Salinas Rental Plumbing Checklist

Rentals around Salinas range from older bungalows near downtown to student housing in Marina and Seaside and farmworker housing down the valley. Water is expensive in California, and a leak that a tenant ignores can cost more than the repair. Share this list so tenants know what to mention and when.

Report within a few days

• A dripping faucet or running toilet
• White crust building up on faucets and showerheads
• Slow drains in the kitchen or bathroom
• Weak water pressure at several taps
• A water bill higher than usual

Report right away

• Water on the floor or a damp ceiling
• Sewage backing up into a tub or shower
• A leaking or tilted water heater
• A gas smell (leave and call the gas utility from outside)
• Damage after an earthquake: leaks, a moved water heater or a gas smell

Earthquake safety

Water heaters in California must be strapped. Tenants should report missing or loose straps. More: earthquake-ready water heaters.

Saving water

1. Report running toilets quickly
2. Use full loads in the washer and dishwasher
3. Don't run water while brushing teeth
4. Tell the manager about leaking sprinklers

For property managers

Hard water and earthquake rules make Salinas-area homes a little different from homes elsewhere. Scale shortens the life of fixtures and water heaters, and tanks must be strapped, so tenants who notice crusty showerheads or a loose strap are helping protect the property.

Coastal fog keeps homes near Marina and Seaside damp, which is hard on outdoor faucets and fittings; inland, valley heat is harder on garage water heaters.

Check water heater straps and flexible connectors between tenants, test toilets for silent leaks and plan for hard water. See water heaters, leak repair, water softeners and filters and emergency plumbing.