Common rental unit plumbing issues and how to resolve them

Dealing with plumbing issues can be a less-than-desirable part of renting a unit. Who hasn’t experienced the grim sound of a relentless dripping faucet or the frustration of a sluggish-draining sink? 

It’s essential to not only identify these common problems but also know how to resolve them, or at least diagnose them before calling in professionals like Hamilton Plumbing. 

So let’s delve into some of the most common plumbing woes you might encounter in your rental unit, and arm you with the knowledge to tackle them head-on.

The drip-drop nightmare: Understanding leaky faucets

Leaky faucets are a common, irritating issue. Aside from the monotonous drip-drop sound, it can lead to significant water wastage boosting your utility bill. Often the root of this issue lies in worn-out O-rings or washers. 

But don’t lose sleep over this; fixing it can be straightforward enough for you to handle by yourself. All you need is a basic toolkit and a general understanding of your faucet’s mechanism to replace these components successfully. 

It’s key to remember to cut off the main water supply before you begin. This precaution will stop any accidental spills or floods, turning your DIY repair task into a smooth, frustration-free process.

Clogged drains: The unseen obstacle

Everyone’s faced the frustration of a clogged drain. Whether it’s in your kitchen sink after washing dishes or your shower drain following a hair-shedding shampoo session, these obstructions are both annoying and unsanitary. 

Generally, the culprits are food debris, grease buildup, or hair clumps. The good news is that a quality plunger or chemical drain cleaner can usually fix this problem. 

Water pressure woes: Finding the balance

There’s nothing more dissatisfying than a trickle of water when you’re anticipating a powerful shower. Problems with water pressure can range from being mildly inconvenient to utterly disruptive, especially when it affects your ability to complete daily tasks effectively. 

Common causes of low water pressure include clogged aerators on faucets or a malfunctioning pressure regulator. Luckily, cleaning or replacing the aerator is a simple task that requires nothing more than vinegar and some patience. 

However, if your entire unit has low pressure it could be the regulator, which likely requires professional attention. Know when tackling issues yourself is feasible and when it’s time to call in an expert plumber.

Running toilets: More than an irritation

A constantly running toilet is not only annoying, but it also wastes a massive amount of water, leading to shocking utility bills. This problem typically originates in the tank located behind your toilet seat. 

It could be due to issues with components such as the flapper seal, float ball, or overflow pipe. By lifting the tank cover and doing a simple visual check, you can usually diagnose the issue yourself. 

If parts seem worn out or broken, they’ll need replacement, which you can often handle on your own with inexpensive parts from any hardware store. Nonetheless if fixing it on your own seems daunting, consider hiring a professional – this will help you to reduce water usage and save on water bills.

Pipe problems: Cracks, leaks, and repairs

One of the most serious plumbing issues you can encounter in your rental unit is a cracked or leaking pipe. The signs of this issue often surround unexpected increases in your water bill or wet spots on walls, floors, and ceilings. 

These situations are typically beyond the average DIY repair scope due to their complexity and potential for major damage if mishandled. 

Your best course of action is to contact an experienced professional who can accurately assess the situation and perform necessary repairs before any escalation occurs.

Turning plumbing challenges into smooth solutions: Wrapping it up

In conclusion, plumbing issues in rental units are a common occurrence, but that doesn’t mean they need to overwhelm you. Knowing how to identify and remedy basic problems like dripping faucets or clogged drains can empower you to handle such situations with ease. 

Insight into when a professional’s help might be necessary – like in the case of leaking pipes or clogged drains – can save you costly damage and unnecessary stress. Staying alert, informed, and communicative with your landlord about these issues ensures a smoother renting experience for all parties involved.

Written by Billy Guteng. August 7, 2023

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.