While you look for the perfect home to rent that has a great location, curb appeal, and fits the needs of your family, don’t forget about the plumbing. As a renter, it’s important to communicate with your landlord and take preventative measures. Don’t lose money by making costly mistakes with your plumbing. Damaged plumbing could result in fees or not getting your deposit money back. Steer clear of problems by following this guide:
Plumbing Tips for Tenants
Locate Water Shut Off Valves
In case of a plumbing emergency, it’s imperative to know where the main water shut off valve is located in your home. Ask your landlord to show you it’s location when you tour the property or when you get your keys and access to the building. Locate the individual shut off valves for toilets and sinks as well, both of which you should be able to easily find yourself.
Learn About Past Problems
Ask your landlord about previous plumbing problems that have occurred in the building. Is one toilet more likely to clog, does the bathtub get backed up easily, are any pipes notorious for leaking? It’s important to be aware of any lingering problems and be able to address them with your landlord right form the beginning. Forming a good relationship with your landlord will provide easy communication when problems arise.
Protect Against Clogs
Clogged drains are one of the biggest plumbing headaches and yet they are preventable. Be sure to never put fats, oils, and grease down sink drains, as they are the worst offenders at causing clogs and the most damaging. When unclogging drains, be it a sink, tub, or toilet, using the correct plunger to your key to success. To avoid embarrassment for yourself and possibly your guests, it’s vital to know how to unclog a toilet. Be a good host and always leave a plunger in the bathroom so you never leave your guests in an awkward situation.
Learn Simple DIY Plumbing
While you don’t own the home, you are expected to treat it well and keep it in good shape. Learn simple do it yourself plumbing tricks so you are able to fix common problems. This will save you from making a panicked call to your landlord and give you a sense a pride to be able to fix things on your own.
Clean Plumbing Fixtures
Hopefully your landlord had your new home professionally cleaned; but in case they did not, it’s good to give everything a good cleaning, including your plumbing fixtures. Clean the dishwasher, washing machine, garbage disposal, shower head, drains, and any other plumbing fixtures that don’t seem up to par. Also, clean all fixtures before the end of your lease to ensure you won’t get any unforeseen charges or deductions from your deposit.
Following these tips will make you a landlord’s dream tenant and provide a great quality renting experience for you. If you encounter any plumbing problems that you can’t handle, call the experts at George Brazil. Our Smell Good Plumbers are available to assist you 24/7 for plumbing emergencies. Contact us and schedule your service today.
