Water leaks: The hidden threat to your short-term rental business
Water leaks are a prevalent and often underestimated issue in short-term rental properties
In the world of short-term rental properties, every detail matters. Offering a seamless experience to guests is key to maintaining excellent ratings and ensuring repeat business. However, there’s one often-overlooked issue that can derail even the best-laid plans: water leaks.
Water leaks are more common than you might think. Research shows that, on average, a home can lose around 45,000 litres of water per year due to leaks. In short-term rental properties, the stakes are higher. Given the frequent changeover of guests and varying levels of attentiveness, these leaks can easily go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.
Leaks happen for various reasons. Ageing infrastructure, wear and tear, and seasonal changes causing pipes to expand and contract can all contribute. A small leak from a dripping tap might seem harmless, but over time, it can lead to more severe issues like mould growth, structural damage, and inflated water bills.
The impact on customer experience can be devastating. Guests who encounter water issues during their stay are unlikely to leave positive reviews, no matter how perfect the rest of their experience might have been. A dripping tap, a musty smell, or water stains can quickly overshadow the comfort and amenities you’ve worked hard to provide. Negative reviews can tarnish your reputation and lower your property’s ranking on platforms like Airbnb, leading to fewer bookings.
And there are also frequent reports on host forums of guests leaving water appliances running for hours on end either through carelessness or, in extreme cases, to exact a kind of warped ‘revenge’ on hosts they perceive to have slighted them.
We all have a role to play in reducing leakage
Financially, water leaks can be a silent drain on your revenue. Beyond the immediate costs of repairs, you might face significant losses due to property damage. Mould remediation, structural repairs, and increased utility bills can all add up. Additionally, if a leak is severe enough to render your property temporarily uninhabitable, you could lose out on potential bookings, compounding your losses. You may also find it difficult to get home and contents insurance at a reasonable price once you’ve experienced a serious leak.
This is where Watergate comes in. We specialise in advanced water leak detection and prevention technologies designed to safeguard your property and your profits. Our smart systems continuously monitor your property’s water usage, identifying any anomalies that could indicate a leak.
The moment an issue is detected, you receive instant notifications via our app, allowing for swift action before a minor leak becomes a major problem. You can even have our system automatically shut off your water supply if it detects a leak – particularly useful for periods when your property is unoccupied.
Our solutions are designed with precision and integrity, ensuring reliable performance and peace of mind. With Watergate, you can maintain the high standards your guests expect while protecting your property from the often-hidden dangers of water damage. By investing in proactive leak detection, you’re not only preserving your property’s condition but also enhancing your guests’ experience and safeguarding your revenue stream.
With Watergate you can ensure your property remains a top choice for guests and a lucrative investment for you. Investing in leak detection is investing in the future of your business, providing stability and security in an unpredictable world.
If you’d like to learn more, please get in touch.
Gareth is a self-confessed ‘water geek’ and sits on a number of industry water efficiency working groups. He is head of communications at Watergate.