[Home Tips] The water pipe upstairs is leaking. How to deal with it properly?

🏢 Why do upper-floor water pipes often leak in Hong Kong buildings?

Most of the residential buildings in Hong Kong are high-rise buildings, and the water pipes are mostly:

• Concealed pipes (buried in the wall or floor)
• Ceiling pipe leakage (common in kitchens and bathrooms)

Once the water pipes on the upper floor leak, water will seep down along the walls or ceiling, directly affecting the residents on the lower floors.
Common causes include:

1. Aging corrosion (especially steel pipes and iron pipes)
2. The hose connection is loose (such as the hose clamp is loose)
3. Failure of waterproofing layer (water seepage from kitchen and toilet floors)
4. Renovation work damaged pipes

💡Editor 's opinion : Buildings in Hong Kong are generally older, and plumbing problems are more common in buildings over 30 years old. When dealing with them, we should focus on "thorough repairs + preventing recurrence."

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⚠️ Potential impact of water leakage on the upper floor

• Structural damage : Long-term water seepage can cause steel bars to rust and concrete to peel.
• Mold growth : affects indoor air quality and triggers nasal allergies and asthma
• Electrical hazards : Water seepage into electrical wires or sockets can cause short circuits and electric shocks
• Deterioration of neighborhood relations : Failure to handle issues promptly can easily lead to disputes

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🛠️ Steps to deal with upper water pipe leakage (Hong Kong version)

1️⃣ Observe and record first

• Take photos/films to record the location, time, and severity of water seepage📸
• Note whether the seepage occurs only when water is being used (to help determine the cause)

2️⃣ Immediately notify the upper floor residents

• State the situation politely and avoid accusations from the outset
• It is recommended to suspend relevant water use on the upper floor (such as bathroom, washing machine)

3️⃣ Contact the property management office/owners corporation

• Please ask the property management to arrange an inspection, assist in contacting the upper management and coordinate repairs
• Some housing estates have maintenance funds that can subsidize maintenance costs

4️⃣ Seek professional testing

• Hong Kong Buildings Department Authorized Persons/Registered Plumbers <br>Can use moisture meters, pressure tests, and dye tests to find the source of water leaks
• If the upper level refuses to inspect, you can seek assistance from the property management or building department.

5️⃣ Determine liability and repair

• The pipes belong to private units → the upper-floor owner is responsible for repairs
• Common areas (pipes before water meters, main water pipes) → Responsible for the building management company/corporation
• It is recommended that both parties sign a written agreement outlining responsibilities and cost sharing

6️⃣ Subsequent mildew prevention and repair

• Check the wall moisture after repair and make sure it is completely dry before re-plastering or painting.
• Waterproof coating can be added to reduce the impact of water seepage again

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📜 Hong Kong Law and Liability

According to the Building Management Ordinance and related cases:

• Water pipes in private areas of the unit are leaking → the unit owner is responsible for repairs and compensation
• Water leakage in common areas → the corporation or property management company is responsible
• If there is a dispute between the two parties, they can file a lawsuit in the Small Claims Tribunal (up to $75,000) or the District Court
• The Buildings Department's "Water Seepage Complaint Hotline" can assist with technical inspections and issue repair orders.

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💡 My personal communication tips (to avoid falling out with neighbors)

1. Be polite before using force : First express your understanding that the other party may not be aware of the leak and invite them to check with you.
2. Joint solution : propose to find a third party for testing together and split the cost equally
3. Written confirmation : maintenance schedule, cost sharing, and subsequent acceptance results must be recorded in writing
4. Keep records : keep records of all conversations, notification letters, and maintenance documents to prevent future disputes

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📋 Editor's real case sharing

A homeowner in Kowloon discovered water seepage from the kitchen ceiling:

• Step 1 : Take a video to record the dripping situation
• Step 2 : Notify the upper floor tenant and both parties agree to have a registered plumber inspect the plumbing
• Step 3 : Found that the drain pipe of the upper washing machine was old and cracked
• Step 4 : The upper layer is responsible for replacing the pipe and bearing the cost of the lower layer's paint repair
• Result : Repair completed within 3 days, no damage to neighborhood relations 👍

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✅ Editor's advice on leak prevention and response

• Check your own pipes regularly, especially if the building is over 20 years old
• Use waterproof glue to seal the edges of kitchens and bathrooms to reduce the chance of water seepage
• If water seepage is discovered in the lower floor, take action as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
• If the other party refuses to repair, you can intervene through the property management company, the corporation or the Buildings Department