If you're renting an apartment for the first time, take a moment to brush up on some basic plumbing knowledge. This will help you care for your plumbing and address any problems as they arise. The better you are at this, the less water damage your apartment will experience; you’ll also get more of your deposit back when you move out.

What Your Plumber Wants You to Know When Renting

1. Communicate With Your Landlord

Your landlord has a responsibility to keep your apartment habitable, which includes ensuring the plumbing works and scheduling prompt plumbing repairs for any clogs or leaks. However, you also need to take care of your plumbing, and renters and landlords aren't always on the same page about where one party's responsibility starts and the other's ends. Talk to your landlord about who's responsible for scheduling repairs and maintenance, what to do if there's a minor problem, and what to do during an emergency.

2. Get Familiar

Before you move in, you should know where all the drains, faucets, and any appliances—like water heaters, sump pumps, and purifiers—are in your apartment. This will help you keep an eye on them and spot any problems early. Also, ask where the main water shutoff valve is. If you have a burst pipe, the shutoff valve will help you temporarily stop the leak and minimize damage.

3. Be Proactive

Instead of waiting for problems to develop before addressing them, get ahead of them with active prevention. If the drains don't come with mesh covers, buy some to keep hair, food, and other debris out of the drains, preventing clogs.

Learn what should and shouldn't go down your garbage disposal (nothing hard, sticky, or grainy) and your toilet (only toilet paper). Keep your water heater at 120 degrees, which isn't hot enough to scald but is warm enough for baths, showers, and appliances that need hot water.

If you need plumbing repairs in Port St. Lucie, FL, and surrounding areas, choose Rooter One. They have three decades of experience serving households from Melbourne to Palm Beach, using the latest tools. They also offer 24-hour emergency service. Call (877) 500-0046 to schedule or visit their website to learn more and book a visit.