Richmond Landlord & Rental Property Blog

High Water Bill? How to Check for a Hidden Leak

An unexpectedly high water bill or unexplained increase in water use can sometimes point to a leak that is not immediately obvious. Start with the plumbing you can safely see, then check toilets and an accessible water meter if available.If you find active leaking water, a wet ce...

Water Heater & Hot Water Problems in Richmond Rentals

A hot-water problem can mean no hot water at all, water that is only lukewarm, unusually hot water, or water leaking from the heater. Start by identifying the symptom before interacting with the equipment.Water heaters may involve electricity, gas, very hot water, and pressurized...

Low or No Water Pressure in a Richmond Rental

Low water pressure can affect one faucet, one type of water, or the entire home. Start by comparing a few fixtures before trying to fix anything.The goal is to determine how widespread the symptom is. That helps distinguish a simple fixture issue from a broader plumbing or water-...

Water Leaks & Shutoffs in Richmond Rentals

A water leak can range from a slow drip under a sink to active water that is spreading across a room. Start by looking at where the water is coming from and whether you can safely stop or contain it.If water is near an outlet, switch, light fixture, electrical panel, appliance co...

Sewer Backup & Sewage Problems in a Richmond Rental

If sewage or dirty wastewater is coming up through a toilet, tub, shower, floor drain, or several plumbing fixtures, stop ordinary drain troubleshooting. The immediate job is to stop adding water to the drainage system and keep people and pets away from the affected area.If only ...

Clogged Sink, Tub & Shower Drains: Safe Troubleshooting

A single slow or clogged sink, tub, or shower can often be checked safely before service is needed. The important first distinction is whether the problem is limited to one drain.If several fixtures are backing up, or dirty water or sewage is coming up through another drain, stop...

Toilet Problems in Richmond Rentals: Clogs, Running Toilets & Leaks

A toilet problem usually falls into one of four paths: the bowl is rising or overflowing, the toilet is clogged or flushing poorly, it keeps running or refilling, or water is appearing around the base. Start with the symptom you actually have.The first important distinction is wh...

Plumbing & Water Problems in Richmond Rentals: Start Here

A toilet that will not flush, a slow shower drain, weak water pressure, a leaking pipe, and a loss of hot water are all plumbing problems, but they need different first steps. This guide helps PMI James River residents get to the right troubleshooting path quickly.Start with what...

Emergency vs Urgent vs Routine Maintenance: How Repairs Are Classified in Richmond Rentals

Not every maintenance problem that needs prompt attention is an after-hours emergency. PMI James River uses three levels for Richmond-area rental maintenance: emergency, urgent, and routine. The difference is based on what is happening now, how serious the risk is, and whether th...

Fall Maintenance for Richmond Rentals: Leaf Load, Water Diversion, And Pre-Freeze Prevention

Fall is one of Richmond’s highest-leverage maintenance windows because two different risks land on the same calendar. Leaf drop can obstruct drainage while colder nights narrow the window for plumbing and heating preparation. The most useful fall plan prioritizes the items ...