Landlords and property managers should conduct routine inspections every 3 to 6 months to make sure that the property is safe, clean, and well maintained. While the goal is to catch tenant problems before they get out of control, there are more practical reasons to do regular inspections. Water leaks and plumbing problems, for example, are best if caught early. However, many tenants won't notice that there is a problem until the water is cascading across the floor. Therefore, it's up to you to inspect the plumbing regularly to prevent and correct small leaks before they become huge problems. The following are three reasons why that is the case. 

Small Leaks Don't Stay Small

A small drip doesn't seem like it can do much damage, especially if it's in a place that is seemingly safe, such as above a sink basin or drain. However, small leaks are very destructive. They allow water to build up behind the walls or in the ceiling, resulting in a torrential downpour when the drywall gives way. Small leaks can also erode pipe, leading to a complete water line failure. In both of these scenarios, gallons of water can enter your rental property in a very short amount of time. What happens if no one is home?

Water Leaks Ruin Appliances

Some appliances, such as a furnace, stove, or fridge, can be very expensive to replace if they get ruined by water. What's more, some home components can be very dangerous if they get wet, like the breaker box. The truth is that water is very dangerous and destructive. When you mix it with household items, it can be very costly, at the least, or deadly, in the worst case scenarios. 

Water Causes Health Hazards

Small water leaks lead to damp surroundings. And when things are damp, mold starts to grow. Mold exposure in the home can lead to serious health consequences, including respiratory issues, skin problems, and allergy symptoms, such as watering eyes and sneezing. What's more, mold causes damage to the home that can cost a lot of money to fix. According to the EPA, the best way to control mold is to control moisture. 

As you can see, there are several reasons why you should conduct regular inspections to look for plumbing issues in your rental properties. You can't trust a tenant to alert you to problems. They may not even know that there is a problem until it is too late. 

For more information, contact a local company like Foreside Real Estate Management.