What To Do If Your Sewer Drain Backs-Up
If your kitchen or bathroom sink experiences a back-up, take the following steps to minimize damage. Please note that the Association does NOT hire a plumber to go into your home to fix clogged pipes; homeowners are responsible for hiring their own plumbers. Please DO NOT call the after-hours emergency line for clogs. ONLY if your unit has experienced an intrusion of water/flood that may cause damage to other units, would you call Management.
- CONTACT YOUR PLUMBER IMMEDIATELY
- If you are a tenant, notify the homeowner or your unit’s managing agent as the plumber will require payment at the time of service. Please work this out with your homeowner in advance in case of unforeseen emergency repairs to the unit.
- Once the plumber has cleared the drain, be sure to get a detailed report that identifies the location of the stoppage. Remember: Homeowners are responsible for any clogs within their own exclusive use pipe. If the stoppage was found in the building’s MAIN LINE, the plumber has to state this on their report and note (by feet) where they found the clog.
- If the clog was found in the building’s main line, the homeowner may submit the paid invoice and plumber’s report to Management to request reimbursement from the Board of Directors. The Board reviews reimbursement requests during their monthly meetings.
Note: Many residents are not prepared with a handy list of plumbers to call in case of an emergency. It is highly recommended that you create a list or keep the recommended list of vendors provided by the Association handy. Management can provide the list otherwise, homeowners may log into their VIVO account and download it from the Document folder.