Category Archives: apartment plumbing

Nov '23

Tenant or Landlord: Who’s Responsible for Plumbing Repairs in Chicago?

Plumbing repairs are an inevitable part of maintaining a rental property. Whether you are a tenant or a landlord in Chicago, it’s crucial to understand who is responsible for these repairs. This article aims to provide clarity on the matter and shed light on the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords when it comes to plumbing issues.

Tenant Responsibilities

As a tenant in Chicago, it’s essential to be aware of what falls under your responsibility in terms of plumbing repairs. While you may not be expected to have the expertise of a professional plumber, there are still certain obligations that you must fulfill:

Regular maintenance: Tenants are responsible for ensuring the proper use and care of the plumbing fixtures and systems in their rental unit. This includes avoiding any actions that may cause damage, such as flushing foreign objects down the toilet or pouring grease down the kitchen sink.

Prompt reporting: Tenants should promptly inform their landlord or property management company of any plumbing issues they encounter. This includes leaking faucets, clogged drains, or malfunctioning toilets. Early reporting can help prevent minor problems from escalating into major repairs.

Cooperation with repairs: When a plumbing issue arises, tenants must allow their landlord or authorized repair personnel to enter the premises and carry out necessary repairs. Cooperation is crucial for resolving the problem efficiently.

Maintaining cleanliness: Tenants are responsible for keeping their rental unit clean and free from any actions that may cause plumbing problems. This includes regularly cleaning drain traps, showerheads, and faucet aerators to prevent build-up.

Landlord Responsibilities

While tenants have their share of responsibilities, landlords in Chicago are legally obligated to provide safe and habitable living conditions, which includes maintaining the plumbing systems in their rental properties. Here are some of the key responsibilities of landlords:

Ensuring functional plumbing: Landlords must ensure that the plumbing systems in their rental units are in good working condition. This includes providing running water, functional toilets, and properly draining sinks and showers.

Prompt repairs: When a tenant reports a plumbing issue, landlords should address the problem in a timely and efficient manner. Ignoring or delaying repairs can lead to further damage and potential health hazards for the tenants.

Hiring professional help: If the repair work requires expertise beyond the landlord’s capabilities, it is their responsibility to hire a qualified plumber or plumbing service to handle the repairs. This ensures that the work is done correctly and meets the necessary standards.

Providing notice: Landlords must provide reasonable notice to their tenants before entering the rental unit to carry out plumbing repairs. Unless it is an emergency situation, the tenant’s privacy and right to quiet enjoyment should be respected.

a lease agreement being signed by a tenant.

Landlords cannot shift the responsibility for major plumbing repairs onto the tenant.

Understanding Lease Agreements

The responsibilities of tenants and landlords regarding plumbing repairs can vary depending on what is stated in the lease agreement. It is essential for both parties to carefully review the lease before signing it to ensure they are aware of their rights and obligations.

In some cases, landlords may include a clause in the lease that specifies which plumbing repairs tenants are responsible for. This could involve minor issues such as changing a washer on a faucet or unclogging a drain. However, landlords cannot shift the responsibility for major plumbing repairs onto the tenant.

Resolving Disputes

In the event of a plumbing issue, conflicts over responsibilities may arise between tenants and landlords. It is advisable for both parties to maintain open lines of communication and attempt to resolve the dispute amicably.

If an agreement cannot be reached, tenants can seek assistance from local authorities or legal counsel to understand their rights and explore possible recourse. It may be necessary to involve mediation or file a complaint with the appropriate housing agency.

Maintaining a Positive Relationship

Both tenants and landlords should strive to maintain a positive and respectful relationship to avoid conflicts and ensure a harmonious living arrangement. Clear communication and understanding of each party’s responsibilities can help foster this positive relationship.

Tenants should make an effort to report plumbing issues promptly and take reasonable measures to prevent damage. Landlords, on the other hand, should address repairs in a timely manner, provide clearly written lease agreements, and maintain open lines of communication.

In Conclusion

In Chicago, the responsibility for plumbing repairs is shared between tenants and landlords. Tenants are responsible for regular maintenance, prompt reporting of issues, and cooperating with repairs. Landlords have the obligation to ensure functional plumbing, make prompt repairs, hire professionals when needed, and provide reasonable notice before entering the rental unit.

By understanding these responsibilities and fostering a positive relationship, both tenants and landlords can contribute to maintaining a well-functioning plumbing system and a pleasant living environment.

Nov '23

Common Apartment Plumbing Problems in Chicago and How to Deal with Them

Living in an apartment in Chicago can be an incredible experience, with its beautiful architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and bustling city life. However, like any other living space, apartments often come with their fair share of plumbing problems. From leaky faucets to clogged drains, these issues can be a headache for tenants.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most common apartment plumbing problems in Chicago and provide helpful tips on how to deal with them. Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, this information will empower you to handle these plumbing issues effectively and minimize disruption to your everyday life.

1. Leaky Faucets

One of the most common plumbing problems in apartments is a leaky faucet. Not only can the constant dripping be annoying, but it can also waste a significant amount of water over time. Leaky faucets are often caused by worn-out washers or faulty seals.

To deal with a leaky faucet, you can try the following steps:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet by closing the shut-off valve underneath the sink.

Cover the drain with a cloth or plug to prevent any small parts from falling down.

Use a wrench to unscrew the faucet handle. Inspect the washers and seals for any signs of damage or wear.

If the washers or seals are damaged, replace them with new ones. You can find these replacement parts at most hardware stores.

Reassemble the faucet by following the reverse order of the disassembly process.

Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to call a professional plumber.

clogged drain that needs professional drain cleaning.

The most common cause of clogged drains is a buildup of hair, soap scum, food particles, or grease.

2. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are another common plumbing issue in apartments. They can occur in the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, or bathtub. The most common cause of clogged drains is a buildup of hair, soap scum, food particles, or grease.

Here is a step-by-step guide to dealing with a clogged drain:

Start by using a plunger to try to dislodge the clog. Fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the plunger, then position the plunger over the drain and vigorously plunge up and down for about a minute.

If plunging does not work, try using a drain snake or a drain cleaning solution. Insert the drain snake into the drain and rotate it to break up or remove the clog. Alternatively, pour a drain cleaning solution down the drain and let it sit for the recommended amount of time before flushing with hot water.

If the clog persists, it is advisable to contact a professional drain cleaning plumber to avoid causing further damage to the pipes.

3. Running Toilets

Running toilets are not only a nuisance but can also lead to a significant increase in water bills. A toilet that runs continuously usually indicates a problem with the flapper valve or the fill valve.

Follow these steps to address a running toilet:

Remove the lid of the toilet tank and check the flapper valve. Ensure that it is properly sealing the flush valve and not allowing water to continuously flow into the bowl.

If the flapper valve is worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced. Turn off the water supply to the toilet by closing the shut-off valve located behind or beneath the tank. Flush the toilet to drain the water and remove the old flapper valve. Install a new one according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the flapper valve appears to be in good condition, the issue may be with the fill valve. Adjust the fill valve or consider replacing it if necessary.

Turn the water supply back on and allow the tank to fill. Check for any leaks or signs of continuous running. If the problem persists, consult a professional plumber.

4. Low Water Pressure

Nothing can be more frustrating than taking a shower with low water pressure. Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from mineral deposits in the pipes to issues with the main water supply.

To address low water pressure, you can try the following:

Check the water pressure in other faucets and showers in your apartment. If the low water pressure is isolated to one fixture, the problem may be with the aerator or the faucet itself. Clean or replace the aerator to remove any sediment or debris that may be obstructing the flow of water.

If the low water pressure is widespread throughout the apartment, it may indicate a problem with the main water supply. Contact your building’s maintenance department or a professional plumber to investigate and resolve the issue.

a plumber performing water heater maintenance.

If the water heater continues to malfunction or if you notice any leaks, it is crucial to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible.

5. Water Heater Issues

Water heaters provide hot water for various household activities, including bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. When a water heater fails or malfunctions, it can disrupt daily routines.

If you are experiencing water heater problems, consider the following steps:

Check the pilot light. If the pilot light is out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. If it does not stay lit or keeps going out, there may be an issue with the thermocouple or gas supply, and it is recommended to seek professional help.

Inspect the temperature setting on the water heater. Ensure that it is set at an appropriate level (typically around 120 degrees Fahrenheit) to prevent scalding and maximize energy efficiency.

Flush the water heater tank to remove any sediment or mineral buildup. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and proper flushing.

If the water heater continues to malfunction or if you notice any leaks, it is crucial to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible, as these issues can lead to further damage or even pose safety risks.

6. Frozen Pipes

Chicago’s harsh winters can sometimes lead to frozen pipes, which can cause pipes to burst and result in significant water damage. It is important to take preventive measures to protect your apartment from frozen pipes.

Follow these guidelines to prevent frozen pipes:

Keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even when you are away. This helps maintain a warm environment and prevents pipes from freezing.

Open cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

Seal any gaps or cracks near pipes that are exposed to outside walls or drafts. This helps prevent cold air from reaching the pipes.

Insulate exposed pipes using foam or pipe sleeves. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezing temperatures.

If the weather is exceptionally cold, let the faucets drip to keep water moving through the pipes and prevent them from freezing.

In Conclusion

Living in an apartment in Chicago certainly has its perks, but it also comes with its fair share of plumbing problems. By familiarizing yourself with common issues like leaky faucets, clogged drains, running toilets, low water pressure, water heater malfunctions, and frozen pipes, you can tackle these plumbing problems head-on.

Remember, if you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure about any plumbing issue, it is best to contact a professional plumber. They have the expertise and knowledge to handle complex problems and ensure the long-term functionality of your apartment’s plumbing system.

By taking prompt action and following our tips, you can maintain a well-functioning plumbing system in your Chicago apartment and enjoy the comforts of a hassle-free living space.

Feb '23

How Plumbing Works in an Apartment Building

All buildings have plumbing systems that operate on the same basic principles. Yet there are important differences in the plumbing systems of various types of buildings that can affect how those systems work and how they should be managed, says Stonelink Property Management.

This is the case when comparing plumbing systems in a single-family home with those in apartment buildings. Both systems are identical in the way the occupants of the buildings use their respective plumbing fixtures.

But drill deeper, and you will find significant differences that dictate the unique maintenance needs of each system. Treating the plumbing system in an apartment building as if it were the same as the plumbing in a single-family dwelling can lead to problems.

Knowing how an apartment building’s plumbing system functions will let you deal with problems correctly. For owners of apartment buildings and those who live in them, this post offers a brief overview of how plumbing works in an apartment building.

How plumbing systems work in apartment buildings

To understand how apartment building plumbing systems we should first learn how plumbing systems work in general. Plumbing systems, regardless of the building where they are installed, have a list of features that are common to all of them, namely:

Two-pipe systems: One set of pipes brings fresh water from the municipal supply into the building. A second set of pipes transport wastewater from the home’s plumbing fixtures out of the building.
One set of pipes: The freshwater system – uses pressure to move clean water to where it is needed inside the building. The other set of pipes – the wastewater system – uses gravity to move wastewater out of the building.
The freshwater system has a series of shutoff valves: in specific areas and for the entire system – to turn off the water when there are problems. The wastewater system uses traps to seal the system and keep wastewater from moving backward.
The cold water comes out of faucets and other fixtures automatically. To get hot water, cold water must be heated by a water heater. The heated water follows its own dedicated pipe system with separate controls.
The system uses water meters to measure water usage.

Basics of apartment building plumbing

As far as their plumbing systems are concerned, apartment buildings are categorized as multi-story dwellings or multiple dwellings.

Plumbing systems in multiple dwellings

The plumbing systems in these types of apartment buildings work similarly to the procedures in single-family homes, with a few key differences. The pipes in this system branch out to serve the different units in the building, and they often have the following distinctive features:

There may be water hookups for dishwashers, ice makers, and other appliances for convenience and improved efficiency.
Each unit in the building will often have its drain-waste-vent (DWV) system to let it breathe and keep p-traps from drying out or sewer gases from backing into the home.

Plumbing systems in multi-story dwellings

Because they are too high, the water pressure from the municipal water supply is insufficient to move water into all the units in a multi-story dwelling. Because of this particular problem, the plumbing systems in these buildings have to be different in many ways:

Pressure

Multi-story dwellings use three different types of systems to solve the water pressure issues in the building:

Gravity-based roof tanks: A simple system where water is pumped from the ground floor or basement storage tanks to tanks on the roof of the building. Once inside the roof tank, gravity moves the water into the units inside the building.
A system of booster pumps: Some buildings use multiple booster pumps, which either move the water from a storage tank or directly boost the water pressure from the municipal supply.
Hydro-pneumatic storage tanks: Here, water from the municipal supply enters the hydro-pneumatic storage tanks before it is moved by air pressure into the different units in the building.

Drainage

The drainage systems in multi-story dwellings are more complicated. There are vertical stacks that run from the basement or ground floor to the roof. These can be waste stacks for transporting wastewater from showers and sinks, soil stacks for toilets, or vent stacks that take care of airflow.

Each unit in the building is connected to these stacks via a branch line. It is common to find multi-story dwellings with two-pipe drainage systems, where wastewater and solid waste are separately handled by the two sets of pipes in the system.

Control valves

These keep the plumbing inside one unit separate from the plumbing inside another unit. Control valves prevent cross-contamination in the event of problems. If there are issues in one of the units, they allow them to be isolated to the affected unit. They also ensure that if one unit’s water supply is shut off, it doesn’t affect the other units.

Understanding how the plumbing system in your apartment building works will make you a better user or manager of the system. Hopefully, this post has answered some of your pressing questions about the plumbing system operation in an apartment building.

Aug '21

Who’s Responsible for Frozen Pipes in a Rental Apartment?

Owning a rental property comes with many benefits and a lot of challenges. If your property is located in an area with a temperate climate, one of the issues you may encounter is frozen pipes during winter. These can be pipes within the grounds of your property or inside the home.

Ideally, this is not something that should happen in a modern building. Modern houses are designed to have their own internal climate. The structure has systems that regulate its temperature to keep the home comfortable, regardless of what is happening outside.

But sometimes, this feature may not work, due to human error or system malfunction. When this happens, one of the consequences could be pipes freezing in very cold weather. A pipe freeze or burst can disrupt the water supply and should be solved immediately.

In a rental property, whose responsibility is it to deal with this problem?

Is the landlord supposed to solve frozen pipe issues or is this something the tenants are meant to take care of? This is a big source of conflict between landlords and tenants, says Keyrenter Property Management. Resolving it ahead of time is crucial for the landlord-tenant relationship.

Why Do Pipes in a Rental Property Freeze?

To answer the first question of who is responsible for solving frozen pipe issues in a rental property, it is important to understand what causes pipes to freeze. There are three primary reasons why the pipes in your rental property may freeze:

Quick drops in temperature

Ambient temperature can fall very low during snowstorms and after heavy snowfalls. But this alone will not cause the pipes in the home to freeze. Extremely low outside temperature must be accompanied by other factors before it will lead to frozen pipes.

Damaged or inadequate insulation

If pipes that are exposed to cold air are not properly insulated, they may freeze. Also if there are cracks and openings that let cold air into the home, pipes close to these areas will be prone to freeze.

Low indoor temperatures

This is mainly due to the thermostat being set too low. To keep pipes from freezing, thermostats should be set at the same temperature day and night.

Landlord Responsibilities for Frozen Pipes

Landlord responsibilities for preventing or resolving frozen pipe problem is twofold. Firstly, landlords are required to provide every amenity needed to make the home livable. These include functioning plumbing and a home that is adequately weather-proofed.

If pipes in a rental home freeze due to problems with the plumbing, heating, or insulation, the problem is the landlord’s to pay for. This is true even if the fault is due to the way a particular feature was installed and the landlord did not know of the problem.

The second aspect of landlord’s responsibility for frozen pipes is that landlords must educate their tenants on how to prevent frozen pipes in the home. The details of how to do this should be included in the lease agreement and the orientation new tenants get.

Some of the steps landlords should instruct tenants to follow during very cold weather are:

Keeping garage doors closed.
Leaving the closet and cabinet doors open to let pipes be warmed by the room temperature.
Letting a trickle of water drip from faucets to keep water flowing through pipes and keep them from freezing.

However, after a tenant has followed these instructions and the pipes in the home still freeze, the financial responsibility for the problem lies with the landlord.

Tenant Responsibilities for Frozen Pipes

Just as landlords have an obligation to provide a rental home with adequate plumbing, heating, and insulation, tenants have the duty to use these amenities reasonably and to do what they should to protect the landlord’s property.

If a tenant fails to protect the owner’s property by doing any of the following, they will be held liable for any frozen pipes in the home:

If the tenant goes on vacation without shutting off the water supply or draining the water system and the pipes freeze as a result.
The tenant fails to follow the landlord’s instructions on how to prevent frozen pipes in the home.
The tenant takes actions that damage the insulation, plumbing, or heating in the home.
The tenant detects a problem with the insulation, plumbing, or heating and fails to inform the landlord, leaving the issue to cause the pipes in the home to freeze and ultimately burst.

What to do When a Pipe Freezes

It is the tenant’s duty, as the person who lives in the home and is in close proximity to the system, to inform the landlord of the problem.
Landlords on their part are to take immediate action to resolve the problem, regardless of who caused it. Afterward, they can try to determine if the tenant is responsible for the damage.
Finally, to solve a problem with frozen or burst pipes, call a qualified emergency plumber, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Frozen pipes are often accompanied by costly leaks and extensive damage to the building or tenant’s belongings.