When residents living in strata properties encounter sydney plumbing issues, they need to determine whether the homeowner, the building manager or the strata owners corporation is responsible for the repair and maintenance. Resolving matters can be confusing and complicated for all parties concerned, so we’ve created a guide to help you identify which party is responsible for what when the six common plumbing issues in sydney strata properties arise.
1. Balcony Leaks If the properties in your strata development have balconies, you will know how frustrating it can be when water pours from the balcony above onto your own. In this case, sydney strata plumbing responsibility depends on the reason behind the leak. If the water is running down from the roof or there is a burst pipe in the area, it will typically be up to the strata owners corporation of the building to address the sydney plumbing issue. However, most often, it is that your upstairs neighbour has plants on their balcony.
2. Blocked Drains Blocked drains are the most common type of plumbing problem in sydney. Determining who is responsible requires identifying the location of the blocked drain. Usually, a blocked toilet drain or kitchen sink drain will be the owner’s responsibility as the blockage is located within their property. Floor drains that fall under the jurisdiction of the owners corporation are shower drains and other floor drains, as the pipes running from these drains often go underneath the floor and service multiple properties.
3. Burst Water Pipes The location and function of the pipe that burst will determine who is responsible for repairing it. Generally speaking, the strata management company is responsible for leaking pipes underneath the floor.
4. Leaking Fixtures Fixtures like taps or shower heads are sealed tightly to avoid leaking. However, gradual wear and tear over time will cause those seals to deteriorate, resulting in leaking from the base tap and shower head. These are not internal property components, so they nearly always fall to the individual owner to shoulder the cost of repairs.
5. Mold, Rot or Corrosion from Seepage Water damage comes in the aftermath of a burst pipe. Whoever is responsible for fixing the burst pipe will also be accountable for covering the cost of repairing the water damage. Instances of water damage also have a high chance that mold and mildew will form if the problems are not addressed quickly enough or if the repairman is not thorough in drying out the area. Mold and mildew located in the internal walls of your property will be your responsibility.
6. Significant vs. Minor Repairs & Maintenance Individual property owners may wish to simply take care of relatively easy and inexpensive repairs rather than dealing with the red tape of the strata owners corporation. This is fine if your strata scheme has no rules forbidding it. When it comes to significant repairs, it is best to check with the strata manager beforehand.
It is undeniably challenging to deal with sydney strata plumbing issues because the fittings, fixtures and pipes are constructed differently than for a standalone residence. The problems from an internal plumbing system are the individual owner’s responsibility, whilst those that belong to common infrastructure are the strata corporation’s responsibility. Found this helpful? Call us at 0433 629 517 today. At Sydney Blocked Drains, we provide cost-effective services for strata properties that are made to last.
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