Safe Harbor Homes for Rent

What can you do about water damage on rental properties?

If you are reading this, you already know the importance of maintaining your rental properties.

If you are watching the news, you have seen all the damage that busted pipes have done after the Texas snowfall and subsequent freeze. What can you do about water damage on rental properties? Let’s do a quick review and points to check in your property to keep water damage out of your life!

Understand that even small amounts of water can cause water damage


According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), about 1 in 50 insured homes has a property damage claim caused by water damage or freezing each year.

Check the washing machine hose and try to get them replaced every five years

These hoses are under pressure all the time. It is not a question of ‘if’ they will break but when.

See if your toilet is leaking by putting some drops of food coloring in the tank and waiting to see if it appears in the bowl

A leaky toilet can cause up to 100 gallons of water loss a day.

Regularly check to see if appliances that use water are leaking. Check at the water line connections

Poor maintenance can void many insurance policies.

Check out ceilings, pipes in sink cabinets, and areas around sinks and toilets to see if anything is leaking

Get under the sink and feel the lines for moisture.

Clean your gutters regularly, insulate your attic and try to keep the roof cool

Should it snow, install a water membrane and snow shield underneath the shingles. Problems in the roof could be seen as a lack of maintenance and void any warranty.

Prevent Frozen Pipes and Pipe Bursts

  • To accomplish this, seal up cracks and holes with caulk.

  • Wrap pipes in cold areas with insulating materials and let cold water drip from the faucets.

  • Shut off the water supply IMMEDIATELY if a pipe bursts.

  • Open Cabinet doors when below freezing.

Try to remove snow from your roof, especially if it’s 6 inches deep

This will help any Spring thaw problems. You also should keep snow away from your house’s foundation.

Don’t pour grease down a drain

This may seem obvious but it is very common. Be sure to inform your residents of this.

Seek outside help to find leaks if your water bill is higher than usual

Sadly, this shock is the first sign that you may have water damage.

So that is a quick overview of preventing water damage. To read more, go to: https://www.puroclean.com/blog/tips-to-protect-your-home-from-water-damage/.

Remember, property management begins with property maintenance. If you take heed to the thoughts above, you should be able to prevent problems from happening in the first place.

Wes Pettie

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