What's happening?

You want to understand your building

Most arguments about whose pipe it is get easier once you know how the building's water goes up and its waste comes down. Start with risers and stacks, then read how to find out which pipes are yours.

• What are risers and stacks, in plain words?Probably the association'sWho pays, usually: Pipes serving several units are usually the association's or the building owner's to maintain and replace, though the declaration decides, and the cost usually reaches owners through common charges or assessments.
• How do I find out which pipes are mine?Not clear yetWho pays, usually: Your declaration usually decides, with state law filling gaps in some states; pipes serving several units are often the association's, while lines serving one unit vary widely from building to building.
• Where are the water shutoffs in my unit?Probably yoursWho pays, usually: Small valves serving your fixtures often fall to the owner, or to the landlord in a rental; valves on risers or serving others are usually the association's or building's, though documents vary.
• The building is shutting off the water tomorrow. How do I get ready?Probably the association'sWho pays, usually: The association or building owner usually arranges and pays for a planned shutdown as part of shared plumbing work, and you normally bear only small inconveniences, unless your own unit's work triggered it.
• What kind of pipes does an older building have, and should I worry?Probably the association'sWho pays, usually: The association or building owner usually handles shared pipes in older buildings, with costs reaching owners through common charges or assessments; renters usually deal with the landlord, and a unit's own branch lines depend on the documents.
• How is plumbing different in a high-rise versus a garden-style building?Not clear yetWho pays, usually: Your declaration decides in either type; high-rise owners more often share costs for risers, pumps and central systems, while garden-style owners may more often face costs for lines and heaters serving just their unit.