Maintaining the plumbing in your multifamily property is important for a few reasons. First, it keeps your tenants happy by ensuring that they always have access to running water and proper drainage. Second, it can help prevent expensive repairs down the road, decreasing the amount you need to pull from your rental property cash reserves. And finally, it’s the law in California! In California, tenants must have access to a functioning plumbing system, along with other necessary amenities like working heating and cooling systems.
In this blog post, we will give you 5 tips for maintaining your property’s plumbing system. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to avoid costly problems down the road.
Have a plumber inspect your plumbing system regularly to ensure everything is in good condition
For many people, their home is their most valuable asset. Protecting that investment starts with ensuring that the plumbing system is in good condition. That’s why it’s important to have a plumber inspect your plumbing system on a regular basis. Plumbers can identify potential problems and take steps to prevent them from becoming serious, costly repairs. This is especially important in multi-family and commercial properties, where the plumbing system is under constant stress.
By having a plumber inspect the system regularly, you can be confident that your property is in good condition and that any potential problems will be caught early, leading to fewer costly repairs and happier tenants!
Check for leaks and fix them as soon as possible
As a landlord, it’s important to be proactive about maintenance and repairs.
Not only will this help to keep your tenants happy, but it can also save you money in the long run. One way to do this is to regularly check for leaks, and to fix them as soon as they’re discovered. Small leaks can quickly turn into big problems, so it’s important to nip them in the bud.
In addition to the potential for property damage, leaks can also lead to higher water bills. So, while it may require an upfront investment of time and money, repairing leaks is a smart way to improve your rental property and maximize your return on investment.
One way to be proactive about checking for leaks is to install a water monitoring system. These systems can alert you to any changes in your water usage that might indicate a leak, so that you can fix the problem before it becomes a bigger issue.
Keep an eye on your water usage – if it seems high, there may be a problem with the plumbing
As a landlord or property manager, it’s important to keep an eye on your water usage. If it seems unusually high, there may be a problem with the plumbing system that needs to be addressed. At Western Rooter, we can advise you on the best ways to monitor your water usage, so that you can stay on top of any potential problems.
By monitoring your water usage regularly, you can quickly identify any problems with the plumbing system and take steps to address them immediately instead of waiting until the problem has become more serious and costly.
Know where the shut-off valves are in case of an emergency
It’s important to know where the shut-off valves are in case of an emergency. Your tenants rely on you to keep their home or apartment safe, so it’s important to be prepared for anything.
In a multifamily property, there are usually two main shut-off valves: one for the water and one for the gas. The water shut-off valve is usually located near the water heater, and the gas shut-off valve is usually located near the furnace. If you’re not sure where the shut-off valves are, ask your landlord or maintenance team. They should be able to point you in the right direction.
Make sure tenants know how to properly use and maintain the plumbing in their units
As a landlord, one of your key responsibilities is to ensure that your tenants have a safe and comfortable place to live. This includes making sure that the plumbing in their units is in good working order. However, it is also important to make sure that tenants know how to properly use and maintain the plumbing in their units. Otherwise, they may inadvertently cause damage or end up with a costly repair bill. One way to avoid this is to provide tenants with a detailed list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to the plumbing.
Here is an example list you can share with your tenants:
- Do not pour grease or other solids down the drain
- Do not put anything in the toilet that isn’t meant to be flushed (such as paper towels or feminine products)
- Report any plumbing problems to you right away so they can be addressed quickly and efficiently
- Use a strainer in all sinks and drains to prevent clogs
- Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives to clean the sink, tub, or toilet
- Do not use the toilet as a trash can
- Do not run the water continuously when brushing your teeth or shaving
By helping tenants understand how to use the plumbing in their units, you can help to keep your property running smoothly.
Additionally, it is also a good idea to have a recommended list of plumbers available for tenants to call if they have any questions or concerns about the plumbing in their unit. By taking these steps, you can help reduce the risk of plumbing issues in your rental units.
Conclusion…
Maintaining your plumbing is an important part of keeping your business running smoothly. A plumber can help you inspect your system regularly to make sure everything is in good condition, and they can also help you fix any leaks as soon as possible. You should also keep an eye on your water usage – if it seems high, there may be a problem with the plumbing. And finally, make sure tenants know how to properly use and maintain the plumbing in their units. If you need commercial or multifamily plumbing services, call us today. We would be happy to help!
