A blocked drain is a common problem, and responsibility for it depends on the type of housing and the cause of the blockage. In a rental apartment, responsibility is shared between the tenant and the landlord, while in a detached house, the resident is responsible for repairs. In apartment buildings, responsibility is determined by whether the drain is specific to the apartment or shared. In this article, we explain who pays for repairs in different situations and who to contact in the event of a blocked drain at home.
What causes a sewer blockage and how to identify it?
Drain blockages are most often caused by grease, hair, foreign objects, or tree roots accumulating in the pipes. Grease accumulates on the walls of the pipe and gradually narrows the passage, while hair and other fibrous materials stick to the grease, forming blockages. In external drains, tree roots can penetrate the joints of the pipes in search of moisture.
It is important to recognize the first signs of a blockage early on. Slow drainage in the sink, shower, or toilet indicates a developing blockage. Gurgling noises from the drain as the water drains away are another warning sign. An unpleasant smell from the drain often occurs when a blockage has already formed and organic matter begins to decompose in the pipes.
Blockages develop slowly over time, which is why early detection is important. A minor blockage can often be cleared with simple home remedies, but a serious blockage requires professional help. If you notice water rising from several drains at the same time, it is likely that the main drain is blocked and requires immediate attention.
Who is responsible for repairing a blocked drain in a rental apartment?
In a rental apartment, responsibility for repairing a blocked drain is shared between the tenant and the landlord, depending on the cause of the problem. The tenant is responsible for the repair if the blockage was caused by their incorrect use or negligence. Such situations include, for example, flushing foreign objects down the toilet or pouring large amounts of grease down the drain.
The landlord, on the other hand, is responsible for repairs in cases of normal wear and tear, structural problems, or faults in the building's drainage system. If the drain pipes are old and worn, or if the blockage is located in a shared drain, the landlord is responsible. The landlord is also responsible for any defects in the design or construction of the building.
The lease agreement usually specifies the responsibilities of the parties in more detail. Finnish housing legislation requires the landlord to keep the apartment and its equipment in a rentable condition. The tenant must use the apartment with care and report any defects they notice to the landlord without delay. In the event of a pipe blockage at home, it is always advisable to first determine the cause of the blockage before deciding who is responsible for the repair.
Who pays for sewer repairs in detached houses and apartment buildings?
In a detached house, the resident is responsible for all sewer repairs, as they own the entire property and its systems. This covers both the internal and external drains of the house up to the connection point. Owners of detached houses should ensure regular maintenance and respond quickly to problems so that minor faults do not develop into major and expensive repairs.
In apartment buildings, the question of responsibility is more complex. The owner of the apartment is usually responsible for the apartment's own drains, while the housing company is responsible for the shared drainage system. The boundary is usually the point where the apartment's drain connects to the building's main drain. If the blockage is in a pipe inside the apartment, the owner pays for the repair. If the blockage is in a vertical drain or other shared pipe, the housing company is responsible for the repair.
The housing company's responsibility also covers drains outside the building and structural defects in the drainage system. Repairs are usually paid for from the fund accumulated from the housing company's maintenance charges. In some cases, the housing company's home insurance may cover sudden and unforeseeable damage. Shareholders should always check the housing company's rules and articles of association for the exact limits of liability.
What to do when the drain is clogged – who to contact?
When a drain becomes blocked, the course of action depends on the living situation. The tenant should contact the landlord or property manager as soon as the blockage is discovered. Do not order repairs yourself without permission, as this may lead to a dispute over who is responsible for the costs. Report the problem in writing and request a quick solution. In an emergency situation where water is threatening to cause damage, you can call an emergency plumber and immediately notify the landlord.
The owner of an apartment in a multi-unit building should contact the building management or property manager. They will assess whether the problem is specific to your apartment or a shared issue. If the blockage is in your apartment, you can call a plumber directly. If you suspect that the problem is in the shared sewer, let the housing association handle it. Housing associations often have agreements with certain maintenance companies, so ask for recommendations before hiring your own plumber.
The owner of a detached house can contact a professional plumber directly. In an emergency, such as a serious pipe blockage at home, you need an on-call plumber quickly. We offer round-the-clock plumbing services and can arrive on site in as little as 15 minutes. An emergency situation is when water is rising from multiple drains, water is threatening to cause structural damage, or normal living is prevented due to a blockage.
In normal cases where water drains slowly but does not rise back up, you can book an appointment during normal working hours. Our professionals will unblock and clean the drain and, if necessary, perform a camera inspection to determine the cause of the blockage. We will work respectfully in your home and make sure that the work site is left clean and tidy. You will receive advice over the phone on the first steps to take to prevent further damage before the professional arrives.