C.H. from McHenry County, Illinois writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
We have 4-unit condo that all unit’s sump pumps are connected. 1 of the unit owners decided to unplug his sump pump. Is there anything that we (other homeowners/association) can do to have them to run their sump pump? We do get a lot of water.
Mister Condo replies:
C.H., I am sorry that you have a unit owner who decided not to play nice with the other unit owners. If there isn’t already a rule in place to require unit owners to keep their sump pumps turned on and in good running order, pass one immediately. Sump pumps play a vital role in keeping condos that are subject to flooding from water damage. Unit owners should not have the ability to “opt out” of running and maintaining their sump pumps. In fact, it is very likely that insurance would not honor a damage claim that was caused by an unplugged sump pump. The cost of mitigating the damage would far outweigh the cost of running the pump. All the best!