Plumbing Checks Every Landlord in Thanet Should Do Before New Tenants Move In

Plumbing & Gas Safety solutions for Kent Landlords | Serving Thanet & East Kent

When a tenant moves out, your mind might jump straight to cleaning, redecorating, or marketing the property. But there’s one area landlords often overlook during turnover: plumbing.

A well-maintained plumbing system can be the difference between a smooth tenancy and weeks of frustration, emergency call-outs, and complaints. Worse, missed plumbing issues can lead to property damage and liability concerns. If you’re a landlord in Thanet preparing a property for new occupants, here are the plumbing checks you should always carry out.

1. Inspect for Visible Leaks and Water Damage

Start with a visual inspection across the property. Common areas for leaks include:

• Under kitchen and bathroom sinks

• Toilet bases and cisterns

• Radiator valves

• Behind washing machines and dishwashers

• Pipe joints and stopcocks

Look for water stains on walls and ceilings, especially beneath bathrooms and near radiators. Even a slow, undetected leak can lead to mould, rotting floorboards, or ceiling collapse if left too long. Addressing these issues early prevents costly repairs later.

2. Test Water Pressure at All Outlets

Consistent water pressure is an expectation for most tenants. Low pressure could indicate scale buildup in the pipes, failing tap cartridges, or issues with the stopcock. High pressure can damage appliances and fixtures.

Run water through all taps, showers, and baths. Check whether the flow rate is consistent and strong enough. If the shower trickles or the bath takes ten minutes to fill, it may be time to investigate. In hard water areas like Thanet, limescale buildup can seriously restrict water flow over time.

3. Check Drainage and Waste Flow

Blocked or slow-draining sinks are a common tenant complaint—and often easily avoidable. Fill and drain each sink, bath, and shower while listening for gurgling sounds and watching the water flow.

If water backs up or drains slowly, the cause could be as simple as hair or soap scum or as complex as a collapsed pipe. Addressing blockages before new tenants arrive creates a smoother experience and fewer call-outs.

4. Confirm Stopcock and Isolation Valve Functionality

In an emergency, your tenants need to know how to shut off the water. If the stopcock is seized or difficult to access, it could spell disaster during a leak. Turn the stopcock off and on to ensure it operates smoothly. Do the same for isolation valves beneath sinks and toilets.

Replacing stiff or faulty valves is inexpensive and can make all the difference during a plumbing emergency.

5. Bleed and Balance Radiators

If your property has a central heating system, it’s important to bleed and balance radiators between tenancies. Air can build up in the system over time, leading to cold spots and inefficient heating.

Bleeding the radiators ensures they heat evenly. Balancing the system distributes heat more efficiently throughout the home, reducing energy usage and tenant complaints.

6. Service the Boiler and Heating System

A boiler service should be carried out annually, especially if the property has been empty for a while. A qualified Gas Safe engineer will check for gas leaks, pressure issues, and wear on critical components.

In the UK, landlords are legally required to obtain a valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) every 12 months for properties with gas appliances. It must be issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer and provided to tenants at the start of their tenancy.

At Johnson Plumbing & Heating, we offer combined boiler servicing and Gas Safety Certificates for landlords across Thanet—saving you time and money.

7. Flush Toilets and Run Taps

If the property has been unoccupied, water may have stagnated in the system. Run taps and flush toilets to circulate fresh water through the pipes and check for any issues with flushing mechanisms, leaks at the base, or slow tank refill times.

This also helps remove any airlocks and confirms that all hot and cold water feeds are working correctly.

8. Test for Unusual Noises

Odd sounds can be a warning sign of a larger issue. Bangs, clunks, or whistling from pipes can indicate water hammer, loose fittings, or high pressure. These sounds may go unnoticed in an empty property but become problematic during everyday tenant use.

Investigate and resolve any unexplained noises before they lead to complaints or breakdowns.

9. Consider Installing Water-Saving Fixtures

If you’re preparing for new tenants, it might be a good time to consider water-saving upgrades:

• Dual-flush toilets

• Tap aerators

• Low-flow showerheads

These help reduce water usage, keeping utility bills lower (especially in HMOs or where bills are included in the rent) and reducing wear on your system.

10. Provide Tenants With Plumbing Information

Once the checks are complete and the system is in top shape, provide incoming tenants with:

• The location of the main stopcock

• Instructions for bleeding radiators (if applicable)

• Your contact details for maintenance issues

• A copy of the Gas Safety Certificate

Tenants who are informed are less likely to panic during minor issues—and more likely to respect the plumbing system.

Local Support You Can Rely On

At Johnson Plumbing & Heating, we work with landlords across Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate to ensure their properties are ready, safe, and fully functional before new tenants arrive.

We offer:

• Pre-tenancy plumbing checks

• Gas safety certificates

• Emergency repairs

• Boiler servicing

• New boiler installs

Letting a property? Get in touch to book a pre-tenancy check and avoid the hidden headaches.

📞 01843 661613 📧 support@johnsonplumbingthanet.co.uk

🌐 www.johnsonplumbingthanet.co.uk

Serving Thanet landlords with integrity, transparency, and expert service.