Owning an Airbnb rental home can be an excellent way to make relatively passive income, but it’s not quite as simple as putting your feet up while the money rolls in. As the owner of the property, you’re responsible for keeping it in good condition and creating a comfortable, functional setting for your tenants. With that in mind, one of the most important responsibilities you have is keeping the rental home’s plumbing system healthy and running smoothly. If your renters experience leaky pipes, poor water pressure, or a lack of hot water, it’s going to reflect poorly on you. And if word gets around that your Airbnb isn’t well-maintained, vacationers are going to find other places to stay.

With a bit of proactivity, you can keep your rental home’s plumbing system in excellent condition, and that will go a long way toward providing your tenants with a comfortable experience.

#1: Inspect for Leaks

One of the most important parts of plumbing maintenance is periodically inspecting for any signs of leaks. If possible, it would be prudent to do so every time your Airbnb is between guests. After all, if any of your tenants come across a pool of water or have to listen to constant dripping all night, they probably won’t be too happy. During your inspection, you’ll want to examine any exposed pipes as well as the toilets and faucets around the home. Look for any signs of moisture where it shouldn’t be and make sure none of the fixtures are dripping while turned off.

With some water leaks, you may be able to remedy the situation yourself by using plumber’s putty or pipe clamps. If the leaks are major or you don’t feel comfortable fixing them yourself, though, you can always hire local plumbing professionals to repair or replace the affected pipes or fixtures.

#2: Insulate Your Pipes

If your short-term rental property is located in an area that can experience freezing temperatures, it’s important to make sure the pipes are properly protected. If they aren’t insulated, they can be susceptible to freezing when the weather gets cold, and frozen pipes can create a very unpleasant situation for anyone staying in the home. For one, the pipes might burst, and suddenly your tenants could have an urgent plumbing emergency on their hands, which is the last thing you want. Even if the frozen pipes don’t burst, they will prevent your guests from having running water, which will undoubtedly result in an unpleasant experience. For these reasons, investing in insulation for your rental home’s piping is a wise, worthwhile decision.

#3: Invest in Water Heater Maintenance

Nobody likes being without sufficient hot water, and your Airbnb’s tenants will be no exception. To make sure that your guests consistently have a comfortable stay, it’s imperative that the home’s water heater remains in good condition. The best way to achieve this is by scheduling professional water heater maintenance once or twice per year. During this process, your hired plumbers will flush the tank, clean out any accumulated sediment, and check the condition of several components.

Most importantly, staying on top of water heater maintenance will help ensure that the appliance doesn’t malfunction or break down. And as an added bonus, it will improve the energy efficiency of the water heater, meaning you’ll save a significant amount of money on your monthly electricity bills.

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