have tenant use plunger

I guess I've been pretty lucky, today was the first time ever I've had a tenant tell me about a clogged toilet (rather they just texted me a picture of their toilet and I had to guess it was clogged because it looked fine).

Is it reasonable to expect tenants to own a plunger and try using the plunger before I send a plumber out to snake the toilet? Does it matter if the house has a second usable toilet?

--198.135.xxx.xx

have tenant use plunger (by J [FL]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2018 6:36 AM
Message:

I've been buying and leaving a plunger for them to use at move in.

--72.188.xxx.xxx

have tenant use plunger (by SteveInIndiana [IN]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2018 6:39 AM
Message:

I think asking them to use a plunger is very reasonable.

I have a clause in my lease that says I am responsible for keeping the plumbing in working order. I go on to say that if a toilet is clogged due to tenant error (think kids flushing toys/batteries/whatever) then tenant pays the plumber bill.

Just my 2 cents worth. --184.16.xxx.xxx

have tenant use plunger (by TenantWhisperer [MA]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2018 6:59 AM
Message:

Having them plunge to remove the clog they created is a great lesson. It will remain in their memory far far longer than if the LL just shows up and takes care of it.

--73.16.xxx.x

have tenant use plunger (by Jason [VA]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2018 7:03 AM
Message:

That is one line of the lease that I clearly emphasize at lease signing: “we do NOT plunge toilets. YOU are responsible for all plumbing stoppages”. --73.177.xxx.xx

have tenant use plunger (by Steve [MA]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2018 7:10 AM
Message:

Yes it's definitely reasonable to expect a tenant to use a plunger as the first step in clearing a blockage. At move in I put a new plunger in each bathroom. I find the plastic accordion style seem to be the best choice for tenants. --96.237.xx.xx

have tenant use plunger (by RB [MI]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2018 7:31 AM
Message:

Either that or Hedge Clippers. --184.53.x.xxx

have tenant use plunger (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2018 8:20 AM
Message:

There is a correct way to use a toilet plunger. Do you all assume your tenants know how to use a plunger or do you teach them? --68.63.xxx.xxx

have tenant use plunger (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2018 8:47 AM
Message:

Plunger lessons? I wasn't aware it was possible to use a plunger wrong.

I suppose tenants could look it up on utube. --174.216.x.xxx

have tenant use plunger (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2018 9:27 AM
Message:

Oregon,

Some plungers work best for kitchen sink drains and others (with the tapered end) work better with toilets. --68.63.xxx.xxx

have tenant use plunger (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2018 9:32 AM
Message:

My tenants are expected to purchase a plunger and use it. If we get called in, and the clog is due to anything other than line collapse or equipment failure under normal use, they must reimburse us for the plumber's/handyman's bill.

I think this policy is one reason why I haven't been called for a clog in 5+ years. --173.20.xxx.xxx

have tenant use plunger (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2018 10:31 AM
Message:

I think it is very reasonable to expect a tenant to plunge a clogged toilet. Sid,you just jinxed yourself --72.231.xxx.xxx

have tenant use plunger (by myob [GA]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2018 12:07 PM
Message:

Our lease clause says the tenant is responsible for back ups unless caused by roots or line failure.

Yes there are TOY (el Cheapo) plungers and there are the proper expensive type. We pull the sewer cap in front and that usually tells the whole story. When tenant has been there over 30 days and had no previous back ups 99% of the time it's something they put in the toilet. We charge 45.00 first half hour 25.00 every additional hour. If a plumber has to be called it's our fee ON TOP of plumber charge.

Here's one for you novices. DID JA KNOW this? On a tub if you have to plunge it-- the little water stopper lever built into the tub has an air vent under the silver plate. You have to plug it -- usually with a wet rag so when you plunge the air doesn't come out the vent. It's similar to the vent on a sink (which also must be plugged) when using a plunger.

Last several times I've used the 4 inch rubber bladder in the sewer line it has worked perfectly. --99.103.xxx.xxx

have tenant use plunger (by Robert,OntarioCanada [ON]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2018 3:30 PM
Message:

A plumbers grade toilet auger will cost around $40 to 50 dollars which is going to clear clog where a plunger may not. A toilet plumbers grade clears the clog completely instead a partial clearing. A few times down then done. --147.194.xxx.xx

have tenant use plunger (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2018 8:11 PM
Message:

David,

My lease is clear: drain and toilet clogs are the responsibility of the resident. Every resident should have basic housekeeping tools such as broom, dustpan, sweeper, toilet plunger...

We recommemd the accoridan style and YouTube videos.

BRAD --73.102.xxx.xxx

have tenant use plunger (by RR78 [VA]) Posted on: Dec 11, 2018 3:39 PM
Message:

If they call we will send a plumber out.

But all our drains are updated. No cast iron giving the tenant half of the required diameter pipe.

And clear lease tenant is responsible unless a defect in the drain lines.

Funny but it seems they only have to pay for the plumber once. And have him just use a plunger.

Next time the tenant seems to be able to get a plunger and fix it themselves.

--73.152.xx.xxx

have tenant use plunger (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Posted on: Dec 11, 2018 6:52 PM
Message:

For a residential resident, my lease says I am on the hook for the mail line but they are responsible for the individual lines --72.23.xxx.xx

have tenant use plunger (by Sean [OR]) Posted on: Dec 11, 2018 11:42 PM
Message:

I leave plungers in our rentals when new tenants move in. Usually the outgoing tenants take them as souvenirs.

--76.79.xx.xxx

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