This ACT lot owner wonders who pays for repairs to the stop cock.
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Question: Our building only has 3 shut off values for all 24 units. Owners are unable to turn off the water. Who is responsible if a burst pipe damages a lot while the owners are away.
For our building, there is only one main water supply for the entire block of 24 flats. There are only 3 shut off taps designated by the owners corporation, 8 units per shut off tap. Owners are unable to turn off the water. Who is responsible if a burst pipe damages a lot while the owners are away.
Answer: If the stop cock services more than one unit, strata would be responsible.
If the stop cock services more than one unit, strata would be responsible. If it services only one unit, it would be that unit owner’s responsibility.
Unfortunately, unless unit owners have applied to install an individual stop cock for their unit, this would be the same for the majority of older strata schemes.
Of course, the recommendation is to turn off all taps, especially the laundry taps, whenever you go away.
Any water damage to an internal unit from an insurable event should be covered by the strata insurance excluding carpets, some light fittings, window treatments and personal belongings.
Jan Browne Bridge Strata E: jan@bridgestrata.com.au P: 02 6109 7700
This post appears in Strata News #647.
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This article is not intended to be personal advice and you should not rely on it as a substitute for any form of advice.
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