Repairs to water meter

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NH

Recently while trying to install a new kitchen sink, it was discovered that our unit was not properly connected to the water meter in our building. As a result we are getting free water. The water dept wants it fixed asap. The hoa is willing to pay the water dept to come move the meter since the water is paid by our association dues. The problem is that our kitchen cabinets and/or our shower, sink, and toilet are going to have to be removed so they can get to the water pipes. They are going to have to remove the sheetrock as well. The HOA says that we are going to have to pay for these repairs ourselves. Can they do this? I feel like they shouldn't be able to rip apart our house and leave us with the mess.

jb03835 said:

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NH

Recently while trying to install a new kitchen sink, it was discovered that our unit was not properly connected to the water meter in our building. As a result we are getting free water. The water dept wants it fixed asap. The hoa is willing to pay the water dept to come move the meter since the water is paid by our association dues. The problem is that our kitchen cabinets and/or our shower, sink, and toilet are going to have to be removed so they can get to the water pipes. They are going to have to remove the sheetrock as well. The HOA says that we are going to have to pay for these repairs ourselves. Can they do this? I feel like they shouldn't be able to rip apart our house and leave us with the mess.

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Too late now. you own the condo, you own the mess.

Sorry.

This would be well worth even paying for it if you had to but to consult with a real estate atty who is familiar with HOAs have all documents and covenants reviewed to learn if they are obligated to pay to restore the unit. I am curious though as to who did the plumbing work originally and why the building inspector didnt catch this before sign off since normally main lines go to a util room/ area first and the water works has to install the meter. BY chance your building wasnt plumbed with a submetered system to moniter each units total use was it ?

No, it is not submetered. We think the builder didn't want to pay for individual metering and the town was willing to let it slide. Part of our monthly dues go to paying the quarterly water/sewer bill.

Sad to say its pointless to attempt to go after the city building inspector & city suing them for his being lazy BUT still worth complaining to your city council and mayor about this because it means that if a licensed plumber made a mistake with connections during the construction it normally would have been inspectors job to catch the mistake and order correction before signing off. If your units water is not being metered at all talk to your city to see if a submetered system where wireless micro meters are installed and send a reading to a master unit and then you can be billed for your use this would be less hassle than ripping up your place and then of course the water /sewer fees part of your dues would have to be altered. BUT if they wont go for it , it is still worth talking to a atty about HOA obligation to restore your unit & repair cost.