Washer/dryers

CharlesK1 (Oregon)
Posts: 2

Posted:

I'm on the board of a 135 condominium complex. The complex was built in 1972 with out electrical,plumbing and venting for washer/dryers. We are starting to get owners wanting to install them. My question is has anyone had this come up and if so what were the results as far as liability,noise,plumbing,electrical etc. as these changes go into the walls which effect everyone in the complex. It is a very touchy situation we could really use some help or your experiences.

Chuck [email protected]

AdrianC (California)
Posts: 36

Posted:

Hi Chuck,

We are in a very similar situation. 136 units built in 1963-8.

Our units are in 4plexes, some single story, some 2 story.
Our long time serving plumber tells us that the city has certain restrictions.
The units were built and plumbed for a certain water flow, adding washers ( and Dryers) will require more water flow than has been designed in. So they will want one fixture, shower bath be removed.

we have not explored this yet with the city as we do not want open worm cans unneccessarily.
However more and more discussion is going on, and it would improve the sales appeal of the units.

Here are some questions
What does the city code require.
All Installations must be meet codes and be "permitted" by city and signed off on.
Can the old electrical wiring take the load?
Will they be heated by natural gas? If so Licensed plunmber required.
Can Dryers be safely vented.
Who is responsible and liable for keeping lint traps and vents clean to prevent fires?
What does your insurance co think about this?
Licensed plumber required for plumbing, with city permit?
what about noise? Sneakers thumping in the dryer at 2am?
Two or more stories? what about leaks and water damage?
Do you have common washers dryers? When does your contract expire? how will you handle the transition?
Are units individually metered for water, Who Pays?
What about hot water, who pays for heating washer water.

We are looking into this and will be starting a discussion board to explore these and other questions that arise
Currently our CC&Rs prohibit them.
Liabilities and Isurance are the 2 big bugbears.

AdrianC