Clogged sink in the rented apartment

A blocked sink is a nuisance that many of us know all too well. Who has to pay for it in Switzerland?

It usually starts gradually: the water drains away more slowly until the drain is finally completely blocked.

In rented apartments in particular, the question quickly arises: who has to pay for the repairs – the tenant or the landlord? In Switzerland, the legal situation is clear, but there are still some special features that need to be taken into account.

In this blog article, we explain in which cases the landlord or tenant is liable for the costs if the sink in a rented apartment is blocked and which clever tips tenants can use to effectively solve minor problems themselves.

Who bears the costs if the sink is blocked? Tenant or landlord?

In rented apartments in particular, the question often arises as to whether the tenant or the landlord should bear the costs of a blocked sink. And it is not uncommon for the lack of clarity about this to lead to unnecessary tensions and misunderstandings between these two parties.

In order to clarify the question of costs, it is therefore essential to know the legal basis. In Switzerland, there are very clear regulations that specify which repairs or maintenance work are to be borne by whom:

Legal regulations in Switzerland

According to the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR) Art. 256, the “landlord is obliged to hand over the property at the agreed time in a condition suitable for the intended use and to maintain it in the same condition”. This means that the landlord is generally responsible for repairs to and in the rented property, as these are already covered by the payment of the rent.

Minor maintenance work, so-called “minor upkeep”, is an exception and must be borne by the tenant. This regulation is set out in the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR) Art. 259 as “The tenant must remedy defects that can be remedied by minor cleaning or repairs required for normal maintenance at his own expense in accordance with local usage” and includes simple repairs and cleaning that can be carried out without specialist knowledge.

The usual, smaller maintenance tasks of a tenant include, among other things:

As a tenant, when do I have to pay for the blocked sink?

As mentioned, minor repairs and maintenance work, such as simply cleaning the siphon, are the responsibility of the tenant.

However, if the blockage was caused by improper use and professional Pipe Cleaning is required as a result, you as the tenant must pay for these costs. In such cases, the tenant may choose the plumbing herself as part of the minor maintenance.

However, if the cause is demonstrably due to a structural defect or if the problem occurs during and shortly after moving in, the landlord is responsible.

IMPORTANT:

If repairs are required in the apartment that the tenant cannot carry out himself, he MUST inform the landlord, the management or the janitor in advance in accordance with Art. 257g CO and request that the defect be rectified.

The tenant may not commission a specialist on his own!

Self-help tips: What can I do as a tenant if the sink is blocked?

The sink doesn’t drain? Don’t worry, you don’t have to panic about it. It is also often not necessary to pick up the phone to consult the landlord or even a specialist out of initial uncertainty. There are some helpful measures that you should take yourself first to clear a blocked sink.

As a tenant, we recommend that you try these 3 + 1 tips if your sink is blocked:

Tip 1: Home remedy as the first choice for blocked sinks

Home remedies are often a simple and inexpensive solution. Examples include a combination of baking soda and vinegar or hot water. These are already extremely effective at removing light blockages and are gentle on the pipes at the same time. With the right household remedies, you can clean your sink drain without directly using expensive chemical cleaners.

Tip 2: Mechanical methods if the sink pipe is blocked

Mechanical methods, such as the use of a suction cup or a cleaning coil, can effectively remove tougher blockages. A suction cup uses negative pressure to loosen the blockage, while a cleaning coil reaches deep-seated deposits.

Tip 3: Chemical methods to loosen a stubborn blockage in the sink

Chemical pipe cleaners are helpful for stubborn blockages, but should be used sparingly and carefully. Commercially available cleaners usually contain sodium hydroxide or sulphuric acid, which break down deposits. Baking soda and vinegar are more environmentally friendly alternatives that are also effective in many cases.

Extra tip: Cleaning the sink overflow

An often overlooked aspect of a blocked drain causing washbasins to overflow is the overflow of the washbasin itself. This is generally treated rather neglected when cleaning. However, it is the overflow that is supposed to prevent water from spilling over the edge of the sink if the drain is blocked. Over time, however, deposits and dirt can accumulate here too. It’s a good thing that a few household remedies have proven their worth when it comes to cleaning the sink overflow.

Therefore, proceed as follows if you want to clean your sink overflow:

STEP 1: Baking soda + vinegar mixture

A combination of baking soda and vinegar is often a reliable solution here. Pour some baking soda into the overflow and add a little vinegar. Leave the mixture to work for a few minutes and then rinse with warm water. This method dissolves deposits and removes odors at the same time.

STEP 2: Use a brush or pipe cleaner

Now use a brush with a long handle or a pipe cleaner to mechanically clean the overflow again to remove any residue. To do this, carefully insert the cleaning tool into the overflow and move it back and forth to remove the last remaining dirt.

By cleaning your Lavabo overflow – ideally on a regular basis – you also prevent your drain from smelling unpleasant and the water always drains optimally.

Clogged sink: what to do if all these tips don't help?

Sometimes the blockages are so stubborn that even the best household remedies and cleaning products do not help. If the desired result is not achieved, you should definitely contact the landlord directly. Only the landlord can make the final decision as to whether to hire a professional specialist such as ITS Kanal Services to resolve the problem quickly and comprehensively.

Signs that a professional should clean the sink drain:

Stubborn blockages:
If the drain is still blocked despite repeated cleaning, your landlord should consult a specialist. A professional service provider has special equipment such as high-pressure flushing systems that reliably locate and remove deep-seated blockages.
Repeated blockages:
If blockages occur repeatedly, there may be an underlying problem in the pipe system that only a professional can fix. Professionals such as the staff at ITS Kanal Services have special camera systems that enable precise diagnosis of the pipe condition and effective methods such as mechanical milling to solve the problem in the long term.
Unpleasant odors:
Strong odors from the drain can indicate a major blockage or defect in the pipe system. These odors are often caused by decomposing organic materials such as grease and food scraps that release foul gases. These gases are not only unpleasant, but can also be harmful to health. A professional inspection and cleaning can determine the cause and effectively remedy why the drain stinks.

Advantages of professional drain pipe cleaning

A professional service provider like us at ITS Kanal Services offers comprehensive solutions for sewer cleaning, pipe cleaning and drain cleaning. In the stubborn case that a sink is blocked and cannot be unblocked even with the most common household remedies, our experts have special equipment and techniques that can clear even the most difficult blockages quickly and efficiently.

If you are in a hurry, you can also use our 24-hour emergency service to get quick and reliable help with acute blockages and pipe damage.

Clogged sink? The professionals from ITS Kanal Services can help

A blocked sink can quickly become a major nuisance. With the above tips and a basic understanding of the responsibilities of tenants and landlords, you can solve many problems with a blocked sink yourself or know when it is absolutely necessary to ask the landlord for professional help.

Our experienced specialists at ITS Kanal Services are on hand to provide advice and assistance to landlords and ensure that drains are quickly cleared again. With more than 650 employees at over 25 locations throughout Switzerland, iTS Kanal Services AG guarantees you a fast and comprehensive service to effectively solve your pipe problems.

This article makes no claim to completeness and the author accepts no liability whatsoever.