This article discusses who is responsible for fixing odours and airflow issues caused by a missing trap in a shower drain within a strata property.
Question: The drainage hole in my shower emits odour, airflow and mosquitoes. Who is responsible for fixing this?
There is airflow coming up through a drainage hole in my shower, accompanied by a sewerage or gas smell. During mosquito season, mosquitoes also come through this outlet. Both the strata company and the builder have told me that it is my responsibility to hire a plumber to fix the issue. I’ve had to tape over the drain and stopped using the ensuite. Who is responsible for investigating and resolving this problem?
Answer: A plumber should be able to determine if there is no trap installed between the shower drain and the stack.
For this to occur, it is likely there is no trap installed between the shower drain and the stack. A plumber should be able to utilise a camera to determine this. If no trap exists, the likely solution would be to cut into the line and install a trap.
To determine who is responsible for the works, the information will be available on your strata plan, in your by-laws, and most likely, the building’s plumbing diagrams.
Luke Downie
Realmark
E: ldownie@realmark.com.au
P: 08 9328 0999
This post appears in the November 2025 edition of The WA Strata Magazine.
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Read next:
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