Condo leak response
- 1Shut the suite valveoften in a closet or near the heater
- 2Tell managementthey may need to shut a riser
- 3Check belowwarn the neighbour below
- 4Call a plumberfor suite fixtures and lines
- 5Documentfor the corporation and insurer
01Who fixes what
A condo declaration draws the line between unit piping and corporation risers, stacks and shut-offs. Generally, fixtures and the lines serving only your suite are yours; shared stacks and risers belong to the building. Check your documents and ask management.
We work on the suite side and coordinate with building staff.
| Suite responsibility | Usually fixtures and lines inside the unit |
|---|---|
| Corporation responsibility | Usually common stacks and risers |
| Water heaters | Often electric tanks in a closet |
02Leaks travel down
A leak in your suite can damage several suites below. Shut your suite valve fast and alert management.
03Common jobs
Toilets, faucets, dishwashers, electric water heaters and kitchen drains are typical condo calls.
04Electric heaters in closets
Many Scarborough condos have an electric tank heater in a utility closet, often rented. When one leaks, water goes straight into the floor and down to the suite below. A drip pan with a drain, or a leak sensor that shuts the supply, adds a layer of protection.
If the heater belongs to a rental provider, call them first.
05Kitchen stack clogs
In high-rises, kitchen drains from many suites feed the same stack. Grease from dozens of kitchens accumulates, and a clog at a lower floor can push water up into those suites. Keep fat out of your sink; it helps your neighbours as much as you.