Sorry to have to say that it sounds like the repair is yours to pay, and I would get it done sooner rather than later as you don't want water damage caused not only to your unit, but to your neighbor's unit as well.Generally speaking, if a repair is needed for something that only serves your unit (in this case a drain line that at the point where the leak is serves only your unit) it's your responsibility to get it done.You may want to try calling a reputable plumber.

You absolutely want your tenants to call you for repairs, especially those involving water, ASAP.

I give them:Property locationMy estimate of valueCurrent mortgages or loans agains propertyTerms of any financingRental incomeTaxes, insurance, and any landlord expenses like water bill for exampleVacancy on that specific property since pit in serviceDate of purchaseThese things will show them my cashflow and net worth.

Demand is created by changing attitudes.It may be a subject for the water cooler, but it has little real impact on any local market.

When the temperature warms up in the day, the ice inside the pipes could melt and water will spew out until the water is turned off.Even if your water is turned off, the pipes can still freeze and burst.When I have an empty house, I always turn off the water and leave the heat set at 40+ if there's a basement and 55 if on a crawl.

If landlord pays water use 60% costs.Any immediate repairs would need to be deducted as CAPEX from purchase price.Verify rents are actual rents inline with market and that there was no first months rent given half off or free which will reduce total market rent per month average per unit.

Because of the location, and the economy in the area, plus lack of water in Cedar Creek Lake, I know that I will probably NEVER find another tenant (at least not for a long time).

.- the HVAC guy, who I count on to fix my tenants' furnaces and A/C the day they go out, and has very reasonable pricing- my plumber, who has unclogged many a drain, changed hot water heaters post haste, and changed garbage disposals and faucets when needed, so I don't have to.- my painter/drywall guy/cleaner husband/wife team, who charge me the same whether it takes 1, 2, or 3 coats of paint to cover the nasty colors a former landlord allowed- the floor refinishing guy, who has done a good job on 8 or 9 floors this year.

Houston has been incredible in it's resistance to this recession.

I would suggest for you to check your local ordinance, whether a utility is allowed to place a lien on a property.The reason I'm bringing this up is that in Atlanta the water company always holds the homeowner responsible for water bills that are unpaid by a tenant.