Whether you’re a self-managing landlord or a property manager overseeing a portfolio, having a simple checklist for plumbing maintenance takes the guesswork out of what to look for — and when. Below is a practical checklist that can be run through at each property inspection or change of tenancy.
Hot Water System
- Note the age and brand of the unit — most hot water systems last 8–12 years, and older units are more likely to fail without warning
- Check for visible corrosion, rust, or staining around the base of the unit
- Confirm the pressure relief valve isn’t dripping continuously
- Listen for unusual noises (banging, knocking) which can indicate sediment build-up
Taps & Mixers
- Check every tap (kitchen, bathroom, laundry, outdoor) for drips — even a slow drip wastes water and can indicate a worn washer
- Test hot and cold water pressure at each tap
- Check for any visible leaks under sink cabinets where pipes connect to taps
Toilets
- Check the cistern isn’t running continuously or refilling unusually often
- Check for movement or rocking at the base of the toilet — a sign the seal may be failing
- Confirm the flush is working correctly on both full and half-flush (if dual-flush)
Drainage
- Run water in each sink, shower, and bath and check it drains at a normal speed
- Check outdoor drains and gutters near downpipes for blockages, especially after storms
- Note any gurgling sounds from drains, which can indicate a blockage forming further down the line
Visible Pipework
- Look under sinks, around the hot water system, and in any exposed areas (laundries, garages) for signs of corrosion, staining, or previous repairs
- Check that any exposed outdoor pipes are protected ahead of winter (frost can cause cracking in exposed pipes)
General
- Confirm the location of the water mains shut-off valve is known and accessible — this is the single most useful thing for limiting damage during a burst pipe
- Note any “soft spots” in flooring near bathrooms, kitchens or laundries, which can indicate a slow leak underneath
What to do with this checklist
This checklist is designed to be run through quickly at routine inspections — most items take seconds to check and don’t require any plumbing expertise. If anything on this list raises a question, or you’d rather have a licensed plumber run through the full check (and flag anything that needs attention before it becomes a bigger job), that’s exactly the kind of routine visit Sedcon Plumbing carries out for Melbourne property managers and landlords.
Get in touch with Sedcon Plumbing to arrange a routine plumbing check for your property, or to set up a recurring schedule across a portfolio.
If you manage rental properties — including those under a strata or owners corporation — visit our Property Managers page to see how we support portfolios with priority response times and maintenance agreements.
Need a hand with this? Get in touch and we will get back to you promptly.