What Every Omaha Landlord Should Know About Plumbing Maintenance

If you own rental property in Omaha, you already know — plumbing problems don’t just inconvenience tenants; they can cost you time, money, and reputation.

From clogged drains to leaky pipes and outdated fixtures, small issues can turn into big repair bills fast. The good news? Most of it is preventable with the right maintenance plan.

Here’s what every landlord should understand about plumbing upkeep — and how to keep your properties (and tenants) happy year-round.

Too many landlords wait until something breaks before calling a plumber. While that might seem like saving money upfront, it often leads to emergency repairs, water damage, and upset tenants.

Here are the most common plumbing issues we see in Omaha rentals:

1. Leaky faucets or running toilets
These seem minor but can waste hundreds of gallons of water — and drive up utility costs.

2. Clogged drains
Hair, grease, and debris build up over time. Without regular maintenance, this leads to backups that tenants can’t fix.

3. Failing water heaters
Old or poorly maintained water heaters are a major source of tenant complaints — and emergency calls.

4. Burst or leaking pipes
Especially during Omaha’s cold winters, frozen pipes are a costly risk if insulation and shut-off valves aren’t properly maintained.

5. Sewer line issues
Tree roots and old pipes can cause major blockages, flooding, or sewage backups — a nightmare for both landlords and renters.

Omaha’s mix of older housing and cold-weather conditions make plumbing systems especially vulnerable. Many rental homes still have original plumbing — and with high tenant turnover, wear and tear is inevitable.

Proactive maintenance helps you:

• Avoid emergency calls at 2 a.m.
• Reduce repair costs through early detection
• Keep tenants longer by maintaining comfortable, reliable living conditions
• Protect your investment from water damage and mold

Even simple seasonal checks can prevent major headaches — especially before winter.

Here’s a smart approach every Omaha landlord should follow:

1. Schedule annual plumbing inspections.
A quick check once a year can catch slow leaks, aging parts, or buildup before they become major problems.

2. Flush water heaters annually.
Sediment from Omaha’s hard water builds up fast — reducing efficiency and lifespan.

3. Insulate pipes in basements and crawlspaces.
Prevent freezing and bursting when temperatures drop.

4. Educate tenants.
Provide simple reminders like not flushing wipes, using strainers in drains, and reporting leaks immediately.

5. Keep a trusted plumber on speed dial.
Having a licensed, reliable team that knows your properties saves time and ensures consistent quality repairs.

Proactive care isn’t just good property management — it’s good business.

At McIntosh Plumbing, we work with Omaha landlords and property managers to keep their plumbing systems running efficiently year-round.

From scheduled maintenance to emergency repairs, our licensed team helps protect your investment and your tenants’ comfort.

Schedule a property plumbing check-up today — and take the stress out of rental maintenance.

📍 Local. Reliable. Preventive.
🔧 Done right. On time. Built to last.