MANAGING THE PLUMBING IN YOUR RENTAL PROPERTIES

No landlord wants to find out at 3 a.m. that a toilet has flooded a tenant’s apartment. But plumbing risks at rental properties are a real concern if you don’t repair and replace plumbing regularly. Prevent problems and make the most of your investment by requiring tenants to take specific actions and by performing preventative maintenance. Here are some ideas for Arizona landlords.

Clogged Drains

Fat and oils can quickly clog kitchen drains, especially if tenants aren’t conscientious about what they pour down the sink. You should require tenants to flush the kitchen sink with hot water and a grease-cutting detergent at least once a month. This preventative measure will help dissolve residual fat and grease, allowing water to flow freely through the pipes.

In the bathroom, pipes get clogged due to hair, toothpaste, body oils, and soap. While some of those things need to go down the drain, you can keep hair from entering the mix by requiring tenants to use (and empty!) a hair filter in the shower and sinks.

Flush Water Heater

Removing built-up sediment a water heater will make the appliance operate more efficiently and extend its lifespan. This practice should be implemented at least once a year, but ideally twice. While it’s possible to perform this task yourself, if you’re not comfortable doing it, RAM Plumbing can help!

Leaky Faucets and Toilets

Faucets or showerheads that leak are not only a problem for tenants, but they waste water and increase utility costs. Plus, left unaddressed, leaky faucets can eventually cause water damage to your investment property. You may be able to update old, outdated faucets yourself, but get peace of mind by relying on a reputable Tucson plumber.

Be sure to check the seal and valve seat in the toilet’s internal mechanism. If it doesn’t work properly, it could cause the toilet to overflow and flood the bathroom. The tank handle or stopper can also cause improper operation. These are relatively inexpensive fixes that most people can compete without a pro.

Improve Efficiency

Remove showerheads periodically to remove sediment that accumulates over time. Soaking in vinegar will help clean the showerhead and improve water pressure. You can do the same with sink faucets.

Replace Rusty Pipes and Hoses

Keep an eye out for old, deteriorating pipes that could leak or burst, causing a catastrophic problem. By replacing bad pipes before they break, landlords will save a good deal of worry and money. Replacing old pipes can be a do-it-yourself project, but getting help from a pro will ensure the job is done correctly.

When you need to perform preventative maintenance or repairs on your rental unit, trust RAM Plumbing to do the job right. And since we respond 24/7, we can help fix problems that arise, no matter the time of day or night. Get in touch today to schedule an appointment!