Why this matters
Water travels through floors and walls in multi-unit buildings. Responsibility for damage often depends on the condo declaration and insurance, so acting quickly and reporting promptly matters.
Common sources
- Dishwasher and fridge supply lines.
- Toilet supply hoses.
- Washer hoses.
- Electric water heaters in closets.
- Shower valves and tub drains.
| Step | Why |
|---|---|
| Find your suite shut-off | Stop water fast |
| Know management contacts | Report leaks immediately |
| Check insurance | Understand coverage |
Red flags around the house
- Water meter spinning with every tap closed.
- Green crust or pinholes on old copper.
- Brown rings growing on drywall under a bathroom.
- Pressure dropping when two taps run together.
Step by step
- Close your suite shut-off.
- Notify building management and the unit below.
- Photograph the source and damage.
- Call a plumber for repairs.
- Contact your insurer.
Preventing the next one
Most suite leaks start at a connection someone installed and then forgot. Replace plastic fridge tubing with braided stainless line, swap rubber washer hoses every few years, and put a shallow pan with a battery leak alarm under the dishwasher and the water heater. Look under the kitchen and bathroom sinks once a month with a flashlight; a white crust or rust ring at a compression nut is an early warning. If your unit has an electric tank more than about ten years old, ask management whether the building tracks replacement dates, since some corporations set their own schedule. Before a long trip, close the suite shut-off and leave a note for management saying you have done so.
Handing it over to us
Immediately after stopping the water. See leak detection, electric water heaters and Downtown Markham.
Markham note: village-core houses tend to hide cast iron and galvanized behind plaster, while Cornell and Box Grove builds run PEX to a manifold. We ask the year your house was built so the right fittings ride along on the truck.
Straight from the phone log
Water came through my ceiling from upstairs. Whose problem is it?
It depends on the declaration and insurance. Report to management.
Can I install a leak alarm?
Yes. Small alarms near appliances are a good idea.
Ready to get it fixed?
One call, a clear explanation, and work finished tidily before we leave.