Documents and terms that decide responsibility
- Declaration (CC&Rs)
- The recorded document that sets what the association maintains and what each owner maintains.
- Common element
- Parts of the property owned in common, which may include shared sewer lines and building drains.
- Limited common element
- A shared part assigned to one or a few units, such as a line serving only two homes.
- Master policy
- The association's insurance policy for the building; its deductible may be passed to owners.
- HO-6 policy
- A unit owner's policy that typically covers interior finishes, belongings and sometimes the master deductible.
How shared lines fail
Townhome rows and condo buildings around Thornton, Northglenn and Westminster commonly run several units into one building drain before it leaves for the public main. When that shared line clogs, wastewater from upstairs or neighboring units backs up into whichever unit has the lowest open drain. The owner of the flooded unit may have done nothing wrong; the clog might have been wipes or grease from next door.
That makes the first conversation about the association, not the plumber. Most HOAs have a management company or a board contact for emergencies, and many have preferred plumbers. Report the backup right away, ask who will clear the shared line, and ask whether the association will notify other owners to stop using water.
Typical questions and where the answer lives
| Question | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Who clears and repairs the shared line? | Declaration maintenance section; ask the manager |
| Who pays to clean my unit's interior? | Declaration, master policy and your HO-6 policy |
| Is sewer backup covered under the master policy? | Ask the manager for the policy summary or certificate |
| Will I owe the master deductible? | Declaration and association rules on deductible allocation |
| Can the association charge the unit that caused the clog? | Declaration and rules; often requires evidence of cause |
Do this the same day
- Stop water use in your unit and tell neighbors on the same line
- Report to the HOA manager or board in writing
- Photograph damage and the source drain
- Call your own insurer even if you expect the master policy to respond
- Ask the plumber to write down what was found in the line and where
- Keep a log of calls and who you spoke with
General information for Thornton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.