If you are a landlord, one of the last things you want to deal with is plumbing issues in one of your rental properties. However, these scenarios pop up from time to time and must be handled quickly and accordingly. Otherwise, you may end up with more damages within your rental than you bargained for. So, what are the most common plumbing issues for landlords to face in a rental home? Keep reading as we discuss five standard plumbing problems you may see in your rental home below.
What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues for Landlords to Face?
As you can imagine, no rental property is perfect all the time. Whether it’s simple maintenance, renovations, or more extensive problems, landlords are sure to face an inconvenience like plumbing issues at some point. That said, when these situations do pop up, it’s important for investors to know the warning signs and get plumbing issues fixed immediately. So, let’s go over 5 of the most common plumbing issues for landlords to handle in a rental home.
- Clogged Drains
- Leaky Faucets
- Water Pressure Issues
- Leaking Pipes
- Running Toilets
Clogged Drains
Most people who own homes or live in rentals have experienced a clogged drain before. While it’s typically not a huge issue, if the problem goes unresolved for too long, it can be detrimental to a rental home’s overall health. That said, if you have clogged drains in your rental property, don’t wait to get them fixed. Instead, thoroughly clean out debris from the drain, and take apart any pieces that may contain debris so you can clean those as well.
While cleaning solutions work to unclog drains, some of them contain chemicals that may be harmful when exposed to your skin or eyes. Similarly, some harsh chemicals can damage wood or aluminum fixtures in the home. So, try your best to avoid this method if you can fix the clog naturally.
Leaky Faucets
Leaky faucets may not seem like that big of a deal, as it’s a fairly common plumbing issue in homes. However, this minor issue can result in a large water bill, so it’s best to get it fixed immediately. Luckily, this issue is quite simple to fix and doesn’t require much hard labor. In fact, most of the time, all you need to do is shut off the water valve and replace the small washer found on the faucet handle.
After that, your sink should be all set to go. That said, if that simple fix doesn’t solve the leaky faucet, there may be an issue with the nuts at the base of the faucet. In this case, you’ll just want to tighten them with a wrench, and it should be good to go.
Water Pressure Issues
One of the worst plumbing issues to deal with is water pressure. Tenants will often complain that the water pressure is low, making it difficult to shower, do dishes, and do other household tasks. The first step to fixing a water pressure problem is to look for clogged drains or faucets throughout the rental. If that’s not the underlying issue, then you should use a water pressure gauge to see what’s going on.
If your water pressure reads below 60 psi, which is the standard, then it’s time to contact your water company. Similarly, you should check your home’s main water valve to see if it’s partially closed. If it is, then your pressure issue should be a quick fix. If not, you may have to seek help from plumbing professionals.
Leaking Pipes
Another prevalent plumbing issue that landlords often face is leaking pipes. Unfortunately, fixing a leaky pipe takes a little more work than unclogging a drain. If the leak is serious enough and goes unnoticed, it may flood your property. That said, if you notice a leaking pipe, it’s time to repair it immediately. You can follow these simple steps to fix the pipe yourself or call a maintenance professional for help:
- Turn off the overall water supply.
- Clean the area that’s leaking and dry it thoroughly.
- Cover the leaky pipe area with epoxy and then add rubber to seal it.
- Tighten the pipe around both sides of the rubber.
- Let the solution sit for at least an hour before turning the water back on.
Running Toilets
Running toilets may be a common plumbing issue, but they are not taken lightly. With a toilet constantly running, the water bill can quickly become outrageous. So, if your tenant reports that their toilet is constantly running, it’s time to fix it fast. Luckily, it’s a fairly easy fix. Typically, all you have to do is replace the flapper valve. Oftentimes, the flapper becomes worn and refuses to seal properly.
To fix this issue, you should purchase a new flapper, which you can get for around $20 at your local hardware store. Most of the time, the flapper will come with instructions on how to replace it. However, if the instructions aren’t helpful, you can always turn to YouTube for a trusty tutorial.
What Should Tenants Do When there’s a Plumbing Emergency?
Unfortunately, landlords have to count on tenants to report any plumbing issues within the rental home. Sometimes, this means that they aren’t reported or taken care of right away, which can lead to damage within the rental. That said, it’s essential to clearly state maintenance protocols in your lease agreement so that someone can take care of them promptly.
So, how should tenants typically handle a plumbing issue? Here are a few steps to take as soon as an issue arises within your rental.
- Identify the Plumbing Problem
- Contact Your Landlord Immediately
- Clean Up Any Water Puddles or Leaks
- Refrain from Running Water Until it’s Fixed
- Wait for Maintenance to Come and Fix the Problem
Tenants may be able to solve plumbing issues on their own sometimes. However, if the problem is too out of hand, it’s crucial to call in a professional maintenance team for assistance. Otherwise, you may end up with more damage than you started with.
How Landlords Can Quickly Take Care of Plumbing Issues
Some landlords don’t live near their rental properties or aren’t available to come and fix plumbing issues at any time of the day. So, how can landlords take care of maintenance issues quickly and efficiently? Luckily, you don’t have to be present for your plumbing problems to get fixed.
The first step to finding a reputable maintenance company is finding a top-notch rental property team. With a trusted team by your side, you don’t have to worry about calling maintenance for every tenant concern. Bay Property Management Group offers comprehensive leasing services, including handling maintenance requests. Our team of professionals can also help you with other aspects of your rental business, such as:
- Tenant Screening
- Move-In/Move-Out Reports
- Monthly Rent Collection
- Eviction Services
- Lead Paint Law Compliance
- Rental Registration
- Monthly and Annual Financial Statements
Whether you own one rental property or 100, Bay Property Management Group is here to provide you with knowledgeable and experienced representation for your rental business. Contact us today to learn more about our full-service property management in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and surrounding counties.
