Plumbing Tenant Tips.

If your water pipes burst or you get a home leak, what do you do?

If you rent out your property do youhave a plan for your tenants to act quickly and save you money?

Story: On a Sunday afternoon a water pipe burst in the frontyard of a tenanted property.

The new tenant from overseas called a plumber, who charged a callout fee of $200.00.

The plumber advised the leak was on the street side of the water metre and it was the Local Councils concern and promptly left.

The property owner had a $200 call out bill and the tenant had no water for a few days with a damaged front yard.

There may be many ways to argue who pays for damages, but some information for the tenant may have reduced damage to the property and the property owners pocket.

Try leaving a laminated list of do's and don'ts for the water and plumbing.

Possible leak list:

• Shut off the main water out the front of the property. Look for meter box.
• Reduce pipe pressure by opening the taps of the nearest fixture (basin) or at the lowest level of the home.
• Identify the exact location of the problem.
• If it's the hot water line, turn off the water supply into the water heater.
• If a hot water leak is stopped then you can turn the water metre main line back on so cold water can be used while the pipe is being fixed.
• If the water is off at the Hot water system, then turn off the water heater at the electrical box.
• Call a Plumber to discuss the problem further.

You can add to this list. You get the idea. Information is key to saving your property and your wallet from damage.

Think up your own plumbing list, laminate it and fasten it to the kitchen cupboard so all your family or tenants will help you manage your plumbing.

Thank you.

William Price.