So, you’ve decided to rent out your property. Here are five plumbing checks you should make before listing your investment property as “ready for rent”.
1. Tempering valve on your hot water system
By law, each hot water unit needs a tempering valve. A tempering valve stops hot water from exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. As a landlord, this will save on litigation fees should a tenant claim they were scalded from hot water from the tap. Before renting your property, use thermometer to check the water temperature. If the water from the hot tap is too hot or cold, give us a call.
2. Taps and fixtures meet water efficiency compliance If you want to pass on council water use charges to your tenant, you must ensure all taps and fixtures are WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) compliant. In order to do this, a licensed plumber must have checked all fixtures and issued a WELS compliance certificate for the property.
3. Gutters and downpipes are clean
Gutter and downpipe cleaning is an important part property maintenance. Blocked gutters and downpipes can cause indoor and outdoor flooding during heavy rain and cause your property damage, and your tenant unnecessary stress.
Your gutters should be cleaned a minimum of twice a year – something we can mark in our calendars to do for you.
4. Install exhaust fan in bathrooms It’s not mandatory to have exhaust fans in your bathrooms but it will help prevent mould growing in your property. As we know, a steamy bathroom is a haven for mould to grow in. Should your tenant report mould growth in your property, it will cost you money to rectify it. As the saying goes – prevention is better than cure.
5. No leaks or blockages
The plumbing at your property should be leak and blockage free before a tenant moves in. This will minimise the chances of water damage to your property or your tenant's belongings. Flexi hoses should be checked or, better yet, flood stop valves installed to prevent indoor flooding.
Need your plumbing checked before listing your property for rent? Call Andrew and our team of Gympie plumbers to inspect your investment property plumbing 0418 800 018.