Periodic plumbing checks for rental and let properties
A lot of expensive plumbing failures start small and go unnoticed simply because nobody's looking — a slow drip under a sink, a slightly slow drain, a valve that's started to seize. A periodic check works through a property systematically and catches that early, rather than waiting for a tenant to report a problem that's already caused damage. Worth being upfront: we check plumbing, not gas — a gas safety certificate needs a Gas Safe registered engineer, which we are not.
What a periodic check is looking for
The checks focus on the things that fail quietly and cause the biggest problems if left:
- Slow or hidden leaks under sinks, behind toilets, or at visible pipe joints
- Isolation valves that have seized and wouldn't work in an emergency
- Signs of past water damage that hasn't been properly addressed
- Slow-draining sinks, baths or toilets that a tenant may not think worth reporting
- Worn tap washers or cartridges starting to drip
- External taps and visible pipework showing wear or damage
- Toilet cisterns running or flushing poorly
- General condition of accessible pipework, stopcocks and drainage
Clear quote before any work starts. A call-out fee may apply — always confirmed on the phone before we travel.
What happens during a visit
The aim is a thorough, practical check rather than a box-ticking exercise — enough detail to actually catch problems before they become call-outs.
- 01
Work through kitchens and bathrooms
Every tap, toilet, and visible pipe connection is checked for drips, corrosion or looseness, along with how well sinks, baths and toilets are draining. - 02
Test isolation valves and the stopcock
Valves that have seized from disuse are one of the most common findings — they matter most exactly when you need them in an emergency, so we check they actually turn. - 03
Check external taps and accessible drainage
Outdoor taps, visible waste runs and gulleys are checked for damage, blockage or wear, since these often get missed in an internal-only inspection. - 04
Note anything needing attention
We give you a clear written note of anything found — from something that needs fixing now to something worth keeping an eye on — so you can plan repairs rather than be surprised by them. - 05
Carry out minor fixes on the spot where agreed
Small jobs like a dripping tap or a seized valve can often be sorted during the same visit if you'd like — otherwise we'll quote clearly and you can decide when to go ahead.
Why this matters more in older rental stock
A lot of the rental properties across Oldham, Manchester and the surrounding boroughs are older terraces and semis with pipework and fittings that have been through several tenancies without ever being properly checked. Isolation valves in particular tend to be forgotten — fitted once, never turned since, and seized solid by the time an emergency actually needs them to work.
The cost of a periodic check is genuinely small next to the cost of a burst pipe that's been dripping unnoticed inside a wall for months, or a slow toilet leak that's been quietly rotting a floor under vinyl flooring. Catching these early is really the whole value of doing it on a schedule rather than only responding when a tenant reports something.
As with all our work, this covers plumbing only — taps, drainage, pipework, radiators and the wet side of the heating system. We're not Gas Safe registered, so gas safety certificates, boiler checks and gas appliance inspections are outside what we can do, and you'll need a Gas Safe registered engineer for those separately.
Is this an emergency, or can it be booked in?
Both are fine — but it helps us prioritise if you know which one you're describing.
- A check reveals an active leak that needs immediate attention
- A stopcock or isolation valve is found seized and unusable in an emergency
- Damage from a leak is found to be ongoing, not historic
- Drainage found to be close to backing up during the visit
- Scheduling a routine check ahead of a tenancy renewal
- A general condition check with no known issues
- Checking a property before it's re-let after standing empty
- Setting up a regular check schedule across a portfolio
Emergency? Here's what to send us
A photo or short video helps too. The more we know before setting off, the less time is wasted when we get there.
Your postcode
So we can tell you straight away whether you're inside the radius we cover.
What the problem is
In your own words — where the water is coming from and how long it's been going on.
A phone number
The best number to reach you on when we're close, so nobody is left waiting at the wrong door.
House or flat
Flats, shared risers and upstairs neighbours change how a leak has to be isolated.
Periodic Plumbing Checks — common questions
How often should a periodic plumbing check be done?
There's no fixed legal requirement like there is for gas, but many landlords find annually, or at each tenancy changeover, catches most issues before they become expensive. We can advise based on the age and condition of the property.
Does this cover gas safety checks too?
No. We check plumbing only and aren't Gas Safe registered, so gas safety certificates need to be arranged separately with a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Can you do this while the tenant is in the property?
Yes, most checks are carried out with the tenant present, working around their access needs — we'll coordinate timing with you or directly with the tenant if you'd prefer.
Will I get something in writing after the check?
Yes, you'll get a clear note of what was checked and anything found, so you have a record for your own files or to share with a letting agent.
Can you check several properties in one visit if I manage a few?
Yes, we're happy to work through a small portfolio in a planned run — just let us know the properties and roughly when access is possible and we'll organise it sensibly.
More answers on our plumbing FAQ page and in how it works.
Related jobs we take on
Areas we cover for this
Plumbing emergency right now?
Call and speak to the plumber who will be doing the job — not a call centre. Lines are open 24 hours a day, every day.
You get a clear quote before work starts. A call-out fee may apply — confirmed on the phone before we travel.