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Friday June 13 2025

Summer Safety Reminders to Help Prevent Damage in Your Building

Summer brings sunshine, relaxation… and unfortunately, a higher risk of incidents in condominiums. Water leaks, fires, and drain backups are common this time of year—but the good news is, many of them can be avoided with just a few simple habits.

As vacation season approaches, the SolutionCondo claims team shares key prevention tips based on real-life incidents. Take a few minutes to read and apply them—it’s a collective effort that helps keep your entire building safe.

1. Keep an eye on shared terraces

Shared rooftop or garden terraces are great places to gather, but when misused, they can lead to costly water damage.

Real example: A blocked drain filled with paper, cigarette butts, and trash recently caused a major backup—completely avoidable with better care.

Best practices:

Never discard trash, cigarette butts, food, cups, or full ashtrays on the terrace.
Pick up visible waste—even if it’s not yours.
Always clean up after yourself.

2. Balconies & cigarette butts: Fire risks

Barbecues and outdoor lounging are summer staples, but they also come with fire risks. Every year, fires start from unattended grills or improperly discarded cigarette butts.

Stay safe:

If barbecues are allowed in your building, always keep them away from walls and windows, and turn them off completely when you’re done.
Use a proper, heat-resistant ashtray.
Never toss cigarette butts into planters, onto the balcony floor, or—worse—over the railing.

3. Appliance hookups: Don’t cut corners

Appliances connected to a water line—like dishwashers, washing machines, or fridges with ice makers—can cause major leaks if not properly installed.

To prevent damage:

Hire a licensed, insured plumber who’s a member of the RBQ.
Inspect connections visually at least twice a year (a good reminder: do it when the clocks change).
Watch for any signs of leaks.

4. Air conditioners & heat pumps: Keep them maintained

An AC unit that’s not properly maintained can leak water or fail at the worst possible time.

Checklist:

Clean or replace the filter monthly.
Empty and clean the condensation tray regularly while in use.
Schedule professional maintenance at least once a year.

5. Inspect caulking around water fixtures

A cracked or peeling caulk joint around your bathtub, shower, or sink may allow water to seep in unnoticed—until there’s visible damage.

Tip: Do a quick visual and touch inspection of your caulking at least twice a year.

6. Before you head out on vacation…

A few quick steps before a long weekend or time away can prevent disaster:

Shut off your unit’s main water valve.
Turn off the AC.
Leave a spare key with a trusted contact or your building manager in case emergency access is needed.