Protect Your Investment With These Spring Maintenance Tips

Bruce Davis, Sr. | Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

Many of our clients are rental property owners who don’t live in the area much of the year, and they look to us for help with some of the regular maintenance needed on their rentals. These properties include houses, apartments, apartment buildings, offices and office buildings stores, condos, townhouses etc.

On most rental properties, we recommend that the owner or their agent allow us to gain access twice a year to do necessary maintenance on fixtures and systems, and to double-check the general condition of the property. The rental or lease agreements need to allow those site visits with 2-weeks’ notice (for this type of non-emergency work).

A typical checklist like the following can be executed in 30 to 60 minutes, and can alert you to many repair or maintenance issues that need attention…

Exterior

Walk around the entire structure, checking for soundness, proper seals and signs of leaks on all windows, doors, siding and gutters.

Look for any evidence of rodents, birds or vermin on or next to building.

Look for any new sunken, raised, or wet spots on the grounds, walkways and drives.

If there is a crawlspace, check throughout for pests, water intrusion, leaks and ventilation.

Make sure all lights are working properly on and around the building.

Examine and prove all outside hose bibs, sidewalk drains and parking lot drains are working properly.

Check that the irrigation system is current in its maintenance, including backflow inspections.

Interior

Walk the entire floor-plan, looking for damage and general cleanliness.

Check all smoke alarms and CO alarms, and replace batteries.

Check around all appliances for signs of damage or water leaks and/or spills.

Check every counter-top, shower enclosure, tub-shower enclosure for cleanliness. Check all caulking joints carefully; make sure they are clean, secure and sound (normally, caulking needs to be cleaned thoroughly and touched up or replaced annually).

Check all plumbing fixtures (faucets, sinks, toilets etc.) for leaks, and make sure their drains are clear and working well.

Check all HVAC equipment, boilers and water heaters for signs of problems or leaks. Make sure their Maintenance Labels show that their maintenance is current.

Remember we are in the Pacific NW, so be on the look-out for mold in closets, on windows and sills and next to concrete flooring.

Often, when we go through a simple check list like the one above, we catch something that could become a big problem and expense if left unattended. Remember though, inspections like this do not take the place of the annual maintenance needed on systems like roofing, HVAC, pumping systems, water heaters, etc.

Whether you do your own inspection, or have it done professionally, taking proper and regular care of your investment can save you money and more than a few sleepless nights.

Bruce Davis, Jr. is the General Manager of Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Bruce is a second generation plumber and HVAC technician. He earned his Commercial Plumbing License and later became N.A.T.E. Certified and E.P.A. Refrigerant Certified for HVAC service and repair for commercial and residential HVAC appliances. Bruce has years of experience as an HVAC Technician, Boiler Technician, and Plumber. Visit their website at dayandnite.net or call (800) 972–7000.