Residential leaks are anything in the unit that leaks – refrigerators, sinks, toilets, etc. These are often not caught until other units have reported damage. Leaks in residential units are the unit owner’s responsibility, and even with insurance, the deductibles can be high. Total costs of multi-unit damage run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars – all of which drives up our association’s insurance rates.
Leak Sources
- Refrigerators
- Several of the Sub-Zero refrigerators have had leaks recently which caused damage to multiple units. Repair folks have commented that these model-years were prone to such problems.
- The problem part seems to be a valve which is mounted in the wall of the unit. The part can be replaced, but Sub-Zero requires a certified technician to do the removal/installation (~$350).
- Sink Leaks/overflows
- Several units have had their kitchen sink back up from a sewer line clog, and at least one unit has replaced their hardwood floors due to this. Since there was no damage to other units, the association was not aware of this. Other overflows have happened, but did not affect other units.
- In this case, shutting off the water does nothing, as it’s not coming from your unit.
- Toilets
- Overflows – this has happened at least once that we know of. Multiple units were affected by 40 minutes of running water leaking into the building.
- Wax ring failures – Instead of “clean” water, toilet effluent leaks – this is as gross as it sounds.