Plumbing Checklist for Odessa Landlords and Rental Homes
Odessa has a lot of rental housing, and tenants come and go with the oilfield. A short plumbing routine between tenants and before winter prevents the biggest repair bills.
Request a plumberBetween tenants
Check under every sink for leaks, run every tap and flush every toilet, look at the water heater for rust or drips and test the main shut-off. Replace washing machine hoses if they're old or bulging.
Vacant homes in winter
Shut off the main, drain the lines by opening the lowest tap, and turn the water heater to vacation or off. Or keep the heat on low and have someone check the house every few days.
Tell tenants where things are
Show new tenants the main shut-off, the water heater shut-off and the gas shut-off. A tenant who can stop the water saves you a flooded floor.
Drains and septic
Give tenants a short list of what can't go down the drains: grease, wipes and paper towels. For homes on septic, schedule pumping rather than waiting for a backup.
Water heaters
Note the heater's age from its label. In rentals, replacing an old heater on your schedule beats an emergency replacement on a tenant's schedule. See reading the label.
Keep records
Log repairs, dates and the plumber's invoices. They help with insurance claims and show what's been done if you sell.
Smoke and CO alarms
Homes with gas water heaters, furnaces or ranges should have working carbon monoxide alarms. Test them between tenants and replace any past the date printed on the back. It's a small step that protects tenants and you.
Quick-response plan
Give tenants a way to report leaks fast, day or night. A drip reported the same day is a small repair; one discovered at move-out can mean a new floor.
More plumbing guides
Plumbing trouble in Odessa?
Send a request and a plumber will get in touch. Requests answered 7 days a week.
Prefer email? [email protected]