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Plumbing leaks and water damage causes billions of dollars in property damage every year. From leaky roofs to burst pipes and even severe rainstorms and hurricanes that cause water damage, flooding, plumbing leaks can come in various forms- but all of them are costly to repair.
These kinds of leaks are extremely common–
- Toilet Leaks
- Faucet Leaks
- Hose Leaks
- Pool Leaks
- Supply Line Leaks
- Tub Leaks
- Whole House Humidifier Leaks
- Appliance Seal Leaks
- Pipe Joint Leaks
- Water Heater Leaks
- Washing Machine Leaks
- Sink Leaks
So, how can you ensure to avoid plumbing leaks in your rental unit? Read on, and find a few of our top tips that will help you keep your tenants and your property safe from plumbing leaks.
1. Inspect the appliances and plumbing yearly
First of all, you need to make sure that you regularly check the plumbing and all fixtures and appliances that are connected to the water lines- such as showers, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and so on.
You can do this as part of your yearly pre-lease inspection if you have annual leases for your residents. You can also inspect your unit regularly, as long as the tenants are notified.
Do not skip this step as even a seemingly minor issue, such as a leaking water line to a refrigerator, can quickly turn into an expensive problem if it progresses. Also, plumbing leaks begin to form in the house without you noticing the issue.
2. Check Chimneys, Attics, and Roofs for signs of leaks every year.
Beyond broken pipes and flooding, a damaged and leaky roof is the most common cause of plumbing leaks in rental properties. Most asphalt roofs have a lifespan of fifteen to twenty years, and your roof can leak if it’s damaged by some debris, such as a falling branch.
You should either check your building’s roofing structure every year or hire a professional to inspect it. Everything will be fair most of the time- but take immediate action to prevent further damage and leaks if a problem is found.
3. Maintain and clean the gutters
Your gutters are an essential part of your plumbing system and are responsible for channeling water away from your walls, roofs, and building foundation.
If they stop working correctly or become clogged up, you could experience the water near the foundation or even ice damming in the winter, freezing and cause cracks.
Therefore, you need to make sure that your gutters are clear. Have them clean twice per year in the early spring and the late fall to remove debris such as leaves, sticks, or twigs and ensure that your plumbing system is in good shape.
4. Encourage good communication with Tenants.
Your best asset in the fight against plumbing leaks is a good tenant. If you communicate effectively and have a good relationship with your tenants, they will be more likely to notify you about the minor issues you want to look into.
You should ask your tenants to alert you if they notice anything which can indicate a plumbing issue- such as a surge in their water bill or a leaky faucet- and to keep you posted about other potential problems, such as leaks in the molds and roofs, which could indicate moisture, flooding, or water damage in the basement.
5. Issue Emergency Notifications during frigid conditions to avoid frozen pipes
Your pipes can burst (even if they are in good shape) if your tenants do not take the proper steps to keep them from freezing in icy conditions. Prolonged temperatures below 20° F can expose and make your pipes more likely to freeze.
The best method is to insulate your pipes to prevent this. This will help keep your lines from freezing, even during the chilliest of weather.
Also, ask your tenants to take appropriate steps to make sure that the pipes doesn’t freeze.
Conclusion
You should minimize your risk of plumbing or water damage and ensure that your property is in tip-top shape with the above tips.
Takeaway Tip- Understand your Insurance Coverage and Policy for plumbing leaks in your building.
Put these tips into use today and ensure that you and your residents are safe from the high costs of plumbing and water damage and the inconvenience.
