Don’t Flush Your Money Down The Toilet: How To Avoid Major Plumbing Problems.
From The December 2018 Newsletter
The 115 Building experienced a serious plumbing backup recently, and unfortunately, it was due to items being flushed down toilets and sinks that our 1964 plumbing cannot handle. These items include but are not limited to tampons, sanitary napkins, babyƒpersonalƒ antibacterial wipes, disposable diapers, paper towels, tissue other than toilet tissue, and food waste. Even if a product is marked “flushable,” it is not.
Owners and residents should discard these items ONLY in trash. If a plumbing backup is associated with a specific unit and a plumber is called by management, the owner will be billed. And, everyone shares costs in maintenance fees and inconvenience for building-wide plumbing repairs.
Inspection/Maintenance Tips – The Importance of Inspecting Your Rental Unit
Rental properties can be lucrative for owners provided they find the right tenants and don’t have too many problems with repairs. Owners have a responsibility to their tenants to be sure the rental unit or dwelling is safe and functioning properly.
In multi-story buildings, it’s especially important to regularly inspect your unit for leaks and electrical problems. Remember, water seeks its level, so what drips will work its way down to someone else’s unit resulting in insurance claims or possible lawsuits. Costly repairs and assessments can be avoided by inspecting your unit regularly.
As an owner, don’t wait for your tenant to tell you they have a leak with a sink or toilet. Small leaks can appear anytime without any provocative action. It’s often difficult to see small subtle leaks around toilets, sink supply lines or under sink drains barricaded by cleaning supplies.
Taking notice of the few items listed below may help you keep good tenants and avoid costly repairs to your unit, units around or below you, and to association your unit may be part of.
Before making any surprise visits to your tenant’s unit, be sure you comply with state and local landlord/tenant laws. Make arrangements with your tenant(s) as to when, or how often you can inspect.
Sink Drains & Garbage Disposals
Sometimes things get pushed underneath sinks hard enough to push pipes out of their fittings resulting in leaks. Chrome pipes often corrode with pinhole leaks. Sink baskets can also leak when the plumber’s putty dries up. Also, check garbage disposals to be sure they are not seized up or leaking.
Toilet/Sink Shut Off Valves and Supply Lines
Keep an eye on corroded valves and sink lines. Corrosion is a recipe for leaks and water problems. Don’t think that stainless mesh sink lines are invincible. I have seen many lines fail around the connectors.
Leaks Around Toilets
If you feel dampness around the base of a toilet, it can be condensation. But it could be time to replace the toilet seal. Keep an eye on leaky toilets. Water leaks hurt the association and the owners financially.
Toilet Tanks
Toilet tank leaks are common, subtle and often missed. Generally, toilet tank leaks can be fixed easily by a qualified person but can equate to a big problem if left unattended. Keep an eye out for leaks around the area where the tank meets the toilet.
If you’re an owner in Parkview Commons, you are part of Parkview Commons Condo Association. You also share in its responsibilities and operating costs.
The association currently pays the water and sewer bills. If there is a toilet running or leak in your unit, you could be flushing association dollars down the drain – which is ultimately your money.
A simple inspection of your unit could help control the cost of water.
One of the most common plumbing problems that result in water waste stems from toilets with bad seals or fill valves (often called Fluidmasters). Running toilets can easily be overlooked as the leaks are often quiet and generally out of sight or difficult to see. A leaking or running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons in a very short time. These problems, if not repaired, can also cause considerable damage to your unit and any unit below.
Have a qualified person or plumber check and inspect the toilet in your unit.
Parkview Commons Condo Association | Berea, Ohio 