As a property manager, you know that plumbing is a top priority that needs to be maintained regularly. Failure to properly inspect the pipes can result in water damage, pipe blowouts, and higher bills. When you manage a property, you are accountable for the well-being and health of a large number of people.

You don't want a plumbing issue to affect anyone, especially if it’s avoidable. We understand that knowing how to maintain plumbing might be difficult at times. And we’re here to provide you with the best 8 plumbing tips that you need to know as a property manager. Let's begin!

1. Check Leaks

A running toilet can waste between 3 and 4.5 gallons of water every minute. The average holdhouse can waste about 10,000 gallons (37,800 liters) of water annually due to leakage problems, and can result in huge water bills. When you multiply this by the number of toilets and properties, the water bills can quickly become excessive. Plumbers can assist you in detecting leaks of all kinds and reducing your water consumption and bills. Not only can you save natural resources, but also save money by detecting leaks.

Many leaks go unnoticed, particularly in large buildings. Multiple leaks in a large institution can eventually lead to thousands of dollars in water bills. A regular inspection can spot problems early on, potentially saving you money on repairs. You can inspect the following:

● All faucets in the kitchen, bathroom, and shower for proper operation and leakage.

● Check leaks — on the toilet, under the cabin, under the dishwasher, hose bibs, etc.

● Check the gas riser, lines, and meter.

2. Check Water Heating Systems

The next plumbing maintenance tip for you is to check water heating systems regularly. Commercial water heaters are subjected to a great deal of wear and tear over time. Through regular inspection, you will ensure that the water heater will not age that fast. During tune-ups, you can clean your water to eliminate any sediment build-up, will check all of its components, and make any necessary changes.

3. Educate Residents

By being trained or informed about basic plumbing care, residents can be prepared to prevent plumbing problems. For instance, they need to know that they should not flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Also, they should be careful not to let hair strands go down the drain when bathing or showering, as this hair can build up and cause clogs. So, it’s essential to remind residents how to take care of their plumbing systems so as not to create major problems.

4. Act Before Something Happens

Make sure your maintenance crew understands how critical it is to keep the plumbing in good working order. Don’t wait until a resident reports a problem. Ensure there are regular checkups for the pipes, faucets, leaks, and water heaters before a large-scale issue arises.

Also, remind your residents to report any minor plumbing issues to you or your maintenance crew as soon as possible so that the problem can be resolved before it becomes a major one.

5. Understand Plumbing Fixtures

The plumbing system's principal job is to carry water from one part of the house to another, and fixtures are a part of that system. Sinks, faucets, bathtubs, showerheads, and toilets are examples of fixtures.

You need to install high-efficiency plumbing fixtures to improve the building's overall sustainability, cut water usage, minimize utility costs, and preserve natural resources. Property managers should carefully assess the maintenance impact that these fixtures will have to guarantee that they give the optimum results.

By understanding how these components work, you as a manager will be able to consider all their obligations during repair routine and regular inspections.

6. Work With a Licensed Plumber or Plumbing Service

As a property manager, it’s your responsibility to ensure that all tenants are working properly and safely in your units. When you detect the issues, you can be helped by a trustworthy plumbing service provider.

If you manage a residential or commercial property, you may encounter different plumbing issues, such as clogged drains, leaky pipes, gas leaks, low water pressure, and more. If you don't want to deal with plumbing problems, a reputable commercial plumbing firm that can provide excellent service while minimizing dangers, eventually saving money and time.

7. Consider Backflow Preventer Testing

Backflow occurs when water flow in a water supply plumbing system is reversed from its regular direction. Backflow is hazardous because it has the potential to contaminate clean drinking water. It’s essential to use a backflow preventer — a device consisting of a pair of mechanical check valves — to prevent the opposite flow of contaminated water into your property and public water.

This device (which can be found in restaurants, hotels, apartment buildings, etc.) diverts harmful water away from your property, preventing it from re-entering as the contaminated water may contain chemicals and other hazardous things that pose a threat to your health.

Backflow preventer testing will ensure that you only have clean and fresh drinking water, free from pollutants. Backflow valves must be tested annually to ensure that they are working effectively and efficiently. To protect the safety of your drinking water for you and your residents, have your backflow device inspected.

8. Call Plumbing Service During Emergency

You need to call your plumbing service when there is a huge problem. But the question is when is the right time? Any of the following situations may require contacting your local plumbing service for immediate assistance:

● Pipes break

● Toilet overflows

● Bathrooms have been flooded

● Pipes are corroded

● There are leaks in a gas line

● There is a leaking sewage

Conclusion

To conclude, plumbing maintenance is essential as it keeps your pipes clean, prolongs the life of your plumbing system, and improves the quality of your drinking water. As a property manager, go over our checklist once more for your residential and commercial plumbing needs. Good luck!