Plumbing problems are common in apartments, and both tenants and property managers deal with them often. These problems can cause water damage, increase utility bills, and lead to expensive repairs if left alone.
This guide will explain common plumbing issues in apartments, why they happen, and the best ways to avoid them.
Issue No. 1: Leaks and Water Damage in Apartments
Water leaks are one of the most common plumbing problems in apartments. Even small drips can lead to serious damage if left alone. Leaked water can weaken walls, ceilings, and floors. Over time, this can cause mold growth, musty smells, and costly repairs.
Leaks can happen for many reasons. While some problems are easy to fix, others may require professional help. Here are the most common causes of apartment leaks:
Worn-out washers and seals: Cracked or misshaped parts can cause leaks; replace them regularly.
Corroded pipes: Old pipes may corrode, causing discolored water, low pressure, or leaks.
Loose connections: Common in sinks; tighten connections or replace washers as needed.
High water pressure: Pressure above 80 PSI can strain pipes and damage your plumbing system; install a regulator if needed.
How to Prevent Leaks in Apartment Buildings
Preventing leaks is far easier—and less costly—than dealing with water damage after a problem occurs. Let's look at how you can avoid leaks in your apartment buildings.
Check Under Sinks Regularly
Leaks under sinks are common in kitchens and bathrooms. Have your team check for moisture or rust during routine visits. If they spot damp areas, wiping them dry and checking again the next day can confirm a leak. Encourage tenants to report leaks early to prevent bigger issues.
Watch for Rust
Rust can signal pipe corrosion, which may lead to leaks or bursts. Inspect exposed pipes in basements, utility rooms, and around faucets. Recommend repairs or replacements if rust is found.
Don’t Ignore Small Drips
Even small drips can waste thousands of gallons yearly. Replacing worn washers or seals is a quick fix. Remind tenants to report drips early, and replace fixtures if leaks continue.
Control Water Pressure
High-pressure strains pipes and can cause leaks. Signs include strong water flow, banging noises, or frequent leaks. Maintain pressure between 40–60 PSI and install a regulator if needed.
Install Micrometers for Leak Detection
Micrometers track water use at individual fixtures to spot leaks early, track unusual spikes, and improve billing accuracy. They help identify hidden leaks before they become costly.
Issue 2: Clogged Drains and Toilets in Apartment Buildings
Clogged drains and toilets are some of the most common plumbing problems in apartment buildings. While a minor clog may seem like a small issue, ignoring it can lead to bigger problems, such as slow drainage, bad odors, or even water backups that affect multiple units.
Clogs can form for several reasons, especially in buildings with shared plumbing systems. Common causes include:
Hair buildup: Common in bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers; combines with soap scum to block drains. Use drain covers to reduce buildup.
Grease and food waste: Grease hardens inside pipes, trapping debris. Encourage tenants to dispose of grease in a separate container.
Soap scum: Builds up in bathroom sinks and showers, often combined with hair. Flushing drains with hot water and vinegar can help prevent this.
Foreign objects: Items like wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products can block pipes. Remind tenants to flush only toilet paper.
Pipe scaling in older buildings: Mineral deposits in older pipes can narrow openings and cause clogs. Regular pipe inspections can help prevent major blockages.
How to Prevent Clogged Drains and Toilets
For property managers, prevention is key to reducing maintenance costs and tenant complaints. Taking these steps can help prevent clogs in your building:
Install drain covers: Drain covers help block hair, soap scum, and debris in sinks, tubs, and showers, reducing clog risks.
Educate tenants: Provide clear instructions to your tenants on proper disposal habits, like keeping grease out of sinks, flushing only toilet paper, and avoiding food scraps in drains.
Schedule routine drain cleaning: Annual or semi-annual cleaning, such as hydro jetting or snaking, can help prevent major clogs, especially in older buildings.
Inspect pipes regularly: Checking for slow drains, backups, or odors can help catch plumbing issues before they become serious.
Use micrometers to track water flow: Micrometers can detect partial clogs by identifying sudden drops in water flow, helping you schedule maintenance early.
How DrizzleX Can Help You Avoid Plumbing Problems
DrizzleX is a smart solution that helps you spot plumbing problems early. Hidden leaks, like running toilets and dripping faucets, can waste a lot of water without you noticing. DrizzleX helps you find these leaks before they drive up your water bill.
On average, buildings using DrizzleX cut their water bills by 25–45%. In many cases, the savings are big enough to cover the cost of DrizzleX within about nine months.
Track water use with clear reports: DrizzleX shows you how much water each tenant uses, helping you explain waste and encourage better habits.
Find hidden leaks fast: DrizzleX tracks water flow to spot leaks early, saving you from surprise water bills.
Get email alerts: If a leak is found, you’ll get an email with details on the source, water loss, and repair tips.
Fair billing for tenants: DrizzleX makes it easy to bill tenants for their actual water use, encouraging them to conserve.
With DrizzleX, you save money and stay in control of your building’s water use. Catch hidden leaks before they become costly—get DrizzleX's quote now!
FAQs About Apartment Plumbing Issues
Are apartments responsible for plumbing issues?
In apartment buildings, property managers usually handle plumbing systems like the municipal water supply, storage tanks, and drainage systems. Tenants may be responsible for issues inside their unit, such as clogged drains or garbage disposals.
Why do apartments have plumbing issues?
Common apartment plumbing problems happen due to aging plumbing systems, frozen pipes, or worn-out fixtures like water heaters. Issues like dirty water, poor water flow, or clogged apartment drains are also common.
Is a plumbing issue an emergency?
A burst pipe, frozen pipes, or no hot water supply are emergencies. Dirty water, blocked drainage systems, or major leaks should be reported right away.
