As summer approaches in Southampton, landlords across the city prepare their properties for student changeovers, short-term rentals, and an influx of holiday guests. While fresh paint and a cleaned kitchen might be on your checklist — what about your drains?
Neglecting your drainage system before tenants arrive can lead to blocked toilets, kitchen backups, bad smells, and emergency callouts — not exactly the welcome anyone wants.
At Southampton Drains24, we work with landlords and letting agents to carry out essential pre-let drainage checks. Whether you own student housing near Portswood or a short-term Airbnb by the marina, here’s what to inspect before handing over the keys.
Why Summer Lets Come with Higher Drainage Risks
Summer brings increased property turnover. From student exits and new tenants to short-term stays that fill your calendar, the pressure on your property’s plumbing builds — often quite literally.
Common risks include:
- Grease and food waste left in kitchen drains
- Toilets blocked from flushed wipes or sanitary products
- Long-neglected pipework suddenly exposed to heavier use
- Slow drainage going unnoticed until guests arrive
And let’s face it — tenants won’t be calling you about a “slightly gurgling drain.” You’ll likely get the call when water’s on the floor and the situation is urgent.
3 Drainage Services Landlords Should Book Before Summer
1. CCTV Drain Inspection
A CCTV drain survey gives a clear look at the inside of your pipework. It detects early signs of:
- Cracked or misaligned pipes
- Tree root intrusion (common in older gardens)
- Hidden blockages that might be building up
This is especially useful for properties that have been empty or underused during the spring.
2. High-Pressure Drain Jetting
If you’ve had previous drainage issues — or just want peace of mind — jetting clears the system before problems begin. It flushes out grease, soap scum, and general debris. We often recommend this for:
- HMOs or shared houses
- Student properties in Highfield, Portswood, and Swaythling
- Properties with older clay or pitch fibre pipes
3. General Drain Unblocking & Testing
Before you rent, test every sink, toilet, and shower. If anything drains slowly or smells bad, it’s time to get it checked. Our team can visit the property, unblock anything necessary, and make sure everything is tenant-ready.
Letting Agents & HMO Managers – We’ve Got You Covered
We work with letting agencies, student housing companies, and private landlords across Southampton. Whether it’s one property or twenty, we offer:
- Flexible appointments around tenancy dates
- Discreet, professional service
- Full reporting for compliance or record-keeping
- Discounted rates for multiple properties or repeat clients
Areas We Cover in Southampton
We provide pre-let drainage checks and callouts across:
- Portswood
- Highfield
- Shirley
- Ocean Village
- Bitterne
- St. Denys
- Freemantle
- Swaythling
Book Your Pre-Tenancy Drainage Check Today
Don’t wait for your tenant’s first weekend in to discover a slow-draining shower or blocked toilet. A quick visit from Drains24 can help avoid complaints, refunds, and callouts.
Contact Southampton Drains24 today to schedule inspections, unblocking, or jetting before your summer lets begin.
