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water damage

Tuesday May 5 2026

Preventing water damage in condominiums: best practices for avoiding major claims

In condominiums, water damage is among the most frequent, costly, and disruptive types of damage for both residents and syndicates. A simple leak, a clogged drain, or a minor oversight can quickly lead to significant damage to units, common areas, and the building’s structure.

The good news: many incidents can be prevented through simple preventive measures, rigorous monitoring, and increased awareness.

The most common causes

Water damage in buildings generally occurs due to:

Plumbing leaks (improperly connected washing machine, defective toilet hose, worn-out faucet cartridge, dripping faucet)
Overflowing bathtubs, showers, or sinks (faucet left running, distraction, incident involving a pet)
Drain backups
Defective or end-of-life appliances (washer, dishwasher, water heater)
Leaks through the roof, windows, or balconies
Poorly executed construction or renovation work
Frozen or burst pipes (Be sure to close your windows in winter)
Human negligence or lack of maintenance (bathroom caulking, condensation, lack of supervision)

Best practices for prevention

Regular inspection of systems

Preventive maintenance is essential. Building syndicates should ensure they:

Check water risers
Inspect main and secondary valves
Clean drains and pipes
Check seals
Inspect roofs, terraces, and balconies
Maintain mechanical systems
Schedule periodic inspections by plumbers or specialized firms, such as certain preventive programs recommended by insurers

Raising awareness among co-owners and tenants

Every occupant plays a key role in prevention:

Turn off the water during extended absences
Monitor appliances and water heaters
Replace aging appliances before they fail
Avoid flushing inappropriate items down drains
Report any issues promptly
Follow regulations during renovations
Clean bathroom caulking regularly
Maintain dryer vents, air exchangers, and HVAC systems
Use bathroom and kitchen fans properly to prevent condensation
Have washers and dishwashers installed by qualified professionals

Early Detection

Installing leak detection systems can significantly reduce the extent of damage:

Water detectors

Automatic shut-off systems
Overflow alarms
Monitoring of mechanical rooms
Smart monitoring programs with maintenance reports

Rigorous supervision of work

Poorly supervised renovations pose a significant risk:

Prior approval of work by the syndicate or the board of directors
Contractor vetting
Compliance with plumbing standards
Monitoring of work
Clear documentation before, during, and after work

Why prevention pays off

Investing in prevention allows for:
Significant reduction in repair costs
Lower insurance deductibles
Reduced risk of repeat claims
Minimized service interruptions
Protection of property value
Reduced stress for residents
Better budget planning

In the event of a disaster: act quickly

Despite all precautions, no building is immune. A rapid response remains essential:

Shut off the water immediately
Quickly identify the source
Call in the appropriate professionals (plumbers, disaster restoration experts, engineers as needed)
Document the damage with photos, reports, and specific causes
Communicate effectively with residents
Coordinate repairs quickly to prevent further damage

Conclusion

Preventing water damage in condominiums relies on a combination of diligence, maintenance, communication, and collective accountability.

By adopting a proactive rather than reactive approach, condominiums can significantly reduce their risks, protect their assets, and avoid major disasters.

In property management, prevention is always less expensive than reconstruction

Sidonie Langlois
Director of the Claims Department