Shut Off the Water
If you see or hear water coming from somewhere it shouldn’t, your first course of action is to shut the water off. If the leak is coming from a faucet or appliance, you may be able to shut off the water simply by turning the handle or powering it off. If you find that it’s not just a minor leak, you should shut off the main water supply to the house. To do so, locate your water main shut-off valve. It’s likely in the basement, utility room, or outside the home. Consequently, use a wrench and some pliers to turn the valve until the water stops flowing.
Minimize the Spread
After turning off the water, your next task is to mop up any water that has leaked or pooled on the floor, under cabinets, or elsewhere. Use old towels and a mop to minimize the spread of the water and to dry cabinets, table legs, and other wood. If you find that the carpets and rugs have been soaked, you can use towels to soak up as much water as you can. And, you can open your windows and use a fan or two to try and dry the rug as quickly as possible. It’s best not to leave your carpet wet since it can lead to molds, leading to the damaging of any furniture on the carpet.
Call the Landlord
As soon as you’re able to get the water flow under control, call your landlord a.s.a.p.Your landlord needs to be in the know regarding what’s going on in the property. Water leaks need to be addressed a.s.a.p., or else they could lead to major damage. If you don’t act on it immediately, you can be held liable for damages. In calling your landlord, you’re making sure that any leak or damage is repaired right away.
Practice Prevention
One final key point in dealing with a water leak in your rental home is practicing prevention. When you’ve already found out what caused the leak, you can take steps to prevent it from happening again. If possible, protect your drains and pipes from extreme temperatures, clogs, and other common mishaps. It’s wise to consistently perform the needed regular maintenance so that you can instantly inform your landlord of any issues that you find. By fixing things before the pipes burst, you can do a lot to help prevent water leaks in your rental home.
Would you like to trade in your current North West Charlotte rental home for one that is maintained year-round by qualified professionals? Real Property Management Experts can help! Visit our website to check out our listings or give us a call at 704-220-0110.