Plumbing problems can have a significant impact on the financial performance of your properties. Now, with increased regulatory oversight by local municipalities, proactive management is more important than ever to protect rental properties and avoid legal or financial consequences.
Here are some best practices property managers use to mitigate risks and costs associated with plumbing:
Regular Maintenance – Routine maintenance is the cornerstone of any good plan. Identifying and resolving potential problems is almost always cheaper and easier than responding to an emergency.
The two best, low-cost plumbing maintenance practices that property managers should implement are:
Plumbing Health Assessment – Have professionals inspect all aspects of a unit’s plumbing including pipes, drains, fixtures, appliances, and water heaters. We recommend doing this annually or whenever a tenant turns-over in order to. This helps identify issues for budgeting and safety, as well as set a baseline condition in case of future disputes with the tenant.
Drain Cleaning – Tenants are not always careful about what they put down your drains. It can be safer and cheaper to stay ahead of build-ups than to deal with a back-up. We recommend cleaning your drain lines annually or whenever a tenant turns over. This is especially if you have older cast iron or clay sewer lines.
**Extra Credit** Water Heater Flushing – Flushing water heaters can add years of life and improve efficiency. It is also a good way to stay on top of the condition of the water heater so that you are surprised with an unexpected replacement bill.
Beyond maintenance, top property managers are vigilant about several other things including:
Timeliness of Response – Acting quickly when there are warnings signs like slow drains, cold water, or slow drips can prevent costly damage and liability. Showing you care about these things, also encourages tenants to be proactive when there is an issue.
Clarify Tenant Responsibilities – Well-written leases should require prompt reporting of issues, define liability for tenant-caused damage, educate tenants on proper use, and allow access for routine maintenance.
Documentation – Keeping detailed records of inspections, cleanings, and repairs—performed by licensed professionals—provides protection during disputes and regulatory reviews.
Implementing just a few simple and low cost best practices can significantly reduce risk from plumbing problems and go a long way towards ensuring the performance and safety of your property.
Sewer Lines Only partners with top property managers throughout the Denver area to provide sewer, water, and general plumbing services. We focus on transparency and education, offering fast scheduling, free estimates, clear scopes of work, and video documentation.
