Plumbing Maintenance for Tenants - Drainage Video Guides
Simple Fixes You Can Do Yourself
Plumbing maintenance for tenants doesn’t need special tools or training. Most plumbing problems start small: a slow drain, a dripping tap, a toilet that keeps running. Caught early, each one takes minutes to sort. Left alone, they can mean water damage, higher bills and a long wait for a repair.
Why plumbing maintenance for tenants matters
A little regular care prevents most call-outs. Clearing hair from plugholes, using a shower or tap that has sat unused, and checking under sinks for damp all take seconds. Blocked drains and slow leaks rarely fix themselves, and they get worse fast. Looking after the plumbing also helps protect your deposit, because damage caused by neglect can be charged at the end of the tenancy. Knowing what to look for means you spot trouble early and can report it clearly.
Here are some short "how-to" videos to help you sort common plumbing & drainage maintenance issues in minutes - before you need to raise a maintenance request.
Find your stopcock before you need it
The stopcock is the valve that shuts off the water supply to your home. In an emergency, such as a burst pipe, turning it off quickly limits the damage. It is usually under the kitchen sink, but it can also be in a bathroom, a cupboard or near the front door. Turn it clockwise to close it. Test it once after you move in so you know it works, and make sure everyone in the property knows where it is.
Your check-in inventory should list where your stopcock is, so check there first!
How to unblock a sink or shower drain
Most blockages are caused by hair, grease and soap build-up. Start by removing any visible debris from the plughole. Then try a plunger, covering the overflow with a damp cloth to create a good seal. A drain rake or a bent piece of wire can lift hair from shower drains. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes and are unsafe to mix. To prevent blockages, use a strainer, wipe greasy pans before washing, and never pour cooking fat down the sink.
Fix a dripping tap and a running toilet
A dripping tap wastes water and usually means a worn washer. You can often stop it by turning off the supply to the tap, removing the handle and replacing the washer. A toilet that keeps running is usually caused by a faulty float or flush valve. Lift the cistern lid and check whether the float arm moves freely. Adjusting it often solves the problem. If you are unsure, or a part looks damaged, report it instead of forcing it.
Plumbing Maintenance for Tenants - Simple habits that prevent plumbing problems
Good plumbing maintenance for tenants comes down to a few easy routines:
- Clean plugholes and strainers once a week.
- Run little-used taps and showers regularly.
- Only flush toilet paper. Wipes and cotton buds cause blockages.
- Check under sinks for damp once a month.
- Keep the heating on low in winter to protect pipes from freezing.
Plumbing maintenance for Tenants - What to Do in an Emergency
If a pipe bursts or water starts pouring in, act fast. Turn off the stopcock by turning it clockwise, then open the cold taps to drain the remaining water. If water is near sockets or light fittings, keep clear and don’t touch anything electrical. Move belongings out of the way, take photos of the damage, and contact us straight away so we can arrange a repair.
If you have a leak, try to get a bucket of container under the leak to prevent damage.
If your neighbour above is leaking into your property, go to them urgently and report the leak to them. Ask them to turn off their leaking appliance or turn off their property stopcock. If they are not home, put a note through their door informing them of the leak and ask them to contact you so you can give us their details.
How to report a plumbing fault
You can report any maintenance issue through our online maintenance portal.
The more detail you give, the faster we can arrange the right tradesperson. Please include:
- What happened and when it started
- Which room or appliance is affected
- What you have already tried
- Photos or a short video, where it is safe to take one
