Plumber charging £225 for blocked toilet

Poorkidtoday

we told our landlord the toilet was blocked so he called a plumber who is charging £225. There was a large lump of toilet roll stuck in the toilet and excrement.

We have received another quote of £150 + VAT.

Are we liable to pay the whole £225?

We didn’t choose the plumber nor did our landlord try to minimise costs by obtaining 3 quotes which is recommended.

we also don’t have £225 to pay this

Any help is appreciated

Thanks

sheenas

The landlord is generally responsible for paying for a blocked toilet if it results from wear and tear, age, or structural issues. However, if the blockage is caused by tenant such as flushing wet wipes, sanitary items, or excessive paper—the tenant is typically liable for the cost.

I would discuss with your landlord a solution for payment.

penners324

Sounds like it is payable.

user1977

3 meaningful quotes would probably mean waiting in for 3 different plumbers to come round, while your toilet remains blocked. If you're fussy about the costs why did you not arrange it yourself (or put your rubber gloves on)?

mills112

you would be responsible as you caused the blockage. depending where you are, but £150 doesn't sound that much to be honest.

sheramber

Are you saying you have subsequently obtained a quote from another plumber for £150 , after the job had been done by the plumber sent by the landlord?

anselld

Get these two for next time …

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drain-Rod-Universal-standard-Type/dp/B079NJ47B8/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Horobin-100mm-Rubber-Plunger-Attachment/dp/B0055CKYOK/

…. a one minute job, rubber gloves optional.

p00hsticks

Assuming this was classed as an emergency, that's about how much my mother was charged to unblock a toilet the same day….

theartfullodger

(I'm a landlord since 2000…) - unless tenant called plumber then the landlord pays. Landlord may then wish to politely ask tenant to pay - or indeed evict them (sorry to be blunt but that's reality. No I've never done that. ).

My approach to repairs was always get them fixed quickly, I tended to drop rent a bit (say £25/month) to take the sting off.

It is always in the landlords's interest to get things fixed fast. Amazing how many daft landlords don't realise this.

Which country? The laws vary

Is this council, housing association or private landlord please?

FreeBear

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81961200#Comment_81961200

A single drain rod isn't worth having. You need multiple rods and attachments - The worm head being the most useful. A 4" brush is handy, but the plunger is probably best consigned to the bin. One thing to remember, is they won't go round a U-bend, so you either need a rodding eye or an manhole cover that can be lifted.

For blockages close to a toilet pan, a stout drain snake is likely to be more useful.

anselld

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81961292#Comment_81961292

On the contrary, 90% of blockages are as the OP described, someone has just stuffed down too much bog paper down in one hit. All that is needed is a couple of pushes with the plunger and it has gone. I would not be recommending someone inexperienced be using multiple rods and fittings, too risky. Simple pan blockages will go with a quick plunge.