Tenants clogging up sink/toilets and being a nice landlord

[Becca F.]

I have had 2 different tenants in different properties clog up the plumbing. SFH#1 that I self manage locally claimed that the garbage disposal wasn't working. The plumber checked and said it was. This was a renovated home with new disposal and appliances. I had to pay $665 for the plumber to unclog the drain. I didn't want to argue with the tenants (they're family members) so I just paid it even though they should have paid it. The lease is very specific about what can't go in the garbage disposal.

More recently SFH#2 in Indiana the main drain line was clogged. The plumber determined that "flushable wipes" and too much toilet paper causes the clog. So it's the tenant's actions that caused it. The lease doesn't specify what specific items shouldn't be flushed. I think the tenant should pay 50% of the repair cost (Total cost $449). My property manager recommended that I pay all of the cost since this tenant is excellent and doesn't complain. Thoughts?

For future leases, I’ll specify “no flushable wipes, no tampons, no sanitary products, no paper towels, no excessive amounts of toilet paper, no other items”.