[Rene21]

Hello,

I live on the basement floor of an apartment building and when my toilet backed up, the landlord called a plumber. The plumber had to use a 25 foot auger to pull out the blockage, and the management company is billing me $368.00 for the plumbing bill.

My question is: Can they be sure that the blockage came from my apartment, and not from someone else in the building?

The blockage was a Kotex, which I don't use, and I don't think any of my visitors have used either.

[massplumber2008]

I certainly think you have an argument to present here. The fact is that they cannot prove in any manner that the kotex is yours. Here, you being the lowest drain in the building would make it so any blockage in the main drain would show up at your apartment. I think they are attempting to get some money here IF YOU 'LL PAY IT... figure they have nothing to lose by trying, but if you argue it, I bet they'll drop the whole thing!

In fact, if the pipes overflowed waste into your apartment you may be able to sue them to have the place cleaned/disinfected as that should really be their responsibility, too! So, gently bring this up, if they get nasty, right?

In my opinion, if this continues to be an issue (backs up again) then you want to have the property owners have the drain line videoed and see if the pipe is broken or collapsing, etc... in this way, the whole issue would be on them without question.

Glad to discuss more if you want... :)

Mark

[Rene21]

Thanks Mark! I really appreciate your quick response!

I'm actually moving out at the end of the month, so luckily I won't need to worry about the plumbing here anymore!

I obviously don't know much about plumbing, so my biggest concern was whether 25 feet was long enough for the blockage to be in the main drain or not. I also think $370 is a bit pricey for something I don't think I'm responsible for...

Thanks again for your help, really do appreciate it!

[massplumber2008]

Pop back anytime!