Why Pipes Burst in Rental Properties and How to Fix Them
If you’ve ever had to deal with a burst pipe, you know it’s one of those problems that can turn a normal day into an expensive headache quickly. As an investor, a burst pipe is more than just water damage; you face unexpected repair costs, tenant complaints, and the stress of juggling emergency fixes with daily operations. Pipes don’t exactly send polite warnings before they fail, so when they do, the impact can take a hit on your budget and disrupt your schedule.
Therefore, if you own a single rental or manage many properties, understanding what makes pipes burst is vital for protecting your investment. In light of this, we’ll break down what you need to know and give you clear insights to help you stay ahead and avoid surprises.
What Causes Pipes to Burst?
Old and Clogged Pipes
Old and clogged pipes are like ticking time bombs in your property. A burst pipe is considered as an emergency maintenance since it may lead to flooding and cause additional damage to the property. Over time, pipes naturally deteriorate, and many things build up inside, narrowing the space for water to flow. When pressure builds in these tight spaces, especially during heavy use, the pipes can crack or burst without warning. Corrosion is another silent culprit, eating away at the inside of old pipes until they fail.
Water must find a way out, usually through a weak place in the pipe, when clogs caused by debris, hair, or grease increase the pressure. As an investor, this means unexpected repair bills and potential tenant displacement, which can hurt your bottom line. Avoiding the commotion that comes with burst pipes in your investment properties requires watching your property’s plumbing and repairing old pipes before they collapse.
Faulty Repairs
A burst pipe can happen for various sneaky reasons, including poor repairs that are frequently overlooked until it’s too late. Perhaps a handyman or former owner failed to tighten a fitting properly or used the wrong pipe. Quick patch work often uses materials that don’t fit with the current pipe system, resulting in weak spots that eventually become unable to withstand pressure changes.
Even minor leaks or poorly sealed joints can develop into a full-blown burst as water flows through the system, but these minor errors might last for a while. This means that a seemingly inexpensive repair could cost you a lot of money, particularly if it destroys other things such as the walls, floors, or your tenant’s property. Frequent inspections by trained experts can help identify these hidden problems and protect your investment.
Lack of Rain
It might sound odd, but a lack of rain is another reason why pipes burst. When rain is limited, the soil around your property dries and shrinks. This places unexpected pressure on pipes placed underground, causing them to crack or break.
This is a problem many property owners overlook because dry weather seems harmless compared to heavy rain or flooding. We recommend keeping an eye on soil conditions during your regular inspections. Doing so can help prevent pipes from bursting that lead to expensive water damage and affect your tenant.
Learn why pipes burst in rental properties, how to prevent them, and what to do to fix the damage and protect your investment. #plumbing #howtoHow to Repair Burst Pipes?
Inspection
Before you fix a burst pipe, start with a thorough inspection. It sounds cliche, but in the rush to stop water damage, many property owners skip this step and end up with a temporary fix that causes bigger issues later.
To prevent more flooding, turn off the water supply right away. After that, inspect closely to determine the exact location of the pipe burst. Sometimes, the leak isn’t exactly where the water is pooling, so you should check for damp spots on walls, ceilings, or under floors. If you’re dealing with older pipes, inspect the surrounding sections too, as they may be close to failing.
You may otherwise overlook pinhole leaks or hairline cracks, but using a flashlight can help you detect them. It is wise to get a professional assessment from a licensed plumber if you are uncertain about the degree of the damage. You can determine the best repair strategy and prevent future issues by carrying out a thorough inspection.
Decide on Permanent Repair or Replacement
The initial reaction when a pipe bursts is to have it fixed immediately to stop damage and water damage. But as an investor, it’s wise to take a moment to consider whether a complete replacement is the preferable option or if a quick fix will suffice.
Temporary solutions, such as clamping or epoxy, can buy you time and restore water flow, satisfying your tenants. However, a permanent repair or complete replacement could prevent another leak and another bill in the near future if the pipe is old or has obvious damage along the way.
Replacement can feel like a significant expense upfront, but it often pays off by reducing emergency repair calls and water damage headaches. It’s essential to have a trusted plumber to assess the pipe’s overall condition, not just the spot that burst. That way, you can make a choice that protects your property and budget.
Importance of Hiring Professional Water Damage Restoration Services
Water damage is one of the most common issues property owners should proactively try to prevent as soon as possible. You might be tempted to handle cleanup yourself, but this is where professional water damage restoration services come in handy.
They have the right tools to find hidden moisture behind walls and under floors that are areas you may miss during inspection. This is vital because leftover moisture can lead to mold, structural damage, and future tenant complaints you don’t need. Professionals also help document the damage for insurance claims, saving you time and stress during an already hectic situation.
When you hire professionals, you’re investing in the long-term health of your property and the safety of your tenants. Doing this also gives you a sense of peace by having the repairs done correctly the first time. You should consider it as a means of protecting your investment, saving your time, and your peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Bursting pipes can feel like a minor disaster, but staying informed helps you handle it better when it happens. As an investor, you can’t control every leak, but you can reduce risks by paying attention to your property’s plumbing and addressing these issues proactively before they become an emergency, costing you more from your end.
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Learn why pipes burst in rental properties, how to prevent them, and what to do to fix the damage and protect your investment. #plumbing #howtoAbout the Author
Top Wellington Realtor, Michelle Gibson, wrote: “Why Pipes Burst in Rental Properties and How to Fix Them”
Michelle has been specializing in residential real estate since 2001 throughout Wellington, Florida, and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent she will guide you through the entire real estate transaction. If you’re ready to put Michelle’s knowledge and expertise to work for you call or e-mail her today.
Areas of service include Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres, and more.
Michelle Gibson of the Hansen Real Estate Group Inc is a full-time REALTOR who has been specializing in Wellington, Florida real estate since 2001. This veteran of the real estate industry has expertise in technology, marketing, and social media.