Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated almost 9 years ago,

User Stats

96
Posts
36
Votes
Donna Salmiery
  • Pharmacist
  • The Villages, FL
36
Votes |
96
Posts

broken pipe - who is responsible

Donna Salmiery
  • Pharmacist
  • The Villages, FL
Posted

I closed on a townhouse on 3/18. I had a home inspection done on 2/11 and there were some issues that were fixed, but the report mentioned no issues with pipe that goes to the outside faucet. The tenant moved in 4/1 and when he turned the main water valve on (there are 2 valves), he could hear water "gushing in the walls" He turned that valve off and still had water by the other valve (sorry for my complete lack of knowledge on this). I called a plumber 4/4 and he went right out and there was a broken pipe leading to the outside faucet which he said it appeared had froze and broke. I called the water company today (4/14) to make sure the tenant had switched the water to his name, and they told me my final bill for the time period since 3/18 (not sure the exact date tenant switched over), but it is less than one month is $1175!! I asked the plumber if there was any way to tell how long it had been broken, ie. corrosion, and he said no. He said it would be something the home inspector definitely should have caught. So it may have happened AFTER my inspection. But here is the thing: I had gotten a bill for 3/18-3/21 and it was for $134 (water and sewer), so that tells me that the leak was already there 3/18, right? I didn't ask the seller what the usual water bill was (mistake). So do I have any recourse anywhere? If there was a problem and the seller knew, do they have to disclose? How could I know if it was there and the inspector may have missed it? Would my owner's insurance cover? The plumber bill was only $100. Thanks for any advice for this newbie landlord!

Loading replies...