A Guide to Preventing Burst Pipes in Rental Properties
Property management comes with many responsibilities. One aspect that should not be neglected is safeguarding against potential damage, particularly frost-triggered pipe bursts that need costly and extensive repairs. Knowing how to shut off the exterior water supply should be part of any property manager or owner’s toolbox to avoid potential pipe bursts during colder seasons. This simple yet effective step may save the nightmare of frozen and burst pipe repairs.
Step one in taking preventive actions on your property should be to locate the main shut-off valve. Usually, this can be found where water enters a building, but sometimes it can also be found in the basement, crawlspace, or utility areas. Make sure that in an emergency you know exactly where this valve can be found and that you have easy access to it when needed.
Once you have located the main shutoff valve, it is easy to shut off exterior water. Simply rotate it clockwise until fully closed, this action will shut off water for all faucets on your property such as sprinklers and exterior faucets. However, be careful when turning off main water sources in colder months when pipes may freeze over.
Communication on the location and function of the main shutoff valve should be provided to tenants or owners of the property. Quick access and familiarity with shut-off valves can help mitigate damages from burst pipes in an emergency, so providing tenants with instructions that clearly label their location will create an organized living environment that’s prepared and proactive.
Consider installing individual shutoff valves on exterior faucets as a complement to the main shutoff valve, providing more control of water flow without impacting all areas of your property. They allow for localized control without impacting other areas, perfect for turning off some outdoor areas without disrupting others.
As winter nears, it is crucial to take extra steps to protect pipes from freezing. Insulating exposed pipes in unheated spaces provides extra insulation, an affordable and practical way to protect plumbing against freezing temperatures. Hardware stores sell pipe insulation which you can purchase inexpensively to protect plumbing against freezing temperatures.
If the property is vacant for the winter months, drain all exterior water lines. This involves turning off the main shutoff valve, opening faucets, and flushing toilets to drain all excess water out. This helps decrease the chances of pipe freezing by getting rid of excess moisture.
Proactive property managers take proactive steps to identify any weaknesses in the water system of their properties, inspecting regularly for leaks, corrosion, or weak points in pipes and making repairs promptly to prevent minor problems from becoming major ones that lead to burst pipes. Proper property management requires that they pay close attention to plumbing.
Property managers and owners should be proficient in switching off exterior water. This involves knowing the main shutoff valve, sharing this knowledge with tenants, installing individual shutoffs for each pipe, insulating them against temperature fluctuations, performing regular inspections, and implementing proactive measures to ensure the investment remains resilient and sustainable over time.