Plumbing emergencies are bound to happen sooner or later; it’s just one of those things you should expect when managing a rental property. When it does happen, don’t panic! Here are some helpful tips on what to do in different plumbing-related situations.
1. Turn off the water supply.
This is the first step you should do in any plumbing emergency – whether it’s a flooded bathroom, a clogged toilet, or an overflowing sink. Turning off the water supply will prevent further damage while you are trying to fix the problem. Make sure you know where the water shut-off valves of your property are. They are usually found within the building or facing the street. Finding them before an emergency actually happens will save you time and undue stress.
2. If your toilet overflows
First, remind your tenants not to throw and flush unnecessary objects in the toilet. Some people make the mistake of flushing baby wipes, paper towels, and tissues. Remind them that they should only flush the right amount of toilet paper. If the toilet overflows, turn off the water supply valve under the toilet tank to stop more water from entering the bowl. Then unclog the toilet or call a professional plumber to do it for you.
3. If the sewage backs up
This is a problem that should be dealt with by a professional plumber. Sewage backup is a serious problem usually caused by damage to sewage pipes under the foundation of the property. Tree roots blocking pipes or incorrect installation typically cause this issue. If you see dirty sewage water in your yard, turn off the water supply immediately. Then call a professional plumber ASAP. A sewage backup is one plumbing issue you want to solve at once. Don’t try to fix this problem on your own because you might expose yourself to viruses or bacteria present in the water.
4. If the water heater breaks down
A broken water heater can mean too hot or too cold water or discolored water coming out of the shower and faucets. If your tenant reports this, you’ll need to have the water heater flushed by a professional. This may solve the problem of temperature as well as the discoloration. It will also improve the water heater’s efficiency. To prevent issues with the water heater, ensure that you regularly maintain and check on it to maintain efficiency and extend its longevity. A couple of simple things you can do now are adding insulation around the heater and making sure it’s set to the right temperature.
Plumbing emergencies are inevitable in any property. The good news is you can prepare in advance for these types of incidents and prevent any further damage from happening to the property. Keep your trusted professional plumber’s number on speed dial as well, since you never know when you’ll need to call him. These valuable tips will help save you time, stress, and money when a plumbing incident happens.
Learn more about rental properties and helpful advice on how to maintain your rental investments on Illume Property Partners.
Sources: