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Immediate Actions to Take When There’s a Leak in Your Rental Home

A plumber uses a rag to contain a leak under a bathroom sink, preventing further damage.The sight of water leaking in a rental home is every renter’s nightmare! Finding a leak may be alarming, but there are steps you can take to mitigate the issue. To be part of the solution, take these actions if a leak happens in your rental home.

Turn off the water supply

When you see or hear water where it shouldn’t be, your first step is to turn it off at the source. For leaks from a faucet or appliance, simply turn the handle or switch off the device to stop the water.

For more serious leaks, it’s necessary to shut off the main water supply. Find your water main shut-off valve to do this. The valve might be in the basement, utility room, or outside the house. With a wrench and pliers, turn the valve until the water stops flowing.

Contain the leak and minimize water damage

Once the water is off, your next task is to mop up any water that’s leaked or pooled on the floor, under cabinets, or elsewhere. Grab some old towels and a mop to keep the water from spreading and to dry cabinets, table legs, and other wood.

For soaked carpets or rugs, use towels to absorb as much water as you can. After that, open the windows and turn on multiple fans to help the rug dry faster. If you leave a wet carpet, it could lead to mold growth and permanent damage to any furniture on top.

Notify your landlord or property manager

After you’ve controlled the water, it’s essential to call your landlord right away. Your landlord should be informed of the situation and the steps you’ve taken to manage it.

It’s important to deal with water leaks right away to prevent severe damage. Delaying action could result in you being responsible for any damages caused. Contacting your landlord allows you to collaborate on getting the leak repaired and any other damage addressed.

Simple checks and maintenance tasks to avoid leaks

The final step after managing a water leak is to focus on prevention. After identifying the cause of the leak, take steps to prevent it from happening again. Where possible, protect your drains and pipes from extreme temperatures, clogs, and other potential issues.

Regularly maintain your home and alert your landlord if you notice any issues developing. Preventing water leaks is easier when you address problems before they become severe.

If you’re looking for a new rental home, Real Property Management Icon can help you find one in Plano or the surrounding region. Explore our available rentals to find out more and schedule a viewing.

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