If there’s one word to describe strata plumbing, it’s complicated. Who is responsible for what? Residents or the owner’s corporation?
Renters, owners, and management need a solid understanding of the most common strata plumbing problems, their solutions, and the best ways to prevent them. From there, everyone can work together to create a comfortable, welcoming living environment.
In this guide, we’ll explore common strata plumbing issues, give prevention tips, and provide guidance on who should pay for plumbing repairs.
Who Is Responsible for Plumbing Problems in a Strata Building?
Responsibility for strata plumbing repairs can be nuanced. It may also differ between buildings and complexes. But as a general guideline, the owner’s corporation must maintain and repair anything considered to be common property. This includes sewer lines and fixtures used by more than one lot. In contrast, lot owners must maintain and repair the plumbing components within their units.
Insurance adds another layer of complexity. Damage to common property is typically covered by the insurance policy of the owner’s corporation. Lot owners may need personal insurance to cover damage within their units.
What About Emergencies?
In cases of urgent plumbing issues, such as a burst pipe, the owner’s corporation is expected to act immediately, even if the source of the problem is unclear. When the situation is under control, a professional assessment will determine who is responsible for the repair.
Common Strata Plumbing Issues
Strata plumbing systems are intricate networks serving multiple units within a building. Here are some common issues:
Blocked Drains
Whether in the kitchen sink or the bathtub, a blocked drain is a frustrating plumbing issue that plagues many tenants and homeowners. The solution depends on the location and cause of the blockage:
- Kitchen sinks and toilets typically fall under the responsibility of individual lot owners. Why? Because the issue is localised to their own property.
- Blocked floor drains, shower drains, sewer drains, or any blockage affecting multiple lots are typically the responsibility of the owner’s corporation. These are considered common property.
Burst Water Pipes
Burst pipes can cause serious damage. Whose shoulders this falls on depends on the pipe’s location:
- Pipes that serve multiple lots are taken care of by the owner’s corporation.
- Pipes serving one lot are generally the lot owner’s responsibility.
Leaking Fixtures
If the tap or showerhead is leaking within a lot, it is usually the lot owner’s job to get it fixed. The good news is a leaking fixture is, more often than not, a quick and easy repair.
Balcony Leakages
A leaking balcony in an apartment building can have far-reaching consequences for residents. It can be caused by a number of things, too, like a burst pipe, overwatering plants, or water running off a roof without adequate drainage.
Who is responsible for the solution varies on a case-by-case basis:
- Leaks caused by structural issues or burst pipes fall under the owner’s corporation.
- Neighbour-caused leaks are often managed informally between residents.
Tips to Prevent Strata Subdivision Plumbing Issues
You know how the saying goes—prevention is better than a cure. Here’s how you can work together with the residents of your building to avoid plumbing problems:
- Invest in regular plumbing inspections and fix small issues before they escalate.
- Maintain all drains and pipes by informing residents of the risks of disposing of grease and other materials down the drain.
- Get a professional repair as soon as the issue occurs.
Choose Tunnel Vision for Strata Drain Services
Tunnel Vision understands the unique and often complicated needs of strata buildings. They use their expertise in strata subdivision drain inspections to deliver a fast, effective, and reliable service. They even use advanced technologies like CCTV drain inspections and pipe relining to ensure your building’s plumbing system stands up to daily wear and tear.
