Plumbing
Because of the age of Collwood Park’s sewer lines and the community’s mature trees and landscaping, root intrusion and sewer-line problems can occur. Residents should report suspected Common Area plumbing problems promptly, follow the procedures below, and take care to avoid flushing materials that can contribute to sewer backups.
Plumbing Problems & Emergencies
Homeowners are generally responsible for plumbing problems within their unit unless the problem is caused by a Common Area element.
If you have slow drains, a sewer backup, or another problem that you believe may be caused by roots or a Common Area element, contact Property Management as soon as possible. Management can arrange for the Association’s approved plumber to investigate the problem.
If you believe the problem involves a Common Area plumbing line, contact Property Management before hiring a plumber whenever circumstances allow. This gives management an opportunity to arrange for the Association’s approved plumber to investigate the problem.
If you hire a plumber directly, you may initially be responsible for the cost of the service call. If roots or another Association responsibility are determined to be the cause, eligible expenses may be submitted for reimbursement as described below.
Root-Related Plumbing Repairs
If you choose your own plumber and roots are found to be the source of the problem, obtain a detailed, paid invoice documenting the cause and work performed. The invoice may be submitted to Property Management for review and possible reimbursement.
Reimbursement is subject to Board review and approval. Work considered reasonable and necessary may be reimbursed at rates customarily charged by the Association’s approved plumbers.
Reimbursement Process
- A plumber investigates the problem and determines that roots are the cause.
- The homeowner pays the plumber and obtains a detailed, paid invoice.
- The homeowner submits the reimbursement request and documentation to Property Management.
- The Board reviews the request and approves or denies reimbursement, in whole or in part.
- If approved, reimbursement is issued within 30 days of Board approval.
To be considered at an upcoming Board meeting, reimbursement requests should be submitted to Property Management at least 10 days before the meeting. Requests received after that deadline may be considered at a subsequent meeting.
Repairs to the Interior of Your Home
In some cases, a root-related plumbing repair may require the Association to access pipes through the interior of a home. When restoration of the owner’s property is required, the Association will obtain a line-item estimate from a licensed, bonded contractor.
The homeowner will receive a copy of the estimate and information about the required Settlement Agreement and Release. The homeowner may arrange for their own contractor to perform the restoration or contract directly with the vendor that provided the Association’s estimate.
When approving restoration costs, the Board may take into account the age, nature, and condition of the materials being replaced. Depreciation will not exceed 50% of the current cost to replace the materials.