As a landlord in London, your responsibilities go beyond simply collecting rent. You also need to make sure your tenants live in properties that are well-maintained and cared for.
Unfortunately though, one area of property maintenance that is often overlooked by some landlords is drain care.
Poorly maintained drainage systems can lead to blockages, foul odours, damp issues and even potential health hazards. You can’t always control what tenants put down the drains – but you can take steps to make sure that drains are kept in good condition.
To protect your investment and ensure your tenants stay happy, it’s essential to stay ahead of drainage problems. Read on for 7 drain maintenance tips every London landlord should follow.
1. Schedule Regular Drain Inspections
Routine inspections can identify early signs of problems, before they escalate into costly repairs. They could help to prevent build-ups of oil, fat and hair that can clog drains, damage caused by tree root ingress or other issues.
Whether you own a single flat or multiple properties across the capital, aim to schedule in a professional inspection at least once a year.
2. Educate Your Tenants on Proper Drain Usage
Tenants often aren’t aware of what shouldn’t go down the drain. It could be helpful to give them simple guidelines (perhaps in the form of a poster or other written document) when they move in.
Advise against:
- Pouring any fats, oils or food waste down kitchen sinks
- Flushing wipes, sanitary products and cotton buds down the toilet (where they can cause serious blockages) can cause serious blockages in toilets.
3. Install Drain Guards
Drain guards or strainers are a really inexpensive, easy-to-install way to prevent drain blockages. Fit them over plugholes in sinks, showers and baths, where they’ll catch hair, soap pieces, food particles and other debris before they enter the pipes.
4. Check External Drainage Regularly
In densely populated areas like London, blocked external drains can quickly become a major problem – especially during autumn and winter.
Leaves, litter and mud often collect in outdoor gullies, causing water to back up and pool. As part of your regular inspections and maintenance (and between tenancies), make a habit of checking and clearing these areas. It should always be done after heavy rain or storms too.
5. Use Natural Drain Cleaners Monthly
If you do find that the drains need to be cleaned, pause before reaching for those harsh chemical drain cleaners. These can damage your pipes over time, as well as potentially being hazardous to health if used improperly.
You should instruct your cleaning company (and your tenants) to use natural alternatives instead. A simple monthly flush with baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water, can help keep pipes clear and odour-free. This is a great piece of information to include in your tenant welcome pack.
6. Respond Quickly to Tenant Complaints
If a tenant reports slow drainage, bad smells or gurgling noises from the plumbing, you should take them seriously – and act quickly. These are usually signs of an impending blockage, which could get much worse if left alone.
If you can bring in a plumber or a drain specialist quickly, you can achieve two things. You can rectify the problem and prevent further damage, and you can show your tenants that their comfort and safety are a priority for you. Fast action can also reduce the chance of flooding and expensive emergency call-outs.
7. Build a Relationship with a Trusted Plumbing Professional
Every landlord should have a go-to drainage expert on call. Whether it’s for routine maintenance, emergency callouts or CCTV drain surveys, it pays to work with someone reliable. Using trusted local drainage specialists for fast, reliable service can save you time, money and tenant complaints in the long run.