> General rule – horizontal pipes in crawl space & underground outside unit walls = Association responsibility; vertical pipes (plumbing & sewer) = homeowner responsibility. (Note: Units w/ basements – some horizontal pipes may be owner’s responsibility, and need to determine responsibility is on a case-by-case basis)
> Per by-laws (Article VIII, Section 4(b)), cost of plumbing repairs to pipes in walls adjacent to the next unit should be shared w/ other unit owner. Board will let the affected residents sort out among themselves how to share repair costs
> Water-using fixtures -- sinks, bathtub, toilet, dishwasher, clothes washer – should have individual shut-off valves. If these are lacking or non-working, there will be a need to shut off water at the unit’s “master shut off” valve. There is no uniform location for such valves, and some units may not even have them. In that case, there will be a need to shut off water to the entire row. Contact TOP onsite office for location of the building shut-off valve. Except for emergency situations, it is always necessary to provide adequate prior notice to affected residents before shutting off water to the entire building. If you are having plumbing work done, have your plumber install a master shut-off valve to your unit at the same time.
> Several years ago, suburban MD residents experienced a spate of pin-hole leaks in water pipes, likely due to anti-corrosion water additive used by the WSSC. This problem has abated; however, your pipes may have weak or thin spots even if no pin holes. Residents may wish to consider replacing or installing pipe liners, if undertaking major kitchen/bath remodeling.