powdered drain cleaner to use. There are also foaming pipe snake preparations that can be used to keep your drains clear as well. An ounce of prevention would go a long way to help you avoid the cost of an expensive plumbing job.

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

It doesn't take apples. It does take common sense and knowledge. If all that is clogging is the J trap, it is you and you should be charged. I suggest you get a bucket and do it yourself, if that is the problem.

 

[jmadero]

I'm honestly not handy at all around the house (give me tech and I can get the job done ). Honestly not sure where the issue is but what I can say is that I've lived in 2 apartments and 2 houses in the last 8 years and I've never had these kinds of issues before. The biggest thing that I put down the drain is some really finely chopped veggies (small smount, basically cleaning off the cutting board), occasionally a little rice that is left over in the rice cooker. If a plumber comes out should I ask them where the issue is so that I have something to "leverage" with? I do use common sense, most stuff goes in the trash where it belongs, we do have a garbage disposal so for some basic small stuff I use it (again, small amount left over on a cutting board).

They came out and "fixed it" today, but I just started doing dishes and withing 30 seconds I knew that it wasn't fixed, sink is filling up again, quite disgusting. My wife said the guy was here for 10-15 minutes working on it, she didn't really test it out (yes I know...she should have), he ran the water for like 15 seconds and assumed it was fixed. I came home and there was a pot that had water in it (soaking since sink was clogged), I dumped JUST WATER down the drain and it was filling up again.

Basically I guess from my perspective, common sense says that I am not negligent, thanks in advance for previous comments and future comments

 

[FarmerJ]

There are some times other problems too , like when i had the 4 plex the tenant above me(her kitchen above mine ) had used the finger disposal method to get rid of un wanted spaghetti & sauce w meat. I noticed it comming up in my tub then my kitchen sink and went upstairs , When I asked M what she just put down the drain she lied `nothing` I told her what was coming up in my apt and she was the only tenant I had mistakenly kept when i first bought the building so I rented a drill auger and got the line clear. more than likley its possible the slope was bad somewhere in wall or in the crawl space so its possible that anything beyond the J trap like it or not the LL is gonna have to pay SO if you buy them screen filters to catch hair & food particles and use it and you still get a clog Id say to try and be there when its being unclogged then and LL trys to make u pay and they had to run a auger the farther they have to go the better it is for you because then you can argue that its got to be bad pitch or some other prob.