Plumbing problems are one of the most common — and costly — headaches landlords face. A minor leak can turn into a full-blown flood, and a backed-up drain can lead to angry tenants and emergency service calls. Even worse? Many of these issues are entirely preventable.
If you're a landlord looking to protect your investment and keep tenants happy, regular plumbing maintenance isn’t optional — it’s essential. In this guide, we’ll walk through a comprehensive landlord plumbing maintenance checklist that can help you prevent plumbing disasters, reduce repair costs, and ensure your property runs smoothly all year long.
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1. Inspect for Leaks Regularly
Even a small drip can add up to gallons of wasted water and hundreds of dollars in damage. Make it a habit to check for leaks during tenant turnovers or quarterly walkthroughs.
Where to check:
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Under kitchen and bathroom sinks
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Around toilets and tubs
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Near the water heater
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Exposed piping in basements or utility closets
Use a flashlight to check for moisture, corrosion, or warped materials. Catching a leak early can prevent mold growth and water damage to walls, flooring, and personal property.
2. Test Water Pressure
High water pressure might feel great in the shower, but it can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Too low, and tenants may complain about poor flow.
How to check:
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Use an inexpensive water pressure gauge on an outdoor spigot.
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Ideal residential pressure is between 40–60 psi.
High pressure can lead to pipe damage, while low pressure might signal a leak or a clog. If you notice extreme readings, it’s time to call in a professional.
3. Flush the Water Heater Annually
Sediment builds up at the bottom of a water heater over time, especially in areas with hard water. This makes the unit work harder — increasing energy bills and shortening its lifespan.
Annual maintenance should include:
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Flushing the tank to remove sediment
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Checking the anode rod for corrosion
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Inspecting for leaks or rust
If your tenants are complaining about a lack of hot water, this may be the first place to look.
4. Clear Slow Drains Before They Clog
One slow drain may not seem like a big deal — until it backs up completely. Take the proactive route and address sluggish drains right away.
Tips:
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Use an enzymatic drain cleaner monthly as a safe, eco-friendly way to break down gunk.
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Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can corrode pipes.
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Educate tenants on what shouldn’t go down the drain (grease, coffee grounds, wipes, etc.).
5. Check Toilet Components
Running toilets can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day — and landlords are often the ones footing the water bill.
Inspect for:
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Faulty flappers
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Loose or corroded handles
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Chain issues
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Signs of tank or bowl leaks
Replacing flappers or handles is a quick and inexpensive fix that can save you serious money.
6. Examine Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures
Outdoor hose bibs, irrigation systems, and shut-off valves are easy to overlook — until they freeze or burst.
For year-round care:
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Check hose bibs for drips or cracks
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Disconnect hoses and shut off valves before winter
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Look for sprinkler leaks that can increase water bills unnoticed
This is especially important if your rental property is in a region with cold winters like Rochester, NY.
7. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Frozen pipes can burst and cause massive water damage. Prevention starts with insulation.
Key areas to insulate:
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Attics and crawl spaces
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Unheated basements
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Utility closets near exterior walls
Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape in vulnerable spots. This one small task can prevent thousands in damage.
8. Educate Your Tenants
Your tenants are the first line of defense against plumbing issues. Equip them with knowledge, and they’ll be more likely to treat your property with care.
What to share:
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What not to flush or pour down the drain
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How to locate and shut off the water in an emergency
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Instructions for promptly reporting issues
You might even include plumbing guidelines in your lease or provide a simple info sheet during move-in.
9. Schedule a Professional Plumbing Inspection
No matter how thorough your personal inspections are, nothing beats having a licensed plumber take a look once a year.
Pros can:
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Use camera scopes to inspect drain lines
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Detect hidden leaks in walls or foundations
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Evaluate overall plumbing system health
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Provide maintenance recommendations
Annual checkups are a small investment that can prevent massive repair bills down the road.
Want to partner with professionals who treat your rental property like their own? Contact Trident today!
Why Preventive Plumbing Maintenance Pays Off
Let’s face it — plumbing issues never happen at a convenient time. But when you're proactive, you avoid late-night calls, tenant complaints, water damage, and emergency expenses.
Keeping your property’s plumbing in shape isn’t just about saving money. It’s about protecting your investment, ensuring tenant satisfaction, and making life as a landlord a whole lot easier.
Final Checklist: Quick Reference
✅ Inspect for leaks under sinks and around appliances
✅ Test and monitor water pressure
✅ Flush water heater annually
✅ Clear slow drains and educate tenants
✅ Check and repair toilet components
✅ Inspect and winterize outdoor plumbing
✅ Insulate pipes in vulnerable areas
✅ Provide tenant plumbing guidelines
✅ Schedule annual plumbing inspections
Need Help With Plumbing Maintenance?
Let Trident Heating & Cooling take plumbing worries off your plate. Whether you manage one rental or a full portfolio, we offer reliable, affordable, and professional plumbing services to keep everything flowing smoothly. Contact Trident today!