Awkward conversation: Female Insight Needed

[Jared Mann]

I am currently househacking my first duplex, a couple weeks ago I noticed the main sewer line was backing up slightly in the unfinished basement. I attributed it to the heaven rain fall we were getting at the time. This week it happened again with absolutely no rain, so I called a plumber to take a look. The snake cam revealed a blockage and the culprit was...feminine hygiene products. I am a mid-20’s guy and my tenants are 4 girls in college, so there is no ambiguity who caused the blockage. I am not going to take the cost of the plumber from their security deposit, but the main thing is that it does not happen again. Any tips for how to tactfully have that conversation with tenants I see every day?

[Wesley W.]

First of all, this is in my lease:

23. PLUMBING: You shall report all drips and leaks immediately to the Property Manager. You shall never pour cooking grease or other damaging/obstructing objects down toilets, sinks or drains. No products aside from bathroom tissue may be flushed down the toilet. This includes feminine hygiene products and “flushable” wipes. You are liable for all expenses or repairs resulting from the stopping of waste pipes or overflow and spillage from sinks, tubs, toilets, showers, washbasins or containers.

Also, with every new tenant, I give them this sheet with their move-in docs:

IMPORTANT NOTICE - Wipes & Personal Hygiene Products Clog Sewer Lines!

Many household products are labeled and marketed as DISPOSABLE and/or FLUSHABLE; many baby and adult personal hygiene products, along with household wipes and cleaning towelettes are labeled both disposable and flushable. While these products may be marketed as a convenience item in this way, the truth is that these types of items have the ability to clog and stop up not only the sewer line on this property, but also can cause blockage and service problems in the public sewer system and pump stations.

Unlike toilet paper, these products DO NOT break down once they are flushed. They can cause blockages in your building’s sewer, especially older pipelines that may have greases, roots, or other obstructions already existing. An unclogging of the sewer line can result in a very costly sewer repair. Your lease terms prohibit the flushing of these items. If you are using these products and there is a clog at this property, it will become your financial responsibility!

What Can You Do To Help?

The following items should NEVER be flushed into the sewer system:

Disinfecting/surface wipes	Mop or “Swiffer” type refills
Baby/ Adult wipes	Paper towels
Jewelry wipes	Pet care wipes
Cosmetic wipes	First Aid wipes
Disposable diapers or diaper liners	Bio-pads (nursing home, home health care, etc.)
Cotton swabs	Feminine hygiene products
Toilet cleaning pads	ANY Moist type towelettes
ANY CONSUMER ITEM THAT IS NOT TOILET PAPER!

PLEASE - Do not flush the listed items; place them in the trash, not the toilet.