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Just like to start off by saying thanks to all on this forum.
My apartment was built in 1972, in the past three years of ownership I’ve had reoccuring issues with the shower drain being blocked.
As the shower drain is linked with the laundry floor drain, this causes water to flood the laundry floor each time.As waterproofing did not exist when the apartment was built, water seeps under the tiles/concrete and causes damage to the ceiling of the apartment beneath me. The laundry floor can also get wet sometimes from use or cleaning, contributing to water entering the below apartment.
My strata has been difficult to deal with over the past few years and my efforts to get them to find the reason for the blockage have gone unanswered.
As the owner of the apartment below me is threatening legal action against me for water constantly entering their apartment, I am currently trying to address this waterproofing matter first, before I continue to find a permanent solution to the blocked drain issue.My question:
As waterproofing did not exist in 1972 and therefore not included in the strata plan when it was registered, would the waterproofing of the laundry floor fall within the Owner Corporation or lot owner’s responsibility to rectify?This issue has caused me so much stress. I’ve spent so many hours over the past week searching this forum + internet but I haven’t been able to find the answer. If there is anyone that is able to provide some information or point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated.
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Hi Jay the older buildings such as your usually had a shower tray (usually metal) installed under the shower tiles.
In saying that nothing lasts forever. It probably needs to have new waterproofing and tiling.
Get a plumber to test the waterproofing and drains in the shower. If the water proofing fails then its The owners corporation to fix it as the waterproofing of a shower cubicle is considered to be part of the floor. if its a pipe leak again if its in the slab that’s the owners corporation. The owners Corporation Must maintain and keep in good repair all common property.
It maybe that the tiles need re-grouting, in that case if I was you I would just do it, as its not a big job and would resolve your concerns.
But i think you should also consider the most common cause of blocked drains in bathrooms, Hair. Its is so surprising to many people but hair is a very common issue. I speak from someone who has been a strata manager for 20 years and as an owner of a unit.
Also laundries are not waterproofed as they are not meant to be inundated with water. Again I suggest you have the tiles checked and re-grouted.
I am in a building built in 1932, on the top floor. My shower drain gets blocked intermittently. I have been told by the strata plumber that the issue is with the pipe which is degrading and needs replacement – to do that we are going to have to rip the entire bathroom out. So there may be a similar issue with your plumbing. And yes, a lot of hair goes down that drain.
I suggest you get the strata plumber out to investigate so you have a clear picture of all the issues and who is responsible for what.
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