Do You Work with Condos and Apartment Buildings?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Your Condo/Apt Service Available in my Area?
Yes. Plumbtech has been serving the needs of building and unit owners, property managers, superintendents, etc., of condos and apartments in Barrie and around the region: Innisfil area, Angus and Base Borden, Orillia, Muskoka (Huntsville/Bracebridge/Gravenhurst) and Parry Sound areas as well other communities across Simcoe County areas such as Midland/Penetanguishene, Collingwood/Wasaga Beach, and Alliston.
The needs of owners and building managers may differ but there is an overlap because plumbing runs through the whole building. That means communication between all parties is usually required before any work can begin.
Most of the calls that Plumbtech receives are from existing condo or building owners and many concern new builds, particularly in Barrie because of the push to create more housing.
How Do I Know Who Looks After What?
Condo owners are responsible for everything inside the unit while building owners and managers are responsible for all the plumbing outside the unit, from the mechanical room to common areas, in most cases.
Why Do I Need to Inform Everyone About the Plumbing in My Unit?
Any changes or repairs may also impact other unit holders such as if the water needs to be turned off. Shutting off the water to the whole floor requires 24-hour notice to each unit owner.
Incoming water lines and outgoing drains are connected to others on the same floor. The floor joins other floors for the main drain and sewer lines before wastewater exits the building.
In addition, if there is a leak in one unit, water can seep through the floor to the unit below. Repairing it may mean shutting off the water to surrounding units or the whole floor.
Notification will also have to be given to the building manager or owner to allow the plumber access and to book the service elevator if needed.
Rules and Bylaws
To make changes or upgrade a fixture, kitchen, or bathroom, a unit owner will be required to notify and/or receive permission from the condo board or association. Depending on the rules of the building, the association has the right to say “yes” or “no” to any contractors, workmen, or plumbers entering the building.
Some condo bylaws stipulate that a particular plumbing company be used because they know the layout of the building and have worked all aspects of it. Other condo boards allow individual unit owners to use their plumbers as long as they are licenced and insured and other qualifications may be needed as well.
Common Calls
The two most common plumbing problems resulting in calls to Plumbtech are for no hot water or plugged drains. A plugged drain could be confined to one fixture inside a unit or it could, in a more serious situation, extend to other units. This could be an issue with the main drains or sewer line.
If a hot water tank is leaking or water line, a plumber will need to be called to determine if the tank can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. In the meantime, use the shut-off on the hot water line at the tank to stop the flow of water.
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How Do I know If My Drain Is Clogged?
If the water drains slowly or makes gurgling noises, there could be a partially blocked pipe. A clogged drain could lead to blockages in the main drain pipe which leads to the sewage system. A backup in the sewage system will likely affect more than one unit.
Look After Your Drains and They Will Look After You
Individual unit owners can maintain their drains by keeping them clear of cooking oil, fats, and grease as well as bits of food. Cooking oils, fats, and grease may be liquid when heated or at room temperature but will solidify at colder temperatures in the drain. In addition, mixed with food debris in the kitchen or hair, soap, toothpaste, etc in the bathroom it becomes a congealed mess which will eventually block the drains.
Toilet drains are at risk from the accidental flushing – for example pets or children’s toys which will become stuck. It’s also a good idea to dispose of dental floss, tissues, wet wipes, napkins, diapers, cat litter, and hygiene products in the garbage, not the toilet.
What Do I Do If There Is a Leak?
Each unit has a main shut-off valve that stops all water at all taps and fixtures to prevent damage and allow for repair or replacement. However, it may not be necessary to use the main shut-off in the unit.
Two fixtures are required to have their own shut-off – the hot water tank and the toilet. That will allow for water use in the rest of the unit while the fixture is being repaired or replaced. It’s a good idea to make sure the building superintendent is aware of the leaks. Sometimes leaks are not visually obvious. A leak from a shower, faucet, or toilet could be hidden in the walls or beneath the floor where it will affect other units.
Do I Need To Notify Anyone Else?
If there is a significant amount of noise involved in the job, other condo owners will need to be notified. The fire department may also need to be notified if there is any soldering.
What If I Want To Change Out a Hot Water Tank?
Plumbtech installs and services electric hot water tanks. Arrangements will need to be made with the building owner/manager to allow Plumbtech to deliver the tank, hook it up, and remove the old one. The service elevator will need to be booked as well.
While hot water is turned off at the tank unit owners can continue to use cold water until the tank is repaired or a new one is installed and the water is heated to the proper temperature.
What If I want To Replace My Old, Dated Plumbing Fixture With an Upgraded New Model?
As the plumbing will be confined to your unit, the main shut-off can be used for fixtures that don’t have an individual shut-off. The building manager or superintendent will still need to be notified and arrangements made for elevator use.
Calls for Service
Plumbtech trucks are fully stocked so that most jobs, issues, and problems, can be fixed immediately. In addition, Plumbtech maintains a 24 Hour Emergency Plumbing Service. Call 705-722-7209.
