How to Avoid Water Damage in Your Rental Property
Like many emergency maintenance issues, hidden water leaks are difficult to detect and diagnose. Often, the signs won't be visible right away.
When you suspect water leakage in your investment property, it's important to find the source of the leak as soon as possible. You'll most likely need to call a plumber or a property restoration business to uncover and diagnose the problem.
Water damage appears in a variety of forms. It might be anything from a leaking pipe that allows mold to grow, to a full-fledged flood that destroys your home and belongings.
This post will look at various options for preventing damage to your rental property. There are multiple strategies to limit the danger of water damage. Here are some pointers:
1. Assess the plumbing and appliances
At least once a year, check your plumbing and appliances. All water-related equipment and accessories must be inspected first, such as kitchen appliances, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and restrooms.
This can be done frequently if your renters have yearly leases. You can examine your property regularly if you give tenants a heads-up.
This is a critical stage that must not be overlooked. If a seemingly minor problem (such as a leaking water line connected to a refrigerator) goes unnoticed, it can quickly escalate into a costly problem.
2. Clean and maintain the gutter system
We recommend that the gutters of your roof be thoroughly cleaned at least twice per year. However, this doesn’t call for neglect for the rest of the year.
Constantly remove any dirt or vegetation that might have grown in them. Align your gutters downward to ensure efficiency. This prevents water from gathering around the perimeter of your property.
Water must be kept away from a house's substructure, hence why proper drainage is essential. Be aware of collected debris in your gutters. With your drains blocked, water can pool on your roof, increasing the chances of leakage into the house.
3. Repair any leaks on the roofs and chimneys
When was the last time you inspected the roof of your rental property? If you're not sure, it's probably time to do so.
Old or poorly-kept attics might easily leak during the winter. Fix any broken or missing shingles to avoid water leaks.
4. Ensure your windows are well-sealed
Inspect all windows for cracks and, if you find any, fix them. Examine your sump pump to see if it's in good working order.
Sump pumps are designed to quickly remove any water accumulated in the sump pit of your basement or crawlspace.
If it isn't checked for damage regularly, a faulty sump pump can cause flooding in your basement.
5. Examine your downspouts
If at all possible, extend gutter downspouts away from the house. A properly functioning drainage system keeps as much water as possible from pooling around the building.
Examine downspouts for damage and replace or repair any broken components.
6. Conduct regular plumbing inspections
Refrigerators, sinks, toilets, washing machines, and baths should all be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good condition.
By doing this, you'll always be aware of the pipelines’ condition in your home.
Conduct a move-in inspection when you first bring in a new tenant, and ask them to agree to yearly inspections. You can also teach tenants how to avoid water damage and what to do in the event that it occurs.
You don’t have to carry the burden of fighting water damage on your own. Enlist the help of your tenant. Every tenant should be aware of the signs of water damage and be ready to contact you in the shortest time possible should they occur.
This is where a good tenant screening process comes in handy, since you can be sure you've selected a responsible tenant.
7. Install basement sump pumps
Basements are vulnerable to flooding, especially in urban areas. Installing a sump pump in your basement is the best way to keep out excess water.
We recommend repairing damages to your basement after evacuating the water with a sump pump.
While a sump pump does an excellent job of draining water from your basement, it can create a chilly, stale space that must be fixed by a professional since it could breed dangerous bacteria if left untreated.
8. Dispose of cooking fats correctly
You read that correctly. Cooking oils solidify as they cool, resulting in a clogged pipe.
Rather than pouring fats down the drain, store them in a disposable can. Once solidified, you can dispose of them. Kindly let your tenants know about this.
9. Use a catch basin to collect water
A catch basin is suitable for homes where water collects around the foundation. This will prevent water from entering the basement and compromising your home's structural integrity.
By burying PVC pipes around the water pools areas, you may quickly channel the water away from the house.
Why contact Leenan Property Management?
In addition to helping you fill vacant rentals and collect rent, we can assist you with various needs, including property upkeep and tenant management.
Whatever your requirements may be, Leenan Property Management can help. Our services are efficient and cost-effective for rental property owners, whether you have a single condominium or a large portfolio with hundreds of units.
We believe in offering the most outstanding rental management services at a competitive fee. Our staff is composed of professional, kind, dedicated, experienced, and goal-oriented individuals.
When you hire us, you won't have to worry about marketing your property, finding suitable renters, collecting rent, conducting walkthrough inspections, maintaining the property, or anything else.
Let us take care of your property management needs!
Call us at 306-994-5475 to connect with us or visit our website to learn more about us and our services.
