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Houston Property Management Tips

November 2010: Never Ignore Water

Water is a necessary element to support life and when it concerns rental property, water usage must be available to tenants. However, water can be destructive. This can come from an act of nature, such as a serious flood or hurricane. If there are repairs left unchecked in a rental property, water can cause anything from minimal to major havoc and damage.

Water problems can affect just about every area of the property, inside and out.

  • Kitchens have many potential areas for water problems. Dishwashers, refrigerators, and ice makers all can have poor hose hook ups or develop a leak. Sinks and garbage disposals can back up or overflow due to poor plumbing. Even a slow drip over time can cause a lot of damage.
  • There are utility rooms, laundry areas, garages, and basements with water connections. Washing machines can overflow or have problems with hoses or improper hook ups. Water heaters can start leaking. Basements can develop cracks in their foundations.
  • Bathrooms certainly can have water problems. Most new homes today have two, three, or more bathrooms. Therefore, a property can have a variety of toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Even if there is only one bathroom, it is critical that plumbing leaks be fixed quickly to avoid more damage.
  • Moisture can accrue quickly in these areas, causing mold. Water can affect the exterior of a residence. You can have faulty drains that can back up and leak into the residence. Irrigation systems can cause standing water, which can lead to pest problems.
  • Roofs and gutters can leak. Periodic checks are necessary for roofs to prolong life. Backed up gutters occur when leaves or debris fall and should be cleaned out as soon as possible.
  • It is possible to have structural plumbing problems. Plumbing in the ceiling or under the floor can become faulty or pipes can burst during certain weather conditions.


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