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Guide: condos

Condo Plumbing Leaks: Who Is Responsible?

In a condo, a leak can involve your unit, a neighbour and the building. Here is how responsibility usually breaks down and what to do first.

Stop the water if you can. Use the suite shut-off or the fixture valve.
Call building management or security immediately.
Check upstairs if water is coming from the ceiling.
Photograph everything for insurance.

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First steps

Stop the water if you can. Use the suite shut-off or the fixture valve.
Call building management or security immediately.
Check upstairs if water is coming from the ceiling.
Photograph everything for insurance.
Call your insurer to report the claim.

Who is responsible?

Ontario condo corporations have declarations, bylaws and rules that define the boundaries between units and common elements. Generally, the corporation repairs common elements such as risers and shared pipes, while owners handle fixtures and pipes within their unit. But the details depend on your corporation’s documents and the cause of the leak.

Read your condo declaration and your insurance policy before an emergency. Knowing where the boundaries are saves time and arguments.

Common sources

Failed washing machine hoses
Toilet supply lines and wax rings
Dishwasher connections
Shower and tub seals
Riser leaks within walls

Prevention

Replace rubber hoses with braided ones. Install leak sensors under sinks and near the washer. Know where your suite shut-off is. See leak detection and burst pipe repair.

Questions we get about this

Should I call a plumber or management first?

Call management or security first so they can isolate risers and check other suites. Then call a plumber for anything inside your unit.

Does my unit insurance matter if the building has a policy?

Usually yes. The corporation's policy often has a deductible that can be charged back to an owner, and unit coverage may help with that and with your own improvements.