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This article first appeared in the Communicator, Fall 2025 Edition. To view click here.

When catastrophe strikes in the form of sewer backups, roof leaks, and pipe breaks, it is often unclear what to do. Then, once the initial emergency is handled, the larger question of who is responsible to pay for the repairs must be addressed.

SEWER BACKUPS

Worse than a simple pipe leak, a sewer backup can become a hazmat situation. The initial response to such an emergency is: (1) immediately fix the leak (or clog), and (2) notify insurance of the loss. As part of the initial repair, be sure to have the plumber or repair person document what is causing the backup and, most importantly, where the blockage is located. Photos and drawings of locations are key because responsibility for repair of sewer backups is typically determined by location. The board has a fiduciary obligation to investigate the cause of the damage, so it is essential to engage a plumbe...