If you’ve ever received a frantic call about a backed-up toilet or sewage backup in your rental unit, you know how expensive—and avoidable—these plumbing disasters can be. Many landlords and property managers struggle with tenants who flush inappropriate items down drains or toilets, unaware (or unconcerned) of the damage they cause. That’s where a clear, respectful letter to tenant to not throw stuff in the plumbing comes in. This guide gives you everything you need: a ready-to-use template, legal best practices, and actionable steps to protect your property—and your wallet.
Why Do Tenants Clog Plumbing? (And Why It Matters)
Tenants often don’t realize that “flushable” doesn’t always mean safe for plumbing. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), over 75% of plumbing emergencies in rentals stem from improper disposal habits—like flushing wipes, paper towels, cooking grease, or feminine hygiene products.
Even “biodegradable” wipes can take weeks to break down, while grease solidifies in pipes, creating stubborn blockages known as fatbergs (yes, that’s a real term!). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that grease-related clogs cost U.S. municipalities over $25 billion annually in maintenance and repairs.
💡 Expert Insight: “Most plumbing issues aren’t caused by old pipes—they’re caused by what people put in them,” says Maria Lopez, a licensed plumber with 18 years of experience in multifamily housing.
What Should You Include in Your Letter?
A strong letter to tenant to not throw stuff in the plumbing isn’t just a warning—it’s an educational tool. Here’s what to cover:
1. Clear Statement of the Issue
Start by describing the problem factually:
“On [date], a severe blockage occurred in Unit 3B due to non-flushable items being disposed of in the toilet.”
Avoid blame; focus on shared responsibility.
2. List of Prohibited Items
Be specific. Don’t just say “don’t flush trash.” Instead, provide a do-not-flush list:
✅ Safe to Flush: Human waste and toilet paper only
❌ Never Flush:
- Baby wipes (even “flushable” ones)
- Paper towels or tissues
- Feminine hygiene products
- Dental floss, cotton swabs, or diapers
- Cooking oil, grease, or food scraps
- Medications or chemicals
For more on what breaks down (and what doesn’t), see this overview on sewer systems.
3. Consequences of Misuse
Explain potential outcomes—not to threaten, but to inform:
- Costly emergency plumbing calls ($150–$500+ per visit)
- Risk of sewage backup into living spaces
- Possible lease violations or repair charges per your rental agreement
4. Positive Reinforcement & Support
Offer help:
“We’re happy to provide a small kitchen grease container or a bathroom trash bin upon request.”
This builds goodwill and shows you’re a solution-oriented landlord.
Sample Letter Template (Ready to Use)
Subject: Important Notice: Proper Use of Plumbing Fixtures
Dear [Tenant Name],
We hope you’re enjoying your stay at [Property Name]. This letter is to kindly remind all residents about proper use of plumbing fixtures to prevent costly and unsanitary blockages.
Recently, we’ve experienced recurring clogs linked to items like wipes, grease, and paper towels being flushed or poured down drains. Only human waste and toilet paper should go down the toilet. All other items—even those labeled “flushable”—can cause serious pipe damage.
Please remember:
- Do NOT flush: wipes, paper towels, hygiene products, or food waste
- Do NOT pour: cooking oil, grease, or coffee grounds down sinks
Violations may result in plumbing repair fees charged to the responsible unit, as outlined in Section [X] of your lease.
We’re here to help! Need a grease disposal container or extra trash bin? Just reply to this email.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our building safe and functional.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Property Management Company]
How to Deliver the Letter Effectively
Timing and tone matter as much as content.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fast, trackable, eco-friendly | May be ignored or marked as spam | |
| Printed Notice (in mailbox) | Feels official, harder to overlook | No delivery confirmation |
| Hand-Delivered + Signed Receipt | Legally strongest | Time-consuming for large properties |
💡 Best Practice: For repeat offenders, combine email with a printed copy. Document every communication in case of future disputes.
Prevent Future Issues: Proactive Landlord Tips
Don’t wait for the next clog. Take these 4 preventative steps:
- Install Drain Screens
Place mesh strainers in kitchen and bathroom sinks to catch food particles and hair. - Provide Alternatives
Supply small lidded bins in bathrooms for hygiene products. Offer free grease containers in kitchens. - Include Clear Lease Language
Add a clause like:“Tenant agrees to use plumbing fixtures only for their intended purpose. Costs for unclogging pipes due to misuse will be billed to the tenant.” - Schedule Annual Drain Inspections
A professional camera inspection ($100–$250) can spot early buildup before it becomes an emergency.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I charge my tenant for plumbing repairs caused by flushing wipes?
A: Yes—in most states, if your lease explicitly prohibits misuse and you can prove the tenant caused the blockage (e.g., through a plumber’s report), you may deduct repair costs from the security deposit or invoice them directly. Always check local landlord-tenant laws first.
Q2: Are “flushable” wipes really safe?
A: Despite marketing claims, no major plumbing association endorses flushing wipes. The Water Environment Federation states that even “disintegrating” wipes can clump with fats and cause blockages miles downstream.
Q3: How do I prove a tenant caused the clog?
A: Hire a licensed plumber to document the blockage source (e.g., “clog composed of baby wipes and paper towels”). Photos, video from drain cameras, and service reports serve as strong evidence.
Q4: Should I send this letter to all tenants or just the offender?
A: If it’s a first-time, isolated incident, address it privately. But if clogs are recurring across units, send a building-wide reminder—it’s less confrontational and educates everyone.
Q5: What if my tenant ignores the letter?
A: Escalate per your lease terms: issue a formal notice of violation, then consider fines or eviction proceedings if behavior continues and causes repeated damage.
Q6: Can I install toilet locks or restrict plumbing access?
A: Generally, no—this may violate habitability laws. Focus instead on education, documentation, and lease enforcement.
Conclusion
A well-crafted letter to tenant to not throw stuff in the plumbing does more than fix a clog—it fosters respect, prevents thousands in damages, and keeps your rental running smoothly. By combining clear communication, empathy, and firm boundaries, you protect both your property and your tenant relationships.
👉 Found this helpful? Share it with fellow landlords on Facebook or LinkedIn! And if you’re dealing with a plumbing crisis right now, save this guide—and your sanity—for next time.
Remember: Great landlords don’t just collect rent—they build communities where everyone knows how to keep the pipes flowing. 💧🚽
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