Leaking pipes are a common occurrence, especially during the colder months of the year. If you live in a free-standing house or a homeowner’s association, and the pipe is situated on your property, the repair is for your own account.

In a sectional titles scheme, there are some important concepts to understand before concluding who is responsible. The location of the pipe in relation to the common property, and whether the pipe forms part of the hot water supply needs to be taken into consideration.

1. Cold water pipes on the common property are always for the body corporate’s account. Owners should report the matter to their managing agent or estate manager/caretaker (should one exist) to deal with. Isolating the leak to prevent resultant damage and further loss of water should be at the forefront of everyone’s minds before the repair is undertaken. Water remains a precious and costly resource.

2. Should the leak occur within the boundaries of the section (this usually means inside the unit bar some balconies which also form part of the section), the cost of the repair is always for the owner’s account. Again, isolating the leak to prevent resultant damage and loss of water is important. Reach out to your estate manager/caretaker if you are unsure on how to switch off the water.

3. Should the leak occur within the exclusive use area (EUA) of the owner, and the pipe is cold water, the repair is for the body corporate’s account, and the same process should be adopted as stated above. An EUA levy is billed monthly for the maintenance of the EUA. Owners are still responsible for keeping their EUA neat and tidy and should further refer to their registered conduct rules.

4. The cost of any repairs to pipes which form part of the geyser reticulation are for the owner’s account. This, regardless of whether they are located on the common property or not and insured under the body corporate’s insurance policy. Where such an installation serves more than one owner, the owners concerned must share the maintenance, repair and replacement costs on a pro-rated basis.

Water damage and burst pipes in the above scenarios may be covered by the body corporate’s insurance policy, but it must be noted that insurers will not pay for events related to lack of reasonable maintenance.

When in doubt, ask your Customer Care Consultant who will be able to provide clarity.