Plumbing
Prepared by the Board / Property Manager as a helpful guide to maintenance and risk avoidance
All Hudson Park unit owners are asked to be proactive in maintaining appliances and fixtures that have a water supply. Here are some things you can do to keep condo fees low and for your own risk avoidance:
Water Heater Tanks
The life expectancy of a water heater tank is about 8 to 12 years. Over time, water minerals react with steel, corroding water heater tanks which will cause your tank to spring a leak. If your tank springs a leak you run the risk of damaging not only your unit but your neighbours as well. If this happens, the cost to make repairs will be your responsibility.
Even if you have a newer water heater tank it is important to maintain it. Not only will it perform better and last longer, it will operate more efficiently, saving you energy and money. New water heater tank models are up to 20% more efficient and can save you hundreds in energy costs over the life of the unit.
If you rent your water heater tank contact your provider for more details and pricing. For those that have purchased theirs, a local HVAC company will be able to assist you.
Heat Pumps
Heat pump units are the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain, repair, and replace. Annual preventative maintenance is important in order to prolong your unit’s life and prevent water seepage from it. Regular filter changes are necessary, so check the filter often; annually the condensation drain and pan should be cleaned and inspected. Please speak to your trusted HVAC technician for more information on required maintenance.
Garburators
Please note that the bylaws for the City of Ottawa prohibit the use of a garburator or under sink garbage grinder within the City of Ottawa. As such, this type of equipment is not permitted to be installed or used at Hudson Park Condominium (OCSCC809).
Garburators can cause blockages in the main drain line that services several units and may result in serious and expensive wastewater backups into your unit or your neighbour’s unit. If you have a garburator or under sink garbage grinder, you are required to stop using it immediately.
Toilets
Do you see unexplained signs of water leakage around your toilet? Do you notice water on walls around the toilet? Is your toilet’s water supply continuously running? Does your toilet wobble? Do you have a smell of sewer odor in your bathroom?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should have your toilet inspected. These may be signs that your toilet is not functioning properly and that the wax seal under your toilet may need replacing (as it may dry out over time).
Washing Machines
Have you checked the connections of the water supply hoses to the back of your washing machine lately to ensure they are tightly connected? Consider placing a water alarm close to your washing machine.
Drains
Blocked drains may cause back-up of sewer waste into your home and would be a very expensive repair for all homeowners.
Anything besides human waste and toilet paper can clog drains and cause serious sewer back-ups. Never flush any other items down the toilets or dispose of anything down kitchen or bathroom drains.
Here is a List of Some Items That Should NEVER be Poured Down a Drain:
Grease
Feminine hygiene products such as feminine pads or tampons or applicators
Cotton balls
Baby wipes
Disinfectant wipes
Paper towels
Store any cooking grease in a can and dispose of it with your household garbage or compost bin; never pour it down a drain.
Costs
When a unit owner, their tenant or a guest is found to be responsible for the cause of the damages, whether through acts or omissions, that unit owner will be responsible for the cost of the deductible of $25,000 or the damages, whichever is less. You are strongly encouraged to ensure that you have adequate insurance deductible coverage; please speak with your insurance provider.
Thank you for your cooperation, in being considerate to your neighbors, and in helping to reduce common expenses for all owners.
Be Aware, Be Proactive in Maintenance, and Report Any Suspected Water Leaks Right Away.
Questions (Property Manager):
T: 613.738.9700 x313
E: eboles@condogroup.ca
HP Special Meeting
Highlights of HP Special Meeting regarding Plumbing
(October 14, 2017)
• Presentations by (1) Vision Air and (2) Clear Water Works
(1) Vision Air: Will provide annual Heat Pump inspection and maintenance (including the drain pan); they also can supply Heat Pump filters.
(2) Clear Water Works: They replace Hot Water Tanks** and will also check on washing machine taps and hoses (if they are not readily accessible to the condo owners) and also the grout in showers if an owner suspects that the shower might be leaking.
• Other points made at the Meeting:
(1) The Hudson Park Insurance has a $25,000.00 deductible clause; therefore, one’s personal condo insurance should be adjusted to cover that deductible.
(2) Most insurance policies will not cover damage that occurs in a unit if the owner has been absent more than three days (72 hours) without someone stopping by to check on the unit.
(3) Products like Drano and Liquid Plumber should not be used to speed up sluggish drains. There are many suggestions on-line that frequently involve Baking Soda + something else.
(4) The one thing everyone can easily do is to keep an eye on the drain pans under the Heat Pumps, Washers/Dryers, and under the hot water tanks: Water in these pans indicates a problem.
**Most owners rent their tanks from Reliance Home Comfort. The life of the average hot water tank is 7 to 10 years; however, Reliance seems unwilling to replace a tank unless something happens to it. Therefore, an owner might presumably give Reliance notice that he or she is going to cease doing business with them in order, say, to buy a tank from someone like Home Depot, Clear Water Works, etc.
An example of the unit's water shut-off valve (there are other configurations)
Usually located close to the ceiling and near your water heater.
Written by residents for residents