Rented flat - who should pay for the plumber?

rainbow_carnage

We've lived in the same privately-rented flat for seven years. The landlord is a pretty decent guy. We don't bother him too much, and he leaves us alone.

Our kitchen sink has stopped draining. We tried a plunger and various chemicals, but it's more serious than that. We've taken apart the trap pipe under the sink and tried to get rid of the blockage with a plumbing snake that we got from a diy shop. It's still blocked. Time to get a professional plumber involved.

My question is, are we responsible for the plumbing bill, or is the landlord? This is the first time we've needed a plumber in the seven years. I don't think we've done anything specific to cause the blockage. We're veggie, so it's not like we're pouring animal fat down the drain. But I'm sure stuff builds up in there over time.

So, who should pay to sort it out? I don't want to get into an argument with the landlord, but we really can't afford to pay the bill ourselves, since he's just put up the rent.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

poppysarah

7 years and it's blocked... looks like something you've poured down OR something seriously wrong with it along the line.

If you've tried everything you can give your landlord a ring.

Are all your other drains working fine - can you see where the pipe goes outside? Does it drain into something else?

Milliewilly

Put a washing up bowl under the u bend and undo it - see whats in there?

moromir

Really it depends on the cause, which you're only going to find out by asking the plumber to come and look. It is my understanding that the Landlord should pay for this and then approach you to settle the invoice if necessary.

Simply, I understand that if the problem is due to something you have caused (ie not scraping your plates well enough before rinsing them, causing a build up of debris in the pipe) then you would be liable for the invoice. (Unless you'd just moved in, but 7 years it is reasonable to assume the build up is yours, if that is the problem)

If there is something physically wrong with the installation, ie the pipe has collapsed or a joint has perished then the Landlord is responsible.

I know I haven't used the correct terms but I'm sure someone will be along with the correct terminology shortly.

terryw

Surely it is only common-sense to inform your landlord before you call out a plumber?

Fire_Fox

rainbow_carnage wrote: »

We've lived in the same privately-rented flat for seven years. The landlord is a pretty decent guy. We don't bother him too much, and he leaves us alone.

Our kitchen sink has stopped draining. We tried a plunger and various chemicals, but it's more serious than that. We've taken apart the trap pipe under the sink and tried to get rid of the blockage with a plumbing snake that we got from a diy shop. It's still blocked. Time to get a professional plumber involved.

My question is, are we responsible for the plumbing bill, or is the landlord? This is the first time we've needed a plumber in the seven years. I don't think we've done anything specific to cause the blockage. We're veggie, so it's not like we're pouring animal fat down the drain. But I'm sure stuff builds up in there over time.

So, who should pay to sort it out? I don't want to get into an argument with the landlord, but we really can't afford to pay the bill ourselves, since he's just put up the rent.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Have you checked that there is not a blockage outside, looked in any storm drains or under manhole covers? As moromir says, you will be liable for the bill there is a food blockage, the landlord if there is a fault with the plumbing itself. Stuff does build up over time, which is why you should be using drain unblocker regularly - say once a year. I had great success with an organic blockage (hair and black gunge) using an enzyme-based drain cleaner left overnight.

I am confused as to why you think there will be an argument - you say the landlord is decent and it takes two to have a barney?? Report this to your landlord in writing (letter or e-mail), explaining to him that you have tried drain unblocker, a plunger and emptying the trap, then off to be home at reasonable times for a plumber to visit.

lizzielondon

ooo firefox can you remember what it was called? i noticed this morning that one of my sinks is draining slowly
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