Got an emergency call last week that one of the units toilet wouldn't flush and was backing up into the shower. My plumber went and discovered tush wipes sitting ON the toilet tank while trying to test the toilet. He proceeded to the other apartments to test their toilets and discovered tush wipes in one other apartment. Both sets of wipes were sitting ON the toilet tank. Both tenants claim they 100% have never flushed such wipes.

Investigating further, we opened the septic tank and discovered it was jam packed with tush wipes, backing up the line into the basement.

We had to have the tank pumped out because if these wipes make their way into the leech field they will create havoc. My question is, what do I do now? Can I split the cost of the plumber and tank repair on both tenants, as they both clearly were using the wipes and it's very hard for me to believe they were NOT flushing them.

I have a lease addendum that are house rules, specific to the property. The second paragraph is below. Tenants are required to initial next to each paragraph that they've read and understand the rules. I also have a separate septic tank rider that specifically calls out nothing except toilet paper and enzymes can go into the tank.

PLUMBING FIXTURES

The bathrooms, toilets and kitchen plumbing fixtures shall only be used for the purpose for which they were designed or built; sweepings. rubbish bags. acids. sanitary napkins, baby wipes, paper towels. should all be disposed of in regular waste receptacles. DO NOT dispose of flushable wipes of any kind into the toilets or drains. These items are not permitted to biodegrade in traditional septic systems. Plumbing pipes are sensitive and must be checked regularly by scheduled plumbing professional. DO NOT pour drain-o or other chemical drain de-clogging agent into any drain. TENANT will be responsible for any repair costs that occur due to failure to follow these rules. See maintenance/repairs below for additional information.

Cory Melious

Upstate New York, New York

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