If you are a Chicago property manager, you likely wear a lot of hats. This is especially true if you manage one of the city’s many large buildings. When there is a pipe or plumbing problem, however, everything else becomes secondary. Property managers, of all sized-buildings, dread that midnight call saying there is the sound of water running in the walls. Property managers can reduce much the stress they face while enhancing their value and reputation by being proactive when it comes to preventive maintenance. This is particularly true when it comes to piping and plumbing. Here are 9 plumbing maintenance tips for Chicago area property managers.
- Make sure pipes are well-insulated. Chicago winters can be brutal and that cold can wreak havoc on water pipes. Through the years, many building managers have addressed these issues but there may be new pipe runs that have been installed in recent years that still need attention.
- Don’t put off even small leaks. Address small leaks quickly, ensuring they don’t become large issues. As much as we may wish it otherwise, small leaks rarely fix themselves. It is best to get them fixed ASAP.
- Make sure building drains have strainers. You can’t be totally assured tenants will always use them but they can minimize drain clogs.
- Discourage tenants from putting grease down drains. In fact, good plumbing habits should be a part of any new tenant move-in process. Have them become part of the solution rather than the problem. Instruct them to report any leaks immediately.
- Pay attention to pipe rattling noise when water is turned on or off. This is an indication plumbing pipe restraints have loosen and that movement can lead to bigger problems.
- Encourage tenants to use natural drain cleaners. A single cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar can keep clogs away naturally! You may be surprised with how receptive tenants can be.
- Avoid harsh chemicals when treating drain clog problems. Use of harsh chemicals can have negative long term effects on your pipes and the environment. Seek out enzyme based cleaners.
- Fix problems properly. It can be tempting to use quick-fixes and shortcuts when addressing plumbing problems. This, however, can compound through the years. You may be even dealing with a property that hasn’t always used best practices in the past. Do it right the first time.
- Have your pipes inspected. If you don’t feel qualified, hire a company that inspects pipes espanolfarm.com/. Paying for a proper inspection and anticipating potential problems is far more efficient than a costly critical failure that inconveniences tenants.
When pipe problems do occur, know your options. New pipe relining technology is a quicker, more cost-effective alternative to opening walls and replacing long pipe runs in a plumbing failure. Nu Flow Midwest uses an epoxy based lining to restore leaking, corroded or eroded pipes. It does so without the costly expense and disruption of pipe replacement. If you are Chicago property manager, experiencing repeated pipe leaks or are facing expensive pipe replacement, contact Nu Flow Midwest today.