Plumbing issues constitute one of the most common tenant complaints. They may range from minor and inexpensive to catastrophic and costly. Whether big or small, if left unattended, they can be a great inconvenience that could lead to major structural damage. Unfortunately, they're not something you can cover up with bathroom updates. Thus, we will cover the top 10 rental property plumbing issues, tell you how to prevent them, and when to call a plumber. 

Top 10 Plumbing Issues

1. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems in any home. They're also a nuisance when used water refuses to empty correctly or back up into the sink. The most likely culprit is often a physical object like hair build-up or small object like a makeup lid, which blocks the normal flow. Since these items can't flow down the pipe, they obstruct draining water. The most obvious fix is to grab a plunger and loosen it with the suction. However, you can fall back on chemical drain cleaners if that doesn't work.

1. Leaky Faucets

Aside from the annoying dripping noise, leaking faucets also means money down the drain. Irrespective of whether you or the tenant is footing the water bill, that can be a great inconvenience. Leaky faucets are often due to your washer seal degrading or shifting. Thus, you might have to replace the washer. Contact your DC property manager to schedule service for more complex fixes.

1. Water Heater Problems

Hot water is necessary for every household, and water heater problems can act as a deterrent. Nobody enjoys getting doused by cold water when they hope for a warm shower. However, how you approach a water heater issue depends on the problem. For discolored water, the culprit is usually a build-up of mineral deposits. On the other hand, if you're battling leaking water, you have to address the pipes.

1. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure problems become more common as a house age. They can also be an inconvenience because it affects how easily water comes out of your faucets and showers. Low water pressure is often due to a water main break, which would affect other houses on your block. On a smaller scale, it might be because another pipe in your home is leaking, reducing the pressure on the faulty taps. 

1. Running Toilet

Similar to leaking faucets, running toilets constitutes an enormous waste of money. Although it might be tempting to disregard it if you can leave with the noise, it would still run up your utility bill. The usual culprit is a faulty flapper valve or a leak in the toilet's inner workings. A quick adjustment to some dislodged components might fix the issues, but you might have to replace some tank parts to resolve the problem completely.

1. Dripping Hose Bibb

Hose bibbs are outdoor faucets specifically for attaching a hose or tub. If you own property in an area with harsh winters, you're more likely to have this plumbing issue. Since these fixtures are outside, they're more susceptible to the cold, which can cause cracks that inevitably lead to a leak. Thus, it would help if you considered replacing them with weather-proof hose bibbs.

1. Sump Pump Failure

If your basement floods easily, your sump pump might be at fault. This mechanism is responsible for removing water from your basin, and when it stops working, water builds up. Sump pump failure is more common with age, so you might have to replace your old one. On the other hand, it might be as easy as unclogging your discharge pipe.

1. Jammed Garbage Disposal

A jammed garbage disposal can hinder the removal of waste in the kitchen. The most common fix to this issue is to hit the reset button. However, if something like silverware is jamming it, you might have to open it up and remove the obstruction. 

1. Frozen Pipes

You might confuse frozen pipes for low water pressure because it also prevents water flow. However, they are more common in the winter and can eventually burst if you don't address them quickly. You could resolve the issue by applying heat to the area. But you would be better off weather-proofing your pipes.

1. Blocked Gutters

Blocked gutters are more common after it rains because the rainwater can push twigs, debris, and trash into your pipes. As a result, this action could clog your drains and cause water to pool on your roof. That's why it's best to clean your gutters and avoid a build-up periodically.

How to Prevent Plumbing Issues 

• Conduct Regular Inspection

Regular inspections can save you from a lot of hassle down the line. A keen eye can help prevent more significant issues from a corroded pipe or sediment build-up. Besides your routine move-in and move-out inspections, you should also perform seasonal reviews of your units. During this survey, you should check for leaking faucets, ensure toilets flush properly, and examine the backflow valve. You might want to call in an expert for a more thorough job.

• Measure the Pressure

Excess water pressure can quickly result in large-scale water damage. It's one of the easiest DIY tricks to prevent plumbing issues that can make a significant difference. Thus, it would be in your best interest to routinely measure the pressure in your pipes. Experts recommend keeping it below 60 PSI to avoid leaks. On the other hand, if the water pressure falls below 30, your tenants might have issues accessing water, so you need to strike a balance.

When to Call a Plumber

If you're set on DIY fixes, it's always best to know first what you're heading into. You could easily attempt a quick fix to your problem and make it worse. Also, when you're dealing with expensive appliances, it's best to leave it to the professionals. For example, water heaters and garbage disposals might require extensive and dangerous repair work. Thus, in our expert opinion, we recommend calling a plumber when you're not sure how to fix a problem and when it involves a major system. 

Conclusion

Any of the top 10 rental property plumbing issues we've listed can cause great inconvenience to both landlords and tenants. However, DIY tips like conducting a regular inspection can help you prevent some of the worst problems. It's worth seeking the help of an experienced professional when you have a problem. They would be able to do a better job, which could save you money in the long run. Your local property manager can help you connect and monitor your plumbing services. 

Guest Contributor: Eva Reyes