how do you manage plumbing clean out costs?

Question

I have new tenants who moved into my SF rental in Riverside County, CA October 8th. In less than 2 weeks they managed to back up the plumbing on a Saturday and I have a bill to snake out & clear the line for almost $500. I had a new main line put in 3 years ago and the bill states that the clog was near the bathrooms and the cleanout to the mainline to the street did not remove any debris or roots (there is a city tree in front that can't be removed). I have not had a chance to speak to my property manager about this yet. He seemed to imply we can tell if it is the tenants fault, but I am stuck with the bill as of now. I have had that problem with tenants before and wonder if anyone can share how they minimize these costs?

Lilith M Haas · Answer

Thank you that's a good idea. I should suggest this to the property manager.

Anthony Ybarra · Answer

@Lilith M Haas

I would have your plumber camera the line too and see if there is anything that can cause issues, it only cost me $200 bucks to check my lines to make sure there were no issues, we had serious issues with ours and replaced the lines and added clean outs, had them recheck after a year for piece of mind and was all good, no issues for 2 years now but we have in our lease no lady products or wet wipes down the toilet, and if there was a clog and these items were found that the tenants would be responsible for the bill.

Lilith M Haas · Answer

Thank you for your reply. They took occupancy immediately after the previous owners the day after the walk through as they were acquainted with them and applied to my management company. They are currently on a monthly basis so the terms can be adjusted with 30 day notice. They lived there for over 2 weeks before the back up and they were provided with a move in inspection form to be filled out within 7 days to note if there was a problem when they took possession. I think I will take your advice and talk to the plumber too, then ask my manager if the terms of the tenant responsibilities need to be altered to be more specific regarding plumbing. It currently says: "You promise to keep the premises in a neat and sanitary condition and to immediately reimburse the landlord for any sums necessary to repair any item, fixture, or appurtenance that needed service due to your, or your invitee, misuse or negligence. You shall be responsible for the cleaning or repair of any plumbing fixture where a stoppage has occurred."

Scott M. · Answer

You say these are new tenants.  Did you have everything snaked before they moved in?  If not, you don't know 100% that they are 100% responsible.  Also, what does your lease say?  Also, what was pulled back?  You said it wasn't roots or any debris so what was it?

If things are going down the drain that should not be going down your drain your lease should address this and simply follow that.  So, need to know what was pulled back or the cause of the backup before any decisions can be made.

But, if they are putting things down that don't go down you should tell them you got this one, the rest will be on them, give them a warning, get a report from the plumber that says exactly what it was and that is is cleaned out now so you know the next time if the same stuff gets in its theirs.