Plumbing problems to spot before you rent in Uganda

In Kampala, plumbing drama is rarely about luxury — it is about pressure, tanks, and shared lines. A beautiful sitting room does not help when the shower is a trickle and the landlord says "that is normal for this area."

Weak water pressure

Run the shower and kitchen tap at the same time. If pressure collapses, the building may be under-pumped or the tank too small for peak morning use. Ask how many units share the pump.

Slow drains

A drain that takes minutes to clear after a test suggests blockage or bad fall in the pipes. Fixing it may become your fight unless agreed upfront.

Overhead tank and borehole

Ask: Who pays to fill the tank? How often? Is water available daily or on a schedule? Borehole water may need filtration — taste it.

Leaks you can miss

Check under sinks, behind toilets, and ceiling stains in the room below (if accessible). A small drip becomes a mould problem in one rainy season.

Before you sign

Get any plumbing fix promises in writing. If the landlord says "we will sort it," ask when and before or after deposit.

What we are not saying

We are not saying every agent is bad. We are not saying every Facebook ad is a scam. We are not saying an app replaces visiting the property.

We are saying you deserve a rental market where location and price are not mysteries — and where founders do not inflate numbers to impress investors.

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