A well-maintained rental property can attract tenants, but have you considered what might be behind the walls? Many landlords focus on trendy kitchens and amazing floors, but old plumbing can reduce your profits. Leaks and unexpected repairs can be costly and may frustrate tenants, leading them to leave.
According to a 2024 report from the UK Government, the average rental property in England is worth about £311,275, with landlords who own just one property having an even higher average of £338,277. Keeping your plumbing in good condition is essential for protecting the value of your rental.
Which upgrades matter? Let’s explore the five key plumbing upgrades that can improve your property’s efficiency, eco-friendliness, and appeal, ensuring your tenants are happy and you have fewer issues.
Plumbing Upgrades Every Landlord Should Consider
Here are the five plumbing upgrades that every landlord should consider:
Upgrade 1: Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Boiler
A large part of our home energy costs goes toward heating. Many people renting in the UK seek places that won’t cost too much for utilities. Upgrading an old boiler to a new, efficient condensing one can significantly reduce energy use and lower tenant heating bills. This improvement can make your rental property much more appealing.
Why It Matters:
- Energy Savings: High-efficiency boilers can save tenants up to 90% on energy bills compared to older models.
- Government Incentives: Landlords can receive grants from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to install energy-efficient heating systems.
- Reliability: New boilers are less likely to break down, which means fewer costly emergency repairs.
Tip: Think about pairing your new boiler with a smart thermostat. This way, your tenants can adjust the heating from anywhere, which usually means cheaper energy bills and happier residents.
Upgrade 2: Install Smart Water Meters
Water bills often spark conflicts between landlords and tenants, mainly in places where much water is used. A smart water meter is an excellent way for both sides to keep an eye on water use as it happens and catch leaks before they become big problems.
‘One of the smartest upgrades is leak detection systems,’ explains an expert from Plumber Watford Hertfordshire plumberwatfordhertfordshire.co.uk. A single undetected leak can lead to costly water damage, mold issues, and unhappy tenants. Smart leak sensors can alert landlords before problems escalate, saving money in the long run.
Benefits of Smart Meters:
- Leak Detection: Alerts landlords and tenants if there is a sudden increase in water usage to help prevent water damage.
- Cost Control: It helps tenants track and lower their water use, which can lead to smaller utility bills.
- Fair Billing: A smart meter ensures everyone pays their fair share for properties with multiple tenants.
Smart meters are popping up all over the UK, and plenty of water companies will install them for free to help everyone use water more wisely.
Upgrade 3: Replace Old Pipes with Modern Piping
If your rental property was built before the 1970s, it still has lead, iron, or galvanised steel pipes. These types of pipes can reduce water pressure, leaks, and contamination.
Why Upgrade Your Pipes?
- Improved Water Flow: Old pipes wear out over time, which can reduce water pressure.
- Health & Safety: Lead pipes can be risky for health, especially in older homes.
- Fewer Repairs: New materials like PEX or copper are strong, resist corrosion, and need less maintenance.
Swapping out pipes may cost more initially, but it increases your property’s value over time and reduces the chances of dealing with costly water damage later.
Upgrade 4: Upgrade to Low-Flow Toilets and Taps
As water costs in the UK continue to rise, installing water-saving fixtures in rental homes is quickly becoming important. Toilets, taps, and showerheads that use less water can help lower those bills, and they work just as well as standard ones.
Why Install Low-Flow Fixtures?
- Water Savings: Low-flow toilets use 50% less water than older models.
- Eco-Friendly Appeal: Tenants like properties that support sustainability.
- Financial Benefits: Landlords can save on water bills in rental properties where they pay for utilities.
Tip: Seek out WRAS-approved fixtures, as these follow the UK’s standards for water efficiency.
Upgrade 5: Install a Mains Water Booster Pump
UK tenants often complain about weak water pressure, which is particularly prevalent in older homes or buildings with multiple floors. Studies revealed that 64% of complaints were centred around problems with insufficient water pressure.
A solution to this is a mains water booster pump, which enhances the water pressure across the entire property.
Benefits of a Booster Pump
- Improved Tenant Experience: More pleasing water pressure in showers, taps, and appliances.
- Faster Filling Times: No more slow-filling sinks and baths.
- Higher Rental Appeal: Intense water pressure attracts potential tenants.
Booster pumps are a relatively cheap way to upgrade your plumbing and are quick to install. This makes them an excellent investment for landlords who want to boost their rental property’s water system.
Conclusion
Upgrading the plumbing in your rental property is an excellent way to increase its value, attract good tenants, and minimise maintenance issues. Consider replacing old systems with energy-saving boilers, new piping, and innovative leak detection systems. These improvements will save you money and make life easier for your tenants.
Investing in better plumbing now protects your rental property for the future and can lead to higher profits later on. So, consider making these upgrades today to give your property an advantage in the competitive UK rental market!
