Catching Hidden Leaks in Multifamily Units

Hidden leaks pose a significant threat to the health of your multifamily property and your bottom line. Unlike a dramatic burst pipe, these stealthy adversaries can lurk undetected for months, causing water damage, mold growth, and even structural issues. In fact, 90% of incidents involving water damage in multifamily buildings impact multiple units. The consequences? Expensive repairs, tenant turnover, and potential legal headaches.

This blog explores the tools you need to identify, address, and prevent hidden leaks before they wreak havoc on your investment.

Why You Need to Catch Hidden Leaks

Hidden leaks can go unnoticed for a long time, and during that period, they can wreak havoc on your building. Here’s why you need to be vigilant:

Structural Damage: Water can weaken foundations, walls, and other structural elements, leading to significant safety hazards over time.

Mold and Mildew: Damp areas are perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew, which can cause health issues for your tenants and damage the building.

Skyrocketing Utility Bills: Leaks waste water, translating to higher water bills.

Unhappy Tenants: Water issues lead to tenant complaints, and unresolved problems can result in higher turnover rates and lower occupancy.

Common Sources of Hidden Leaks in Multifamily Buildings

Understanding where leaks typically originate can help you be more effective in detecting them. Here’s a comprehensive list of common sources: 

• Plumbing System Failures: Leaks in pipes, joints, and fixtures.
• Roof Leaks: Damaged or poorly installed roofing materials allowing water penetration.
• HVAC Systems: Condensation and leaks within HVAC units.
• Window and Door Seals: Inefficient sealing, letting water seep in during storms or heavy rains.
• Appliances: Leaks from washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters.
• Bathrooms and Kitchens: Leaks from sinks, toilets, and showers/bathtubs.
• Basements and Foundations: Water seeping through cracks in the foundation or basement walls. 

How to Detect Hidden Leaks Early

Smart Leak Detection Systems

Embracing technology is the most effective way to mitigate leaks. Smart leak detection systems can monitor water flow and detect anomalies. These systems send real-time alerts to your phone or email so you can act quickly.

Regular Inspections

Regular inspections are your second line of defense. Make it a routine to check the plumbing, roofing, HVAC systems, and seals around windows and doors. Look closely at areas that are prone to water damage, like basements and attics.

Preventive Maintenance

Stay ahead of potential problems with routine maintenance. Regularly service HVAC systems, inspect and maintain roofing, and keep your plumbing in top shape. Replace old fixtures and fix any vulnerabilities immediately.

Tenant Education

Your tenants can be your best allies in detecting leaks. Educate them about signs of leaks, such as unusual sounds of running water, damp spots, or a sudden spike in their water bill, and encourage them to report any suspicions right away.

What to Do When You Find a Leak

Finding a leak is just the first step. Here’s how to handle it: 

Shut Off the Water: As soon as you detect a leak, shut off the water supply to prevent further damage.

Assess and Document: Check out the damage and document everything. Take photos, shoot videos, and write down all the details. This will be useful for insurance claims.

Repair and Restore: Get a professional to fix the leak and any related damage. Make sure the repairs are done right to avoid future problems. Once the repair is done, restore the area to its original condition.

Monitor Post-Repair: Keep a close eye on the repaired area to ensure there are no recurring issues. Continue with regular inspections and maintenance to keep everything in check.

The Upside of Being Proactive

Being proactive about leak management brings several benefits:

Save Money: Early detection and repair prevent minor issues from becoming significant (and expensive) problems.

Happy Tenants: Promptly addressing water issues keeps your tenants happy and helps with retention.

Protect Property Value: Maintaining the building’s infrastructure protects and enhances its value. 

Health and Safety: Preventing mold and structural damage ensures your tenants a healthy and safe environment.

Real-Life Example: Applewood Heights Identifies $26,000 in Annual Water Savings

QuadReal Property Group faced a hidden water leak at their Applewood Heights property. By installing the Water Monkey device from Connected Sensors, they quickly identified a continuous leak in the hot water holding tank. The leak, which had been wasting 18.9 liters per minute, was repaired, resulting in annual savings of $26,000. This proactive approach to water management highlights the significant cost benefits of using smart water monitoring technology.

Read the full case study.

Wrapping Up

Catching hidden leaks in multifamily units is crucial for maintaining the building’s integrity, saving money, and keeping tenants happy. You can stay ahead of potential issues by conducting regular inspections, leveraging smart leak detection systems, educating tenants, and responding swiftly to detected leaks. This proactive approach preserves the property and fosters a positive living environment, contributing to your property management operation’s overall success and reputation.