How plumbing companies can help letting agents

Being a busy letting agent with multiple properties under your management can be stressful. There’s so much to keep on top of, including tenant contracts, rent collection and property maintenance. Ensuring that you have a reliable plumbing agency to maintain the heating and plumbing in your properties can help to ease this stress by taking one thing off your mind.

In this article, we will run through some of the common plumbing issues in rental properties, explore the important relationship between letting agents and plumbers, and discuss how to find the right plumbing agency for your clients. Let’s get into it!

Common plumbing problems in rental properties

Rental properties are subject to the same plumbing problems as residential properties. However, they can be at a higher risk of certain types of plumbing problems due to their frequent periods of vacancy, the varied level of maintenance due to a constant turnover of tenants, and the failure by tenants to report minor plumbing concerns.

Some common plumbing issues in rental properties include:

• Clogged drains: Sinks and shower drains are often clogged due to the buildup of hair, soap scum, grease, and food particles. 
• Low water pressure: Low water pressure can be caused by a buildup of minerals within pipes, corroded plumbing, or issues with the water supply line.
• Boiler problems: Boilers in rental properties can face issues such as insufficient hot water, strange noises, or leaks. These issues can often be repaired if reported quickly, but may require a boiler replacement. 
• Leaking or burst pipes: Leaking pipes can occur due to corrosion, high water pressure, or physical damage. These leaks can cause water damage to walls, floors, and ceilings. During cold weather, pipes can also freeze and burst, especially in properties that are empty. This can cause extensive water damage and require urgent repairs.
• Mould growth: Leaks, humidity, and poor ventilation can lead to mould growth throughout rental properties, but it can be especially prevalent in bathrooms and kitchens. Mould growth doesn’t only look unsightly, but also poses health risks to tenants.
• Old plumbing systems: Older rental properties may have outdated plumbing systems made from materials that are prone to corrosion and leaks. These systems require frequent inspections and maintenance.

To prevent some of these common plumbing issues from occurring, landlords should contact professional plumbers to implement regular maintenance schedules, educate tenants on proper plumbing use, and respond quickly to reported problems.

The relationship between letting agents and plumbers

It’s important for letting agents to have reliable, professional plumbing companies on their books to take care of any plumbing and heating maintenance that is required in their properties. Having a relationship with such plumbing companies is vital to ensure that any plumbing or heating problems are dealt with quickly and efficiently – which is important for maintaining the property’s value and the tenant’s satisfaction.

Building a regular maintenance schedule with a reliable plumbing company can help to prevent any plumbing, heating or gas problems from arising. Regular inspections of plumbing systems and frequent boiler services can extend their lifespan and reduce the possibility of breakdowns. Having a relationship with a plumbing company allows letting agents to quickly and efficiently share expert advice with their clients and their tenants.

Using one trusted company for all issues can reduce the need for managing multiple contractors, and help to ensure quick response times and reliable service. Letting agents rely on plumbers that can offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services and who can respond quickly to emergencies such as burst pipes to prevent damage, reduce repair expenses and ensure tenant safety. This partnership is essential for the efficient management of rental properties.

How to find the right plumbing agency for you

It’s important that the company you choose have experience not only in standard plumbing and heating services, but also in commercial plumbing and plumbing rental properties, as the issues can be different or much more substantial, and could require more intricate repairs. 

On top of finding a plumbing agency that is experienced, it is important to ensure that they are on the Gas Safe Register. This means that they are trained in handling gas boilers and have the correct accreditations to undertake gas work.

Another key factor to look into is the communication and customer service of the company. A reliable plumbing agency should be able to demonstrate clear communication straight away, providing details about their services, pricing and packages when asked. Pricing should be transparent and include information about call-out charges and hourly rates. Good customer service is paramount, as it enables plumbing issues to be handled quickly, efficiently and professionally.

By focusing on these factors – experience, accreditation and customer service – you can choose a plumbing agency that can meet the needs of your rental properties, helping to ensure satisfied tenants.

How GreenSmart Services can help

At GreenSmart Services, we pride ourselves on our high-quality facilities management work and the excellent customer service we provide. We have a vast knowledge of all things plumbing and heating, and our letting agency partnership allows letting agents in and around Bath to take advantage of many benefits, including highly qualified and experienced engineers, end-to-end project management, excellent communication, 24/7 emergency cover and the provision of gas safety certificates.

Contact us today to discover how we can help you!