WA: Recurring sewer blockages in strata who is responsible and how to fund urgent repairs when funds are low

Question: A common sewerage pipe blocks up and overflows into my bathroom. The plumber regularly clears the roots from the pipe. We don’t have funds for a permanent fix. What can we do?

I am an owner/occupier in a strata scheme. My unit is the closest lot to where the sewage line connects to the mains. Roots have grown into the pipes, blocking the flow of sewage. This has caused sewage from other units to overflow into my toilet, eventually getting above the toilet edge and spilling across the floor.

Every two months, the plumber clears the pipe, which will be an ongoing issue unless the pipes are replaced.

The strata manager owns half of the units and says pipe replacement is impossible due to insufficient funds. There are no official quotes. The plumber’s top-of-the-head quote was only a few thousand dollars.

Even if funds are unavailable, the strata should take a loan. This is a matter of basic sanitation and salubrity.

What is the best course of action for me to get this fixed?

I never know when the next blockage will occur and if I’ll come home to find sewage scattered across my floor.

Answer: If the strata has no funds, an Annual General Meeting or Extra-ordinary General Meeting will need to be called.

Regarding the sewerage line, it is important first to check if it is common (i.e. services a number of units or just yours). If the pipes regularly get blocked by roots, etc, and they are common property, the strata company should have them flushed by a plumber annually. Sometimes, it’s required every 6 months on some parts of the pipe. The plumber can assist in noting the frequency with which this work should be done.

If the sewerage pipe is common and you paid for works, you must request reimbursement. If the strata has no funds, an Annual General Meeting or Extra-ordinary General Meeting will need to be called to increase levies or implement a special levy to reimburse you for your costs to date, plus the regular plumbing cost.

Jamie Horner
Empire Estate Agents
E: JHorner@empireestateagents.com
P: (08) 9262 0400