Rental units throughout Adelaide present a series of challenges specific to plumbing, influenced by climate, age, turnover, and normal use. From the viewpoint of property investors and property management, plumbing issues are no longer trivial matters, as they can easily escalate to dispute cases, non-compliance, and even costly emergency repairs if they are not resolved early on. This explains why property owners turn to experienced local plumbers, such as those at Koala Plumbing servicing Adelaide suburbs, to take care of their plumbing needs within their Adelaide suburbs.
Knowing common plumbing problems in Adelaide rental homes will allow landlords to stay one step ahead, not to mention a house full of angry tenants.
Aging infrastructure in older Adelaide homes
A large number of rental apartments in Adelaide are based in outer suburbs where homes have been standing for several decades. Older homes can have plumbing infrastructure dating back to their period of construction and not necessarily compatible with contemporary water usage. Their potential for corrosion can be due to their materials, such as galvanized pipes, old copper, and outdated fittings.
In relation to rental properties, these kinds of problems can be overlooked until the tenant complains about the damage or issues with plumbing. Routine maintenance, deep cleaning, and upgrading can be crucial for the landlord who owns an old complex, especially in the established suburb with heritage homes.
Blocked drains and sewer line problems
Clogs in the drainage system are some of the most common plumbing issues that can occur in an Adelaide rental property. Kitchen sinks, bathroom drainage systems, and laundry fixtures are most likely to experience obstructions from grease buildup and debris. Issues of improper disposal of waste can further contribute to clogs in properties that house multiple renters.
A more serious type of sewer line blockage is also prevalent, particularly when mature trees are involved on the property. The roots of the trees will seek out the water and work their way inside old clay or concrete sewer pipes to cause drainage problems and related sewage backups.
Leaking Taps and Fixtures
Though dripping faucets might appear trivial, leaky faucets remain a common problem experienced in rental housing. If left unchecked, even a dripping faucet results in increased bills, due to wasted water.
In South Australia, where water conservation is an important issue, landlords may be asked to maintain their properties in a water-conservative manner, especially concerning water leaks in their premises. This will prevent any issues with water consumption in their rented premises.
Hot water system breakdowns
Issues associated with hot water systems pose significant disruptions, especially within the rented premises where hot water is expected for everyday living. Adelaide hot water systems experience temperature variability, high water mineral content, that affects the working lifespan. The efficiency of hot water systems is reduced due to sediment buildup within hot water storage.
The other area that can pose health hazards to the inhabitants is when the landlord rents out the apartment despite not having functioning hot water systems, especially when the systems are not sufficient to cater to the needs of bigger families.
Toilet problems and perpetual running
The toilets found in rental houses receive intensive use and may end up developing several faults. Some possible faults include perpetual running cisterns, poor flushing mechanisms, and leaks at the bottom part. Often, such damages occur due to worn internal parts such as the flapper valves.
Running toilets pose the risk of wastage of large volumes of water, without the tenants necessarily knowing. Regular checks during the change of tenancy are essential in ensuring such issues are identified before water wastage occurs.
Issues related to water pressure
Having low water pressure or inconsistent water pressure has been one problem complained about by many residents in rented Adelaide properties. Water pressure issues may be caused by corrosion in pipes, partially closed isolation valves, malfunctioning pressure-limiting valves, or blockages in pipes. In some instances, low water pressure may affect multiple properties in close proximity to one another due to shared water pipes.
Although exterior supply challenges might be beyond the control of the landlord, plumbing restrictions within may likely be part of property maintenance duties. Early detection of pressure issues will prevent tenant disgruntlement and further pipe deterioration.
Stormwater drainage issues
Leaked or blocked drainage pipes can result in water accumulation within the foundations, which can lead to structural problems or water leakages inside.
Properties with poorly maintained drainage of their stormwater system may be predisposed to water entry during events of heavy rainfall. Proper maintenance of the stormwater drainages of a rental property can prevent the need for emergency response during the rainy season.
Burst pipes during extreme temperatures
While extreme cold temperatures may not be as regular in the area that is Adelaide as they might be within other parts of the world, drastic temperature fluctuations can also be responsible for stress on pipes. This is largely due to the sudden extreme temperatures that can cause pipes to expand and subsequently contract.
Burst pipes in a rental property can happen suddenly, often flooding a property before a tenant can shut off the supply of water. Making sure there is a functional shut-off valve or regular inspections of pipes can be a viable way to mitigate this type of risk.
Tenant-related plumbing damage
Even though most tenants use plumbing well, sometimes misuse happens. Flushing the wrong materials, overloading the drainage system, or attempting home repairs might exacerbate the problem. In a tenancy situation, a landlord has to consider fair wear and tear, as well as misuse.
Effective communication of proper plumbing use and the timely fixing of problems by a professional plumber could go a long way in preventing problems from snowballing. Keeping records during entry and exit inspections also helps in the resolution of disputes.
Compliance and Habitability Obligations
In South Australia, the rental properties are required to meet certain minimum standards of habitability. These include functional plumbing and hot water services. The breakdown of the plumbing system with regards to sanitation, water supply, and drainage can potentially make landlords liable for the obligations of tenancy.
Importance of Preventative Plumbing Maintenance
One of the best ways to minimize plumbing problems in Adelaide properties, especially rental, is preventative maintenance. Regular property inspections help identify any potential problems with leaks, corrosion, or wear, which can be addressed before turning naturally into an emergency. Hot water service maintenance, drain clearing, or upgrading outdated existing fixtures can pay off in the end by saving on future repairs.
Regular upkeep also reflects professionalism on the part of the landlord, which in turn leads to longer leases and fewer problems with the tenant.
