Frozen stopcock.. who's responsibility?
Discussion
I live in a block of flats and pay maintenance to a managing agent.
We had a builder in this morning doing some work and he needed to turn off the water supply.
When he checked the airing cupboard, the stopcock was seized, so he went downstairs to a cupboard which contains individual stopcocks to each flat.
The downstair ones was also seized.
I realise that I am responsible for the stopcock in my airing cupboard, but who is responsible for the one where the water enters the block? I say the managing agent, he says not... this seems to be the stock answer to any issues like this.
Thoughts anyone?
We had a builder in this morning doing some work and he needed to turn off the water supply.
When he checked the airing cupboard, the stopcock was seized, so he went downstairs to a cupboard which contains individual stopcocks to each flat.
The downstair ones was also seized.
I realise that I am responsible for the stopcock in my airing cupboard, but who is responsible for the one where the water enters the block? I say the managing agent, he says not... this seems to be the stock answer to any issues like this.
Thoughts anyone?
If its the supply to the whole building then its the responsibility of all the flats. As you pay a managing agent, its their responsibility. The same as the supply pipe from that stop cock to yours in your flat would be the responsibility of the agent.
The one reason why the 6 owners in my block decided to sort thing like this ourselves and not bother with an agent. They are w
kers.
The one reason why the 6 owners in my block decided to sort thing like this ourselves and not bother with an agent. They are w
kers.When was the last time that you bothered to cycle the stopcock? I hope you're a new tenant and you have the opportunity to use that as an excuse!!
It is amusing that many people only find out there is an issue with the main stop-cock when there is a catastrophic problem.Including its location.
It is amusing that many people only find out there is an issue with the main stop-cock when there is a catastrophic problem.Including its location.
The responsibility lies with the Freeholder - who ever that might be. They may have an Agent acting on their behalf in which case they should organise the repair although responsibility remains with the Freeholder.
That said, the cost will [most likely] be handed back to the Leasholders via service charge / maintenance costs.
ETA: I'd recommend getting a 'Philmac' pex pipe one installed as a replacement. It's 'plastic' pipe so self insulation, don't furr up and have a bigger tap so are easier to use. Expensive though - £40ish for the tap.
That said, the cost will [most likely] be handed back to the Leasholders via service charge / maintenance costs.
ETA: I'd recommend getting a 'Philmac' pex pipe one installed as a replacement. It's 'plastic' pipe so self insulation, don't furr up and have a bigger tap so are easier to use. Expensive though - £40ish for the tap.
Edited by mk1fan on Tuesday 16th November 15:44
mk1fan said:
ETA: I'd recommend getting a 'Philmac' pex pipe one installed as a replacement. It's 'plastic' pipe so self insulation, don't furr up and have a bigger tap so are easier to use. Expensive though - £40ish for the tap.
Can you point to a link for that, please? The only one on their website is a standard metal one.http://www.philmac.co.uk/products/details/?type=1&...
Seems to be in the 3G / Compression fittings sub section not the valves section.
Clearly you'll need to patch in a section of poly pipe to fit it into.
Seems to be in the 3G / Compression fittings sub section not the valves section.
Clearly you'll need to patch in a section of poly pipe to fit it into.
Edited by mk1fan on Tuesday 16th November 16:01
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