Why It’s Important To Find Rental Property Water Leaks

Rental property owners and property managers know how damaging fire and water damage can be. There’s not much you can do regarding fire, but there are ways to reduce the chances of water damage. 

What Are The Most Common Water Issues? 

Preventing major issues with the property plumbing system prevents most serious water problems. But even if you do a fantastic job with maintenance, there are still water emergencies in properties that can happen. 

First, the property could have a leaking fixture that drips water even when it appears to be shut off. 

Second, a blocked drain for a toilet or sink can cause a water backup that leads to a major repair. If it sits in the property long enough, there can be catastrophic damage. 

Third, in cold weather, you could have a burst pipe. It’s important to keep the building well heated when the temperature drops so this doesn’t happen. 

If your renter informs you of any of these issues, you should get on it right away and call in a licensed plumber. While you can look for leaks on your own, it’s always best to hire a professional once there is a major water issue. 

Essential Steps For A Major Water Leak

It’s essential to be prepared for a major water problem before it happens. You don’t have a lot of time to figure out what to do if there is a broken pipe; every second counts after the problem is found. 

So, you should remember these steps in advance so you’re ready for a water emergency: 

• When water is leaking in the home, the first thing to do is shut off the water to buy time. You can do this either with the main shut off in the house or shut it off at the street if you can. At least there won’t be any more water leaking in the home while you bring in a plumber. 
• Open a kitchen or bathroom faucet after the water is shut off to get all water out of the pipes. This should ensure no more water will leak where the problem is. 
• When the water is not leaking, get any standing water cleaned up as soon as possible. It helps to have a wet vacuum available to suck up water quickly. This can work better and faster than a mop. 
• Have a plumber come in as soon as possible to fix the leak. 
• Talk to your renter and find out if the house can still be lived in while the leak is fixed and damages are resolved. 

Will You Need To Pay For Water Damages? 

In most cases, you will need to pay for damages to the property. This is almost always the case if the leak or stopped drain occurs within the property. 

However, if the water issue started outside the home and led to a backup inside, the local water company could be responsible. 

If the renter has to leave the property while the repair is made, you could be on the hook for their accommodations, unless you can prove that the leak is the water company’s responsibility. 

Remember, the more you are prepared for water emergencies, the better off you will be if a renter calls or texts you in the middle of the night. And tell the tenant to shut off the water as soon as they can to ensure no more damage is done before the repairs are made. 

Being ready for water emergencies minimizes the expense of the cleanup, so have these tips in mind for each of your properties.