When you own or manage a multifamily housing complex, one simple backed up sink can cause problems for many residents. Knowing how to prevent common plumbing problems is essential to keeping your residents comfortable and your building protected.

Common Issues for Apartment Buildings 

What type of plumbing issues do apartment buildings face? The truth is, apartment buildings can face the same issues any residential building faces, from backed up toilets to plugged up drains. The difference is that some problems can create issues for more than just the resident who caused them.

Consider a plugged kitchen sink, which is quite common. When one unit's sink gets backed up, it can cause multiple sinks along the line to back up. If the backup is too large, the lower unit may even end up flooding. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

Dirty water can be another problem in multi-family buildings, particularly in older buildings in urban communities. Often the water pipe corrosion in old water and sewage lines that have begun to break down are the cause of this problem. If your building is older, be sure to inspect the quality of the water regularly for signs of a problem.

Finally, apartment owners can experience problems when the main water or sewer line breaks. These leaks are often hidden away from plain sight, so it's difficult to notice them until a serious problem occurs, such as a sewage backup in a unit.

One indication that you may have a problem is a sudden, unexplained increase in your water bill. If you notice this, or notice any areas with unusual smells or unexplained standing water, inspect your plumbing for a leak. These leaks drive up your costs and have the potential to put your resident's health at risk, so they should not be left unattended.

How to Prevent Plumbing Problems

A proactive approach to preventing plumbing problems is always the best solution. Taking preventative measures now to prevent a huge headache later will help save stress and money.

One of your primary goals is to prevent clogs. Clogs in one unit can spread to problems in other units, resulting in unhappy residents. Even if the original resident knows that the clog is his or her fault, other residents may be left wondering where you failed to do your job as the property manager.

Start your clog prevention campaign by removing garbage disposals from your units. While residents may enjoy the convenience of a disposal, disposals are often abused by their users. When a resident sends a large quantity of food down the disposal, the line can get clogged quickly.

Installing drain screens on all drains in the units is also important. While a drain screen will not prevent all debris from ending up in the drain, it can help cut down on debris significantly. This is a simple fix that you can tackle on your own to help prevent clogs.

Scheduling regular plumbing inspections to look for signs of wear and tear and potential future problems is yet another way to prevent issues. The cost of this maintenance check is much lower than the cost of a line break, making it a wise investment.

Taking Care of Problems Once They Occur

If you have done your best to prevent problems, but a problem occurs anyway, work quickly. Residents take their health and comfort seriously, and proper plumbing is a vital part of that. If you are experiencing dirty water from corroding pipes, it may be time for an overhaul or a filtration system to protect your residents.

Leaks on the water main line are a problem because they increase your costs. While this does not affect your residents, provided no water gets into the unit or the building, it does drive up your water bills. Leaks will require the water to be shut off to the building, in most cases, so a professional plumber can fix the leak. Most plumbers will be able to slow or stop the leak temporarily so you can give your residents 24-hour notice about the water.

Whether you are being proactive or taking care of a problem later, you need to be aware of your plumbing. One simple clogged sink can cause serious problems for you, so know what to watch for as you care for your building.