4 Common Types of Plumbing Leaks in a Rental Home

Blog Article
Damp and Mould
Structural

Don't let a leak ruin your home!

As stated in Section 11 of a tenancy agreement, plumbing in a rented property is generally the responsibility of a landlord to maintain and repair. Defective plumbing can have a catastrophic impact towards both the property and the tenant's possessions, and therefore, a plumber should be scrambled at the earliest opportunity to resolve any issues. In this article we discuss 4 types of plumbing issues which if unresolved, could be considered as a form of housing disrepair. We also investigate how to get these issues fixed and what to do if your landlord is has failed to repair defective plumbing.

Water supply leaks

Damaged or defective piping within a rental property can cause sizeable amounts of damage to a tenants possessions and often significantly reduces the tenant's ability to enjoy their property.

Generally, a leak from water supply piping will be as a result of a split in the tube, solder joint faliure, or due to the pipe physically bursting. It is most common for leaks to occur in piping during winter when the water can freeze within the pipes and expand. This expansion is often enough to cause the pipe to burst.

Defective piping can be picked up through hearing a gurgling sound within the walls, ceiling or flooring, as well as through penetrative damp which will leave water marks in the location of the burst.

It is imperative that water supply leaks are fixed with urgency for the following reasons:

  • Plaster damage which could be especially dangerous if the damage is connected to the ceiling.
  • Water damage to a tenant's possessions which could be avoided through rapid deployment of a plumber.
  • An increase to the tenant's water bill which is exacerbated if they are using a water meter.

Toilets and sinks

Toilets

A toilet will generally leak from the cistern or from the U-bend, and can cause an immense amount of damage to woodwork through rot, flooring damage and to the celling in the room below.

A leak can start fairly innocuously with a gentle drip, but this should not be ignored. It is important that as a tenant, you report this to your landlord as this can escalate into a catastrophic leak very quickly!

Within the cistern, a defective toilet float or damaged fill tube are common occurrences as is a leaky flapper. If your toilet is making a hissing or gurgling sound when this isn't in use, this could be a tell-tale sign that your toilet has sprung a leak.

A Leaky Sink

A leaky kitchen or bathroom sink could result in a un unnecessary waste of water and as a result, higher than necessary water bills. Whilst it is unlikely that a leaky tap will cause much physical damage to tenant's property, we would advise that in order to prevent the financial impact of higher water bills, you should report this fault to your landlord.

Defective Heating Systems

The water heating system of a property can become the cause of unnecessary leaks within a rented home

Gas Boilers

A modern combi-boiler generally has an overflow valve which vents hot water from the system to prevent catastrophic faliure due to over-pressurisation. The most common fault within this type of boiler is a faulty pressure-release valve. Generally, a well maintained and regularly serviced gas boiler should work and run reliably, however, if this is faulty, this can be a form of disrepair, especially if the annual gas safety check is overdue. Remember, it is a legal requirement for your landlord to complete this inspection.

Immersion Tanks

These tanks are generally used in properties which are electric only and often run on economy 7 night storage heaters. An immersion tank, otherwise known as a hot-water cylinder, effectively operates like a giant kettle, is often positioned in the loft of a property and will generally store between 120-300 litres of water. Due to amount of water contained and being positioned at the highest point in the property, a leaky immersion tank has the potential to cause huge amounts of damage for the tenants.

Radiators

A radiator will generally leak through the valves. If the radiator has corroded this can be pretty terminal, and therefore the landlord will generally need to replace the entire unit.

Drain Leaks

The drains and plug hole connected to your bath and shower can develop into a leak. Once this type of leak starts, it is imperative to get this resolved as prolonged damp can cause rot to the floorboards and damage the plaster in the ceiling below. This is a significant safety risk, and therefore, we'd expect a landlord to deploy a plumber with immediate effect.

How do you get your landlord to fix your plumbing leak?

The simplest and absolute 1st method of resolving a plumbing leak should be to start by reporting this to your landlord. You can report this in person, through email, via your landlord's report-a-repair portal on their website, and by the phone.

But what happens if you have reported the leaks but your landlord has failed to fix the fault?

Whilst most landlord's will take water damage to their property extremely seriously, there are some who fail in their duty. Whether this is due to apathy, general incompetence, poor organisation or a penny pinching culture, the result is that this can have a serious impact on you; the tenant.

If your landlord has failed to resolve the leak within an appropriate timeframe or has completed a repair to a very poor standard, they may be in breach of their duty as a landlord. If this is the case, your landlord may require firm negotiation to get this repair completed, and you could also be entitled to a degree of compensation.

This is where we can help. We'll negotiate a settlement on your behalf and will arrange compulsory repairs to get completed within a reasonable timeframe.

To start, simply complete the form on this page, and one of our team will be in touch to explain the process in further details.

Arrange your FREE Housing Consultation
We're really sorry but unfortunately we're currently unable to provide help to private tenants.
Next
Previous
Next
Previous
Next
Previous
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Check out our other FREE Housing Disrepair help articles

We're proud to offer great service!

MN
Michaela Neale
Oct 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
Would definitely recommend

Would definitely recommend everything was sorted for me and very quickly very reliable and friendly staff also

Read More
Read Less
ME
MRS ERIKA DIAS DOS SANTOS PEREIRA CAMARA
Sep 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
I am very satisfied with the quality of service.

The solicitor (Ashley Leung) was really helpful during the process against counsil, the team managed to come up with a good deal from defender. I am very satisfied with the quality of service.

Read More
Read Less
BW
Brendon Watkins
Sep 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
Always extremely helpful.

After a dispute with myLandlord and letting agents, I contacted SLS solicitors, for advice and help regarding this situation. Rebecca Barnes who was acting for me was absolutely fantastic, Rebecca kept me informed all the way through a difficult process, very easy to contact her, if I had questions regarding my situation, and . Always extremely helpful.I hope I never have to go through another dispute like the one I have.But if does happen, Rebecca Barnes and all the staff at SLS solicitors would be my absolute first choice.Thank you all SLS solicitorsBrendon watkins

Read More
Read Less
HA
Howdam Abdulla
Aug 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
Absolutely outstanding service

Absolutely outstanding service, I have been in dispute with my landlord for the past 8 years regarding works required to the property, landlord has rejected carrying out any works but thanks to SLS, works are now proceeding and we even got compensation for our hassle, hugely recommend SLS to anyone who is been treated unfairly by their landlords! A class service!

Read More
Read Less
JD
J Dar
Aug 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
This service has been very successful

This service has been very successful for me as my mum has been suffering in condition which is not safe for her, despite the Solictor trying there best to get the landlord to resolve the issue which they still have t till now at least we have received a compensation.

Read More
Read Less
MP
Mike Perkins
Aug 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
The whole experience was professional

The whole experience was professional and I understood exactly what was happening throughout the course of events. Would definitely recommend to others

Read More
Read Less
TC
The Chief
Jul 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
Very helpful and easy to communicate with

Very helpful and easy to communicate with

Read More
Read Less
GG
Gio Gauchey
Jul 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
Utterly Professional

I have found SLS to be utterly professional and they have resolved my issue far sooner than it would have been had I continued trying to contact the agent and the Council myself.
Sometimes it seems like all these people understand is a kick up the bum!
SLS made every step of the process easily understandable and as a disabled person, they have gone out of their way to provide accessible methods for signing and accessing documents.
I will certainly recommend SLS to all my friends, neighbours and passes by in the street!
Thank you for all your support!


Read More
Read Less
AK
Aysha Khanom
Jun 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
Fantastic

Pauline Cadman was the solicitor assigned to my case. She has been fantastic in every aspect of assisting me with my family matter. She was conscientious & professional & ensured I had everything I needed for the best possible outcome. She also gave me a peace of mind during a difficult time. I definitely recommend using the firm & Pauline to assist with any family matter. Fantastic service & a lovely person.

Read More
Read Less
RO
Rob Osman
May 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
I was treated very politely and respectfully

The service I received from SLS Solicitors was first class. each time I phoned the office I was treated very politely and respectfully. the solicitors at SLS  are an asset to this company. if you are looking for a legal company with experienced, professional and friendly solicitors to help you with your legal claim, I highly recommend you use SLS Solicitors, I'm very sure you will be as pleased with the outcome as I am...Many Thanks SLS Solicitors

Read More
Read Less
MM
Miss Marinus
Apr 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
AMAZING - PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

We highly recommend SLS Solicitors and in particular Sheik Ashraf, whom we personally dealt with.

We approached SLS Solicitors due to multiple disrepairs within our home, which our Landlord chose not to address.

SLS Solicitors quickly arranged for a Surveyor to inspect our home and identify the multiple disrepairs we were suffering.

SLS Solicitors acted swiftly and very quickly gained the attention of our Landlord’s Legal Department.

The outcome of our claim has far exceeded what we were hoping for!

We have had all the issues of the disrepairs attended to and thanks to the persistence of Sheik Ashraf; we also received compensation for the stress and inconvenience caused to us by our Landlord.

Throughout the whole claim process, Sheik and his team have been friendly and approachable. We were kept extremely well informed and found it very easy to engage with Sheik regarding any concerns we had.

We would have no hesitation in recommending SLS Solicitors, as they are a Professional Organisation which works effortlessly to ensure Tenant’s are treated fairly by their Landlord.

We say a massive “Thank You” to Sheik and his team for achieving such an excellent outcome for us.

Read More
Read Less
MK
Mijanur Khan
Mar 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
Extremely happy with the quality of service provided

I have used this solicitors on two occasions now & would use their services again without hesitation, should the need arise. All staff conduct themselves in a professional manner are attentive & responsive to the clients needs at all times. Extremely happy with the quality of service provided and the costs & would highly recommend SLS SOLICITORS, especially a big thank you to sheik for helping me out even after office hours. You guys doing an amazing job. Keep it up


Read More
Read Less
AM
Alicia Mchale
Mar 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
Excellent solicitors would highly recommend

Excellent solicitors would highly recommend

Read More
Read Less
FA
Fozia Akhtar
Mar 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish

Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish. We had been denied a spousal visa on our first attempt and were very thankful to have found SLS Solicitors to help us reapply. Noorjahan was our lawyer and was absolutely outstanding. She was very professional, supportive, and always available for our many questions. We received our visa this past week and cannot thank her enough for everything! Highly recommend!

Read More
Read Less
GP
Geoff Philips
Mar 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
I would definitely recommend SLS Solicitors

I would definitely recommend SLS Solicitors Ltd for any disrepair claims against a local authority landlord - they are an upfront no win no fee firm and when they take your case on they will give it everything they have. They are experienced in dealing with large organisations of this type and they worked wonders with my claim of damages against my landlord. Because of their clever handling of the negotiations I received more than I expected - £6500! Many thanks to you Sheik.

Read More
Read Less
PC
Paul Clarke
Feb 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
Top rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing DisrepairTop rating on Trustpilot for Housing Disrepair
fast friendly service, exallent..

fast friendly service, exallent..

Read More
Read Less

Take the 1st step and get your Housing Disrepair Fixed!

Compulsory Landlord Repairs
Up to £10k in Compensation
Free Advice
Happy tenants getting their housing disrepair fixed
Council Housing and Housing Association where Housing Disrepair is rife