If you face water leaking in your rental home, it is essential to stay calm and take immediate steps. Prompt action can greatly aid in effectively resolving the problem. Here is a guide on what to do if a leak occurs in your rental property.
Shut off the main water supply
If you see or hear water where it shouldn’t be, your first move is to shut it off. If the leak is from a faucet or appliance, you might be able to stop the water by turning the handle or powering it off.
If the leak is more significant, however, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to the house. To do so, locate your main water shut-off valve. It might be in the basement, utility room, or outside the home. Then, use a wrench and pliers to turn the valve until the water stops flowing.
Minimize the spread of water
Once the water is off, your next step is to mop up any water that has leaked or pooled on the floor, under cabinets, or elsewhere. Use old towels and a mop to reduce the water’s spread and dry cabinets, table legs, and other wood.
If your carpet or rugs are soaked, use towels to blot up as much water as possible. Next, open the windows and turn on several fans to dry the carpet quickly. Allowing a wet carpet to sit may result in mold and permanently damage any furniture on top of it.
Report the issue to your landlord
Once you get the water flow under control, call your landlord immediately. Your landlord should be informed of what occurred and how you’ve dealt with the problem. Water leaks need to be dealt with immediately, or serious damage may result.
If you allow the problem to sit too long, you may be held liable for the damages. By contacting your landlord, you can jointly arrange for the leak to be repaired and address any other damage in the home. Remember, acting promptly can prevent serious damage and potential liability.
Prevent future water leaks
The final step in managing a water leak in your rental home is to implement good prevention practices. Once you know the cause of the leak, you must take steps to prevent the same incident from happening again. If you can, protect your drains and pipes from extreme temperatures, clogs, and other common issues.
Routine maintenance is key to preventing water leaks. Keep on top of maintenance concerns and inform your landlord when you see signs of a developing problem. By repairing things before the pipes burst, you can do a lot to help prevent water leaks in your rental home. A proactive approach can have a significant impact.
Interested in trading your current Gastonia rental home for one maintained year-round by qualified professionals? Real Property Management Queen City can assist! Check out our listings on our website or call us at 980-392-4048.
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