CONDO PLUMBING PROBLEM?
WE CAN HELP!

Condominiums and multi-residential buildings have more complex plumbing systems than typical homes.

When something goes wrong in a home, it typically only impacts the homeowner, and it's the owners' responsibility to fix it. But with multi-residential buildings, plumbing problems in one unit or outside of the unit may impact other units.

Depending on where the problem lies, installation, maintenance, and repair responsibilities may be up to the unit owner, another unit owner, or property management. 

A condo plumbing specialist has the  expertise to quickly diagnose the source of the problem and advise regarding the responsibility for the work that needs to be done.

The most common condo plumbing problems are similar to residential housing:

• Leaks (from waterlines, drains, dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, and rainwater)
• Drain blockages in sinks and toilets (major blockages are usually referred to  drain cleaning specialists).

Generally the pipes and fixtures within a unit are the responsibility of the unit owner and the pipes located in public or maintenance areas are the responsibility of the building owner.

Once we investigate and complete a diagnosis, we inform the property management of the issue. The property management then informs us and/or the unit owner about who is responsible for the repair costs.

The condo plumbing specialist has 5 main responsibilities:

1. Investigation
A condo plumber must be able to investigate and identify the source of leaks. This requires an understanding of the relationship between plumbing structures both within and between units, including how water flows from a leak source and across and through structures.

2. Administration
A condo plumber needs to be able to to coordinate and communicate effectively with several parties, including property managers, onsite supervisors, and unit owners.

Condo plumbers need to arrange a site visit,  investigate and repair the problem, and/or refer it on to others. They must also maintain a reasonable amount of efficiency in the process in order to keep costs to a minimum.

In a shared plumbing system, shutdown of water to the entire building for a period of time may be required in order to provide service to a single unit. There may also be noise and other disruptions. Working within one unit often requires some communication and negotiation with other unit owners.

3. Diplomacy
Building management wants issues resolved in a timely manner, without undue cost. Unit Owners also need issues resolved quickly to minimize damage to their spaces.

A condo plumber needs to be able to walk a tightrope, navigating and maintaining constructive relationships between unit owners and property management. This requires an understanding of the needs and responsibilities of the people involved.

A condo plumber must be honest and objective, providing clarity about the source of any issues, so that disputes about responsibility for repairs are kept to a minimum. 

5. A Comprehensive Approach

Condo plumbers are the eyes and ears for property management, where plumbing and water issues are concerned. While assessing current issues, we also keep property managers informed of potential future problems. This allows property management to inform board members so that they can  budget for future maintenance and repairs.

Condo plumbers require knowledge of full building plumbing systems, as there are many systems within a multi-residential building that are not usually found in homes.

In particular, a condominium specialist must have knowledge of:

• Ground water sump systems
• Hydronic heating systems and recirculating pumps
• Drainage flow, including how blockages may occur and how they can be resolved
• Water intrusion. Water can enter a building from plumbing structures, rain, and ground water. Accurate detection of water intrusion sources allows for quick resolution, whether we are able to complete the repair or another trade or trade partner is needed.