Leakage from above flat
Querist :
Anonymous
(Querist) 29 January 2011
This query is : Resolved
Hello Sir/Madam,
My flat is having leakage problem from the above flat from last 1.5 years. It is happening above my flat's main switch board. I have already taken up this matter to the society chairman, but he said this should be sorted by me and above flat owner. Even I pointed out the mistake during the construction (Waterproofing pipe is missing for the above flat), but he refused to take this matter any further.
I tried to resolve this on my own by approaching the above flat owner, but he refused to cooperate first. After constant nagging, they allowed me to do the fix, but leakage still exist. The fix needs complete remove of tiles of their toilet and it would take 3-4 days. They are refusing to co-operate anymore.
Please guide me to resolve this legally. The construction is 4 years old and I purchased this flat as resale.
Devajyoti Barman
(Expert) 30 January 2011
Lodge a complaint to the Registrar of the co operative society in this respect. If t fails to take any action then file a writ petiton before the high court.
JT Rajasuriya, Chennai
(Expert) 30 January 2011
As a simple measure - I would suggest the following.
The main area of leakage will be around the drainage trap in bath. There should not be any gap between the flooring tile and the trap circumference. If there were gaps fill it with white cement. also fill up all tile joints with white cement (if they are worn out).
This is a simple step where most often the main leak is arrested.
If there's further leakage, then probably there could be leakage in the drainage pipes. FOr this too you can initially try a simple method of making a hole in the exterior wall just above their toilet slab and fitting a drain pipe (which you say is missing).
Usually these repairs will be allowed without a fuss.
Guest
(Expert) 31 January 2011
Instead of working on imaginations to think that tiles of the toilet are required to be removed, it is better to first have the services of an architect in association with the main plumber who worked for original installations to know where the fault actually lies. Leakage may be due to wear & rear of the pipeline in the wall, or due to seepage through some pores near the base of wall or through some hole excavated by some mouse or created by ants.
The architect working in association with the original plumber of the society can best judge where the fault lies. Only then try to sort out the matter. Otherwise, waste of money and unnecessary litigation can become a cause of embarrassment and unfriendly terms for both the house owners.
