Question: Who is responsible for clearing blocked sewer pipes that have been blocked by baby wipes, chux clothes and other things which are not supposed to be flushed down the toilet?
Who is responsible for clearing blocked sewer pipes that have been blocked by baby wipes, chux clothes and other things which are not supposed to be flushed down the toilet?
On this occasion, the sewer pipe services 4 apartments that sit directly above each other. I understand that the body corporate is responsible for ‘maintenance’ and keeping common property infrastructure in good repair but this is not a lack of maintenance but the negligence of one of four residents?
Answer: If you have definite evidence that a lot owner has done damage to the body corporate property then you could try and reclaim costs.
If the pipes are body corporate property then the body corporate is responsible for maintaining them.
If you have definite evidence that a lot owner has done damage to the body corporate property then you could try and reclaim costs. Perhaps issue them with an invoice and see how they respond. However, if they refuse then you would have to look at legal action as a next step. My guess is that in this instance, even if you know which lot is likely to have caused the issue, it would be difficult to ascribe responsibility to one party.
Unfortunately, problems with people flushing wipes and other items are on the increase. It’s hard to stop, but a strongly worded letter – perhaps with photos of the damage – might help, or you could knock on someone’s door and ask them if that was possible.
This post appears in Strata News #569.
William Marquand Tower Body Corporate E: willmarquand@towerbodycorporate.com.au P: 07 5609 4924