Thread: polybutylene in Condo's

What would you write...

The First Floor Condo has had all their polybutylene replace with CPVC, But it was done by the OWNER, not the condo association. So it is likely that the unit on either side and ABOVE my clients unit still are plumbed with polybutylene.

Other than writing just that, what if anything else, would you write.


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Originally Posted by Bob Sisson

What would you write...

The First Floor Condo has had all their polybutylene replace with CPVC,

I would have the new buyer check with the condo association to see if they approved the replaced of the PB with CPVC.

The reason is that the wiring, the plumbing, the HVAC duct, etc., belongs to the condo association, as well as the condo association owning the drywall which needed to be removed to re-plumb (except for some interior walls, the owner of the condo might own those walls and what is in them).

The re-plumbing 'may have' disturbed some fire-rated walls and the drywall on them, and the repairs to the fire-rated walls 'may not have' been done properly.

What condo owners do not understand is that they own 'paint to paint' and not much else (and what else they own depends on how the condo was constructed, they may own the ceiling if there is a return air plenum above the ceiling).

Every Condo or HOA lives and dies by "approved" rules. What may have been considered "standard conditions" in a typical condo might have been contractually changed or may have had conditions attached to alter the responsibility.

Some will repair plumbing pipes in the walls; others will not, and forbid the unit owner from doing so.

Have them contact the appropriate person (HOA, or similar) to determine "who" is responsible for "what".

Dom.

Have had the same problem with FPE panel boxes where every unit in the complex has them. I think in this case you just need to disclose what you see and that you suspect the neighboring units all have the same problems which could eventually adversely affect the unit you inspected. Also having the client take it up with the condo association does limit your liability down the road in terms of any future claim due to damage which could result. Hope this is helpful.