The first apartment comes with a lot of firsts, sinks getting clogged at the worst time possible and toilets stop working as they should. Good news, most of these problems are easily fixable by basic plumbing knowledges and inexpensive tools with no damage to your unit. These plumbing tips for renters walk you through five beginner fixes and just as important as tackling the problems yourself, which are your landlord’s job.
Before you start: Find Your Shut-Off Valves
Every sink and toilet should have a small valve on the pipe underneath or behind it, turning it clockwise stops the water from going to that fixture. It is best to locate these on move-in day , not when a problem is already happening and water is on the floor. For condos, the valve for the whole unit is usually in the utility closet, moreover, you can always ask your property manager further about the plumbing system in your unit.
5 Plumbing Tips for Renters You Can Handle Yourself
1. A slow draining shower
More often than not, this problem is caused by hair and soap buildup, and this can date back to previous renters for older units. To tackle this problem, take off the drain cover and use gloves to remove whatever you can see on the top part. The water should be draining better now, though pushing a plastic drain snake into the drain, twisting it and pulling it back up will remove most of what is left in the harder to reach part. Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, since they can damage older pipes.
2. A clogged kitchen sink
For a clogged kitchen sink, a flat cup sink plunger is your best friend, and it is fairly easy to use. Leave a few centimeters of water in the sink so the plunger can seal, cover the second drain with a wet cloth applicable for double sinks, then firmly pushes it 10 to 15 times. Your kitchen sink should be good as new and avoid letting food scraps from draining and pouring grease down into the drain in future uses.
3. A clogged toilet
To unclog a toilet, a flange plunger which is the one with the extra rubber flap at the bottom is needed. Start with a slow push to get the air out, then it’s just a matter of plunging firmly until the water drain. If the water is getting close to the top, turn off the valve located behind the toilet first so it doesn’t overflow.
4. A toilet that keeps running
If you can still hear your toilet running long after you flush, lift the tank lid and check the chain connected to the flapper at the bottom. When the chain is too loose or stuck under the flapper, a proper seal can’t be made which causes leakage. To fix this, adjust the chain so there is a little slack and try flushing again. If the toilet keeps running after that, let the landlord know since ethe flapper itself might be worn out.
5. Weak or sputtering faucet
This one is probably the easiest fix on the list. Unscrew the aerator, which is the small cap at the tip of the faucet, rinse out any dirt or grit buildup then screw it back on. If it’s too tight to turn by hand, wrap a cloth around it before using pliers to avoid scratching it.
When to Call Your Landlord Instead
Not every plumbing problem is yours to fix. In Ontario, landlords have to keep the rental unit in a good sate of repair and that includes plumbing (Landlord and Tenant Board. n.d.). Keep in mind that tenants can still be responsible for damages you or your guest cause by being careless. Though, if you notice any of these symptoms listed below, it is time to report it to your landlord:
- Water leaking under the sink.
- Stains or drips on ceiling or walls
- Sewage smell or several drains backing up at once
- No hot water or low water pressure everywhere in the unit
Your Renter Plumbing Starter Kit
You don’t’ need a full toolbox to take care of these problems. These five essential items will cover almost everything in this guide:
- Flange toilet plunger
- Plastic drain snake
- Flat cup sink plunger
- Drain strainers (shower and sink)
- Adjustable wrench
- Gloves
Start Your First Fix This Weekend
Small budget, your space. Everything on this list can be found in one place with the BrightNest Renter Plumbing Starter List, available for click and collect or local delivery. Not sure which plunger to pick? Our staff are always happy to help!
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Sources
Anthropic. (2026). Claude [Large language model]. https://claude.ai
Landlord and Tenant Board. (n.d.). Brochure: Maintenance and repairs. Tribunals Ontario. https://tribunalsontario.ca/documents/ltb/Brochures/Maintenance%20and%20Repairs.html