Plumbing tips for property managers start with focusing on effective plumbing management. Establishing a relationship with a local licensed plumber that includes clear maintenance routines and after-hours availability is important, as is requiring tenants to report any plumbing issues immediately.
At Power Plumbing, we work with property managers throughout the San Fernando Valley and advise property managers on what’s needed to prevent small plumbing problems from becoming expensive issues.
Preventative plumbing maintenance helps identify worn or failing components before they cause the kind of issues that damage multiple units, displace tenants, interrupt operations, and lead to an insurance claim.
Proactive property manager plumbing maintenance allows for repairs to be scheduled around tenants and budget, reduces the likelihood of 2:00 a.m. disruptions, and starts with a planned routine.
The core of any plumbing checklist for property managers is a locked-in maintenance routine you and your plumbing partner follow rigorously.
The most effective rental property plumbing maintenance schedules include different timing checks for different maintenance needs.
At Power Plumbing, we handle both residential and commercial plumbing maintenance for property managers across North Hollywood.
Another proactive property management plumbing tip is to watch for leaks by checking each property’s water usage monthly and comparing it with the same period over the previous year. Any unexpected increases can point to a leaking toilet, pipe, or fixture before any water damage is detected.
Your tenants will spot most issues before you’re able to, which is why requiring them to report any issue is important. Tell them to flag any visible leaks and water pooling, staining on ceilings or the tops of walls, a musty smell with no obvious source, peeling paint or bubbling drywall, and weak water pressure.
Numerous plumbing problems start because of clogged drains or lines. Get the main drain cleaned on a schedule, and use hydro jetting to scour pipes completely clean where problems keep recurring.
For buildings built before 1970, have a camera inspection on the main drain every year or two. The footage will tell you whether you’re managing a cleaning schedule or budgeting for a replacement.
We also recommend giving tenants a short list of what they shouldn’t try to rinse or flush down drains to minimize avoidable blockages.
Keep water heaters and shared plumbing equipment on a regular inspection and maintenance schedule. For water heaters, replacing worn components can extend the tank’s life and reduce the chance of an unexpected failure.
Equipment that controls or isolates water throughout the property should likewise be checked periodically by your licensed plumbing partner.
Many common plumbing issues for property managers are caused by tenants who noticed something but put off mentioning it.
A plumbing checklist for property managers that sets tenants up for success includes:
Not every plumbing problem needs an emergency call. Use the type and severity of the problem to decide what needs immediate action.
If a tenant reports a gas smell, treat it as a gas emergency, not a plumbing call. Tell the tenant to leave the building immediately without using light switches, elevators, buzzers, or a phone inside. Once outside, they should call 911. You should then contact the gas utility, follow the building’s emergency procedures, and keep tenants away from the building until it has been declared safe.
For a plumbing emergency that involves leaks, first ask the tenant to stop the water if they can do so safely, then make the call. Contact an emergency plumber for a burst pipe or uncontrollable leak, sewage backing up into a unit or common area, a failed water heater causing significant leaking, or loss of water affecting an entire building. If water is near electrical panels, outlets, or other electrical equipment, keep people away from the area and contact the appropriate emergency services.
Property management plumbing services work best when you have an ongoing relationship with one licensed local plumbing company. Power Plumbing has served Los Angeles since 1987, and property management is our specialty. We run 18 trucks with an on-site warehouse where our techs restock daily, which is why we can usually handle any issues the same day.
We work with HOAs and property managers and provide commercial plumbing services for property managers across the San Fernando Valley, West LA, and surrounding areas, including scheduled commercial and HOA plumbing maintenance programs.
At Power Plumbing, we provide regular, scheduled plumbing services and emergency plumbing for property managers across Greater Los Angeles.
Need reliable plumbing support for the properties you manage? Contact us today to schedule service or discuss preventative plumbing maintenance.
You should schedule plumbing inspections at least twice a year, or quarterly for older buildings or those with a history of problems. Water heaters and sewer lines need an annual check of their own.
The most common plumbing issues in rental properties include clogged drains, running toilets, dripping faucets, failing water heaters, and leaks under sinks. Slab leaks and failing cast iron drain pipes are also frequent issues in older Los Angeles buildings.
In California, landlords are responsible for keeping plumbing in working order. Tenants are generally liable for damage they cause. Explain the responsibilities clearly in the lease to avoid unnecessary disputes.
