No renter wants to face the problem of water leaking in their rental home! Should you come across a leak, there are actions you can take to handle it properly. To aid in the resolution, follow these steps when facing a leak in your rental home.
Turn off the water supply
Upon seeing or hearing water from an unexpected place, your initial step should be to stop it at the source. If a faucet or appliance is leaking, you can stop the water by turning the handle or switching it off.
In the case of a more serious leak, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to the house. Begin by finding the water main shut-off valve. This valve could be located in a basement, utility room, or outside the house. After locating the valve, use a wrench and pliers to turn it until the water stops.
Contain the leak and minimize water damage
After cutting off the water, your next move is to mop up any leaking or pooled water on the floor, under cabinets, or other areas. With old towels and a mop, minimize the spread of water and dry any cabinets, table legs, or other wooden items.
If your carpets or rugs are wet, use towels to soak up as much water as possible. Following that, open windows and turn on fans to dry the rug quickly. Allowing a wet carpet to sit could lead to mold and damage any furniture on it permanently.
Notify your landlord or property manager
After you’ve controlled the water, it’s essential to call your landlord right away. Your landlord must be made aware of the incident and the actions you’ve taken to handle it.
It’s crucial to address water leaks immediately to prevent serious damage. Leaving the issue unaddressed too long could make you liable for damages. When you call your landlord, you can work together to repair the leak and address any other damage in the home.
Simple checks and maintenance tasks to avoid leaks
Once the leak is managed, your final task is to practice good prevention. Once you know the leak’s cause, take measures to prevent it from recurring. If possible, safeguard your drains and pipes from extreme temperatures, clogs, and other issues.
Keep up with routine maintenance and alert your landlord to any signs of developing problems. Fixing issues early can greatly reduce the risk of water leaks in your rental home.
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