How Do Drainage Surveys Help Landlords?

As a landlord, your obligations extend far beyond just collecting rent each month and being a port of call for your tenants. One key responsibility is to ensure that your property remains a safe and comfortable place to live. 

Not only does this involve addressing any urgent maintenance concerns, but it should include taking proactive measures to prevent future issues that could disrupt the day-to-day life of your tenants. Your drainage system is an essential component of your property’s infrastructure and must be functioning properly at all times to avoid health hazards, potential water damage and costly repairs in the long run. 

One key way to avoid any issues is to carry out a drainage survey. But what exactly is a drainage survey? And how does it help landlords? The team here at 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services are experts in this field and are here to answer all of your questions.

What is a drainage survey?

A drainage survey is a way to identify any issues within your drainage pipes at an early stage before they have the chance to escalate. During the survey, a drainage technician will use a CCTV camera to assess the condition of your drains and locate any leaks, blockages or other problems. 

Most drainage contractors will also provide drain mapping surveys, which use GPS technology to provide exact information about the location, layout and structure of your drainage and sewer system. This helps facilitate faster and more efficient drain maintenance and repairs in the future.

When should a drainage survey be performed?

Whilst not legally required, it’s always helpful to perform a drainage survey before the start of a new tenancy. As part of the pre-tenancy checks, all plumbing should be inspected. Not only does this ensure that the property is in good condition, but it also prevents disputes further down the line as it establishes a baseline condition of the drainage system before the tenant moves in.

It’s also a good idea to have a drainage survey carried out if you’re experiencing persistent drainage issues, as this can quickly help you identify the root of the problem. You could also incorporate an annual drainage survey as part of your regular maintenance work; this proactive approach can help pre-empt potential concerns before they escalate into an expensive repair job.

What are the benefits of a drainage survey?

A drainage survey provides a multitude of benefits to any landlord, such as:
 

• Peace of mind: When you schedule regular drainage surveys, you can have peace of mind that your drains are in good condition and you won’t be hit by an unexpected repair bill.

• Cost effective: By detecting any drainage problems at an early stage, you are preventing the need for expensive repairs or replacements further down the line.

• Compliance: As a landlord, it is your responsibility under UK law to ensure that you provide a clean and sanitary living environment for your tenants by keeping your drains in good working order.

• Insurance: Regular drainage surveys make it clear to your insurers that you’re taking proactive steps to maintain your property, which may help if you need to make a claim. 

Who is responsible for blocked drains: the tenant or the landlord?

Under the terms of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, it is the responsibility of the landlord to maintain their drainage, pipework and plumbing systems, and it is the duty of the tenant to report any issues in a timely manner. However, if the issues are a result of tenant negligence, such as causing blockages by pouring fats down the drain or flushing inappropriate items down the toilet, then the tenants may be liable for the cost of any repairs.

If you’re a landlord looking for help with drain maintenance for your rental property in Central London, Brentford or beyond, contact the experts at 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services today. We offer a number of drain unblocking and cleaning services, and our skilled team can carry out  CCTV drain surveys that are sure to swiftly identify the source of any drainage issue.

Get in touch with us today to book your drainage survey or discuss your needs in more detail.