Whose responsibility is it to fix our clogged bathtub drain? Ours or the landlord's?

Question

Our tub drain is badly clogged. We have no problem buying some Drain-O but need to know if we should be reimbursed for it. Or is that my problem because it's our hair, etc? I know Drain-O is not horribly expensive, but the point is wanting to know who's job it is to get it fixed.
(Does anybody have any good drain unclogging ticks if Drain-O doesn't work? Or just a better way regardless?)
Thanks!

Answer 1

The landlord can do it, but they can also charge you for it. They usually won't, but that may depend on the circumstances and how often you call.

They will NOT reimburse you for anything unless they ask you to do it that way.

The drain is your problem.

Hair usually sticks to the piece of metal that you see when you look in the drain. If you can get hold of the hair right there, it will often pull right out of the drain. It will look like a wet, dead mouse when it comes out, but this method is WAY cheaper and faster than any drain cleaning liquids.

As an apartment maintenance supervisor, it was always my preferance to pull the clog out rather than wash it further into the drain system. Your landlord may appreciate the same consideration.

Good luck with your clog!

John G

Answer 2

"fix a clogged bathtub drain? Tenant or the landlord's" Tenant's. And if the landlord has to do it, he can charge the tenant. "I tried using Draino " Draino doesn't work well on hair, no matter what they tell you. "I believe the clog could have been prevented if the tenants cleaned the hair from the shower after each use" You are absolutely right. Tenant's have the responsibility of maintaining the premises in good working order. They are not responsible for NORMAL "wear and tear", but they are responsible for negligently or abusively causing damages. This includes damage caused by not keeping a clean apartment. Carpets are supposed to be cleaned as often as you would a hard floor, ie daily. So a worn carpet from failing to vacuum the dirt is every bit the tenant's responsibility as burning a hole in it with a cigarette ash.

Answer 3

It's up to YOU to clean out your own drain. Drain-O only gums it more. After you dig out all the hair then use a full bottle of Liquid Plumber and close up the drain for overnight and in the morning pour very hot water in the drain and that should push the gunk further down the line.
I use a hairpin on a string (so I don't lose it down the drain) and the hook hooks onto the hair and brings it up.
Otherwise you'd have to keep calling the plumber and that gets costly because he may have to snake the drain. Of course the plumber would be the maintenance person there so your rent will go up. They don't mind helping if you pay the bill one way or another.

Answer 4

Bathtub drains usually get clogged because of hair. As a tenant it is your responsibility to clear it. I've found the best to be Liquid Plumber in the grey bottle. Follow the directions carefully.

Answer 5

What does your lease say about maintenance? Sometimes the tenant is responsible for all minor and routine maintenance.

In the case of a drain, get the Draino. If it works, fine. If you still have a problem, call the landlord.

Don't complicate things. Do the minor things yourself. It will get done faster and you won't have maintenace tracking in and out.

Answer 6

It is the landlord's responsibility. Do NOT put anything down your drain. If something happens to the drain (even because of preexisting problems with the drain), you can be blamed for it because you put stuff in the drain. if the landlord says to go ahead and use the Drain-O, get it in writing and have him/her sign it.

Answer 7

You need to take care of basic household maintainance yourself.

You allowed things to go down the drain, you need to take care of it. The landlord will bill your deposit supplies and time.

Personally I would not even show up, but I have never had a tenant call over something this minor.

Answer 8

It is the landlord's responsibility to fix your clogged
bathtub drain.

Answer 9

buy a drain snake, there only about $12-$15 and can be reused 100's of times.

http://www.shop.com/25_Ft_Snake_%28Drain_Unclogger%29_Tools-42167205-p!.shtml

http://www.hometips.com/home_probsolver/hps04/01_drains/hps_drain04.html

Answer 10

The landlord's but I usually do it so I don't get too embarrassed.