Why condo leaks are tricky
Water can travel along pipes, slabs and framing before it shows, so a stain is not always directly below the leak. It may come from a supply line, a drain, a shower pan or a fixture in your unit, the unit above or a shared line.
Who is responsible?
In a Florida condominium, the declaration and the association's rules set who is responsible for which pipes and which repairs. Florida's Condominium Act is Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes. Check your documents and ask your association before work starts, because the answer can depend on where the leak is found.
Why locating first helps
Locating the source before anything is opened can help everyone involved see where the water is coming from. Ask whether the plumber can give you written findings or photos, which you may be able to share with your association or insurer.
What happens when you call
- 1
Describe what you see
Describe where the water or stain is, which unit it is in and what is above or beside it.
- 2
Check with your association
Ask your association whether they need to be told, or need to give access, before a plumber starts.
- 3
Find the source
Common methods such as moisture mapping, thermal imaging and testing can help trace the water back to the leaking pipe or fixture.
- 4
Review the findings
Ask for the findings and repair options to be explained, in writing if you need them for your association or insurer.