--- title: Drain-responsibility-condo-complexes url: 'https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/en/drain-responsibility-condo-complexes' markdown: 'https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/en/drain-responsibility-condo-complexes.md' lang: en date: '2026-05-06' description: "Understanding Drain Responsibility in Condo Complexes: Who Handles What? Navigating the waters of condo living can be smooth sailing until you encounter an unexpected issue: drainage problems. Whether it's a clogged kitchen sink or a backed-up main line, understanding who is responsible for which …" --- ![Drain-responsibility-condo-complexes](https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/user/themes/interwest/images/en/drain-cleaning-tips.png) # Understanding Drain Responsibility in Condo Complexes: Who Handles What? ![Condo drains plumbing](https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/images/c/o/n/d/o/condo-drains-plumbing-98122344.webp?g-b1ebab99) Navigating the **waters of condo living** can be smooth sailing until you encounter an unexpected issue: drainage problems. Whether it's a [clogged kitchen sink](https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/en/drain-cleaning) or a [backed-up main line](https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/en/drain-root-removal), understanding who is responsible for which drain in a condo complex is crucial for a quick and efficient resolution. This article will shed light on the common queries about drain responsibility, helping condo owners and residents understand their obligations and rights. ## The Divide: Individual vs. Common Drains In **condo complexes**, the plumbing system is typically divided into **two main categories: individual and common drains**. Individual drains are those that serve a specific unit, including sinks, toilets, and showers within that unit. **Common drains**, on the other hand, are shared by multiple units and include vertical stacks, main sewer lines and external drainage systems. ### Individual Drain Responsibility As a general rule, **individual condo owners are responsible** for the maintenance and repair of plumbing fixtures and drains within **their own units**. This includes addressing clogs, leaks, and any other issues that arise within the pipes and drains that serve only their unit. It's important for **condo owners to regularly maintain** these fixtures to prevent issues that could lead to more significant problems affecting the broader complex. #### Common Drain Responsibility The **condo association** typically takes responsibility for **common drains**. These are the larger drainage systems that handle water flow from multiple units. The maintenance, repair, and cleaning of these drains are usually covered by the association's fees collected from all the owners. Issues with these drains can affect **several units** and require **professional attention** to resolve. It's crucial for residents to report any signs of common drain issues to the condo association or property management as soon as possible. ##### Navigating Grey Areas There can be **grey areas** where it's not immediately clear **who is responsible**. For example, if a **blockage in an individual unit's drain** causes problems in the common drainage system, determining responsibility can be complex. In these cases, the condo association's bylaws and the specifics of the situation will dictate the course of action. It's always advisable to consult with the association or **[plumbing company](https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/en)**, or a legal advisor for clarification. ###### Preventive Measures and Tips - **Regular Maintenance:** Regularly clean and maintain individual drains to prevent blockages. Simple habits like using drain strainers and avoiding pouring grease down the sink can prevent many common issues. For more information you can read more about [drain cleaning tips](https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/en/drain-cleaning-tips). - **Professional Inspections:** Consider periodic [inspections by a professional plumber](https://www.plomberie5etoiles.com/en/video-camera-inspection) to identify and address potential issues before they become serious. - **Know Your Bylaws:** Familiarize yourself with your **condo association's bylaws** and rules regarding **plumbing and drain responsibility**. Knowing these guidelines can help you navigate any issues more effectively. - **Communication is Key:** Communicate promptly with your **condo association or property management** if you suspect a problem with common drains. Early intervention can prevent larger issues. Understanding the delineation of responsibilities for **drains in a condo complex** is crucial for maintaining a harmonious living environment. By knowing who is responsible for which drains, residents can address issues promptly and efficiently, ensuring the longevity and functionality of the complex's plumbing system. Always remember, when in doubt, refer to your condo association's bylaws and don't hesitate to contact us at [514-447-3700](tel:514-447-3700) to seek professional advice. ###### What our clients have to say ![Lison Côté](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocK4vgy9PzgS2__E76I34W7FqlW2CGcPEyr3XHY4Tef3M_adBw=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Lison Côté 9 months ago Service rapide, sympathique et professionnel. Wow. Merci ![Laurence Corbeil](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJCmTUaFDMGpoZHdZENcpfu7u2pZlmYolLEl72K6c8upl1RhA=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Laurence Corbeil 11 months ago Le service était bon, rapide, et conseils pertinents! ![Yann Laliberte](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVuIJ9qH2b3FDTzfGZkgvOpjQyToKom_gIEgSoIGRBCDe5AelsZcQ=s64-c-rp-mo-ba3-br100)Yann Laliberte 9 months ago Courtois, rapide et professionnel, merci. ![Claude Massy](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUc8n83Q72QK6wlgg4FaPCh5V_yMitbPujm68KO7qxMLZ7-owBkAg=s64-c-rp-mo-ba2-br100)Claude Massy 2 years ago Super inspection avec la caméra. Même à l’avance de son temps . Très sympathique et bonne explication du travail. Je recommande vraiment. Mon plombier était Zoiubir. Merci à Alex. 😄 ![Philippe Bélanger-Roy](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUwi1y36zhxlAL4uSJSdvr_aUgebmrRdCOxnyOgstQbQzN_Devs=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Philippe Bélanger-Roy 2 years ago Très bon service, j'ai appelé et j'ai eu le service la même journée et je suis satisfait du travail, ça été rapide. Je remerci plombier Zoubir. Et merci Alex. ![Chantal Labelle](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJuo-iPl0YTdXExUDJ1P-klmq0YSn5iFDXynBZc92aZmIaQxQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Chantal Labelle 1 year ago Très bon service, rapide, efficace et courtois, je recommande. Merci:) ![Sandra Assaf](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUljdG4QYV2J8sYA3ppSNz4Tw_2gw0t497RBIJxwtU6UWOKsUQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Sandra Assaf 2 years ago J’ai trouve l’expérience avec Plomberie 5 etoiles tres facile et rapide. Entre le moment ou je vous ai contacte et le moment que le plombier est arrive, a peine 2 heures. Et puis, Zoubir a ete tres rapide pour regler le … [Read full review on Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyAfCnzjv1Zy714s8) ![Maryse Corriveau](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKGkEitKd1TTqVx7q1VcD3s_UZ3qEcwwk4e2f7-09n8uwgOjw=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Maryse Corriveau 2 years ago Excellent service, disponible rapidement et s'assure de la qualité des travaux avant de quitter les lieux. Très aidant et servi avec le sourire. ![Caroline Marie](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjWSfpo7_mVZ3MBWJi4M-A6LECrfejKnAr2WSOLe5zJMSXvYbqxeGQ=s64-c-rp-mo-ba3-br100)Caroline Marie 3 years ago J'ai fait appel à leurs services pour une toilette totalement bouchée. Le plombier, Walid, est arrivé dans l'heure suivant mon appel. Très professionnel et très attentionné, et il s'est assuré que tout soit parfaitement … [Read full review on Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyAfCnzjv1Zy714s8) ![natalie cloutier](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKvHaULGr5J7qJWD6gqPOyIrNPKBHe865aRPNZqaGh3KF80aQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)natalie cloutier 3 years ago Nous avons obtenu un rdv rapide pour une réparation de tuyauterie et le plombier est arrivé à l'heure. Il était gentil, poli et il semblait avoir beaucoup d'expérience, ce qui était rassurant. Il m'a bien expliqué la si… [Read full review on Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyAfCnzjv1Zy714s8) ![Hermo G](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLEpFf5h9_RyvTVApc8HfRNTvS5XZo3PdXQ_F4r3IGT5ZJbIg=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Hermo G 3 years ago Excellent travail, très rapide et efficace. Ils ont fait une bonne vérification par caméra et un débouchage du drain principal. Merci plombier Zoubir!!! Je suis contant je vous le conseille : ) ![Lyne Duquette](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLQ4V9I1Ys7teZrskk88aCSJwqamvaNU9ft_XoJaYrF15PSFA=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Lyne Duquette 1 year ago Très professionnel et efficace et de bons conseils ![Alain Le Pon](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVLqrD8QDU54A-dskXicw6hNy8ItlwH4CZLv7_gYH-9hWbs45i5=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Alain Le Pon 2 years ago Super travail, merci au plombier Zoubir, qui était très rapide et efficace! Merci Drains 5 étoiles vous de bons plombiers. ![Karine Boily](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKTUQgs6Oxa1FwPLGcN86SCtZfoljSAOkN7SdFQxKqsuxfW3g=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Karine Boily 8 years ago Excellent service, Gary à été très compétent pour tout déboucher à peu de frais. Leurs tarifs sont vraiment excellent. Je vous les recommande sans hésiter. En plus il ne sont pas alarmiste, ce qui est rassurant! ![Robert Chagnon](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjWqk3c_fhfiTOxwK78HK3Bvv8Ikqm5LmIYf-8f-GUzZdHh7Jtk=s64-c-rp-mo-ba2-br100)Robert Chagnon 3 years ago Service très rapide. Inspection du tuyau d’égout a bien démontré le problème. Le tuyau a bien été débouché. Excellent travail par le plombier. ![Jacqueline Ouellette](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVD-5og6jj5k-yCkTiGP1XoVzR90gWL71_LBXI5urHMqgTO7fLd=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Jacqueline Ouellette 3 years ago M. Soubire a effectué une très bon travail! Il est très professionnel! Merci beaucoup et il est certain que si j’ai des travaux à faire effectuer, je prendrai Plomberie 5 Étoiles. Mme Jacqueline ![karolane cote](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocL4-I_3hhR0WJFmKx45-9lT_2H7A_NWMsTkrWjzT67qwwMz_Q=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)karolane cote 2 years ago Super service, le plombier Zoubir a réussi à débloquer mon drain bloquer par un écureuil au 2e étage je le recommande à tous , Service très professionnel ![Nicolas Rouleau](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKaM2t5htklInyb4FTad1OlSbHrAdOTUgzZuHWsN95mui8a6Q=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Nicolas Rouleau 3 years ago Très satisfait de résultat! Service très rapide! Je conseille! Merci Zouber! ![Nikolay Hristov](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLgDC4V9OM7oFrNlg4QfwujiD2sU5nqoZRtfb1GTnuVTAjxiQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Nikolay Hristov 3 years ago Excellent service. Très rapide. Merci au plombier Zoubir. Je vous le réfère. ![Guy Roy](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjXNreWKBBVjAKPjuP3rh7ICKAR6Jkaoi4lgaSh1aViDBSLR6sbY=s64-c-rp-mo-ba12-br100)Guy Roy 2 years ago Super travaille. Merci Plomberie 5 étoiles Très rapide et courtois Plombier Z ![Vertigo Stardust](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjX6hRmaXkybnk-TTVIZ2KebCIHvhzQqBu4K55sa6xb0pWlY7dU=s64-c-rp-mo-ba12-br100)Vertigo Stardust 7 years ago Well done guys, they've earned their 5 stars My kitchen sink wasn't flushing despite the underneath pipes being clean. My basement toilet was out of order. I called them at 9:30am, the man clearly explained the fees wit… [Read full review on Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyAfCnzjv1Zy714s8) ![Lison Côté](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocK4vgy9PzgS2__E76I34W7FqlW2CGcPEyr3XHY4Tef3M_adBw=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Lison Côté 9 months ago Fast, friendly, and professional service. Wow. Thank you. ![Laurence Corbeil](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJCmTUaFDMGpoZHdZENcpfu7u2pZlmYolLEl72K6c8upl1RhA=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Laurence Corbeil 11 months ago The service was good and fast, with relevant advice. ![Yann Laliberte](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVuIJ9qH2b3FDTzfGZkgvOpjQyToKom_gIEgSoIGRBCDe5AelsZcQ=s64-c-rp-mo-ba3-br100)Yann Laliberte 9 months ago Courteous, fast, and professional. Thank you. ![Chantal Labelle](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJuo-iPl0YTdXExUDJ1P-klmq0YSn5iFDXynBZc92aZmIaQxQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Chantal Labelle 1 year ago Very good service, fast, efficient, and courteous. I highly recommend them. Thank you :) ![Claude Massy](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUc8n83Q72QK6wlgg4FaPCh5V_yMitbPujm68KO7qxMLZ7-owBkAg=s64-c-rp-mo-ba2-br100)Claude Massy 2 years ago Great camera inspection, even earlier than scheduled. Very friendly and gave clear explanations of the work. I truly recommend them. My plumber was Zoiubir. Thanks to Alex. ![Sandra Assaf](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUljdG4QYV2J8sYA3ppSNz4Tw_2gw0t497RBIJxwtU6UWOKsUQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Sandra Assaf 2 years ago I found my experience with Plomberie 5 Etoiles very easy and fast. From the time I contacted you to the plumber's arrival, it took barely 2 hours. Zoubir quickly fixed the kitchen drain blockage in about 5 minutes, check… [Read full review on Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyAfCnzjv1Zy714s8) ![Maryse Corriveau](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKGkEitKd1TTqVx7q1VcD3s_UZ3qEcwwk4e2f7-09n8uwgOjw=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Maryse Corriveau 2 years ago Excellent service, quickly available, and they made sure the work quality was right before leaving. Very helpful and provided with a smile. ![Caroline Marie](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjWSfpo7_mVZ3MBWJi4M-A6LECrfejKnAr2WSOLe5zJMSXvYbqxeGQ=s64-c-rp-mo-ba3-br100)Caroline Marie 3 years ago I called them for a completely clogged toilet. The plumber, Walid, arrived within an hour of my call. Very professional and attentive, and he made sure everything worked perfectly before leaving. The only downside was th… [Read full review on Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyAfCnzjv1Zy714s8) ![natalie cloutier](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKvHaULGr5J7qJWD6gqPOyIrNPKBHe865aRPNZqaGh3KF80aQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)natalie cloutier 3 years ago We got a quick appointment for a plumbing repair and the plumber arrived on time. He was kind, polite, and clearly very experienced, which was reassuring. He explained the situation, showed me the repairs he made, and ex… [Read full review on Google](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyAfCnzjv1Zy714s8) ![Hermo G](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLEpFf5h9_RyvTVApc8HfRNTvS5XZo3PdXQ_F4r3IGT5ZJbIg=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Hermo G 3 years ago Excellent work, very fast and efficient. They did a good camera inspection and cleared the main drain. Thank you plumber Zoubir! I am very happy and recommend you. ![Lyne Duquette](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLQ4V9I1Ys7teZrskk88aCSJwqamvaNU9ft_XoJaYrF15PSFA=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Lyne Duquette 1 year ago Very professional, efficient, and gave great advice. ![Alain Le Pon](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVLqrD8QDU54A-dskXicw6hNy8ItlwH4CZLv7_gYH-9hWbs45i5=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Alain Le Pon 2 years ago Great work, thanks to plumber Zoubir, who was very fast and efficient! Thanks to Drains 5 Etoiles, you have good plumbers. ![Karine Boily](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKTUQgs6Oxa1FwPLGcN86SCtZfoljSAOkN7SdFQxKqsuxfW3g=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Karine Boily 8 years ago Excellent service. Gary was very competent and unclogged everything at low cost. Their rates are really good. I recommend them without hesitation. They are not alarmist, which is very reassuring. ![Robert Chagnon](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjWqk3c_fhfiTOxwK78HK3Bvv8Ikqm5LmIYf-8f-GUzZdHh7Jtk=s64-c-rp-mo-ba2-br100)Robert Chagnon 3 years ago Very fast service. The sewer pipe inspection clearly showed the issue. The pipe was successfully unclogged. Excellent work by the plumber. ![Jacqueline Ouellette](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVD-5og6jj5k-yCkTiGP1XoVzR90gWL71_LBXI5urHMqgTO7fLd=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Jacqueline Ouellette 3 years ago Mr. Soubire did a very good job. He is very professional. Thank you very much, and if I need plumbing work in the future, I will choose Plomberie 5 Etoiles. ![karolane cote](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocL4-I_3hhR0WJFmKx45-9lT_2H7A_NWMsTkrWjzT67qwwMz_Q=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)karolane cote 2 years ago Great service. Plumber Zoubir managed to unblock my drain clogged by a squirrel on the second floor. I recommend him to everyone. Very professional service. ![Nicolas Rouleau](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocKaM2t5htklInyb4FTad1OlSbHrAdOTUgzZuHWsN95mui8a6Q=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Nicolas Rouleau 3 years ago Very satisfied with the result! Very fast service! I recommend them! Thanks Zouber! ![Nikolay Hristov](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLgDC4V9OM7oFrNlg4QfwujiD2sU5nqoZRtfb1GTnuVTAjxiQ=s64-c-rp-mo-br100)Nikolay Hristov 3 years ago Excellent service. Very fast. Thanks to plumber Zoubir. I recommend him. ![Guy Roy](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjXNreWKBBVjAKPjuP3rh7ICKAR6Jkaoi4lgaSh1aViDBSLR6sbY=s64-c-rp-mo-ba12-br100)Guy Roy 2 years ago Great work. Thanks Plomberie 5 Etoiles. Very fast and courteous. Plumber Z. 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