Condo Drain Stack & Riser Leak Detection — BC Specialists
Locate leaks in shared vertical drain stacks and risers affecting multiple condo floors
About This Service
Shared drain stacks and supply risers run vertically through a strata building, serving every unit on each floor. A crack, failed joint or corroded section in a stack can leak slowly for months before causing visible damage — and it typically affects multiple units on different floors simultaneously. We use CCTV camera inspection, acoustic listening and tracer gas to locate the exact defect position in the stack so the plumber can access only the affected section.
Common Causes
Warning Signs
- Water staining that appears at the same wall position on multiple floors
- Gurgling or slow drainage in multiple units simultaneously
- Sewage odours in units or mechanical rooms
- Wet or damp walls adjacent to the vertical plumbing chase
- Unexplained moisture in crawl spaces or parkade ceilings below units
Detection Process
- 1
We access the stack from a clean-out or by opening a small access panel.
- 2
A CCTV push camera travels the stack, recording joint condition, corrosion and cracks.
- 3
A sonde locator tracks the camera position from unit to unit, marking defect locations on the floor plan.
- 4
Acoustic listening confirms active leak points where water sound is audible.
- 5
We provide video evidence and a stacked floor-plan showing where access is needed.
What You Receive
- CCTV video of the drain stack condition
- Defect locations mapped to a floor-plan diagram
- Sonde-located depth and position for each defect
- Written condition report for strata and their plumber
- Recommendation for targeted access, relining or replacement
Strata Responsibility Note
Drain stacks and supply risers are common property in BC strata buildings. Repair responsibility and cost sharing typically falls to the strata corporation. A CCTV inspection report with clear video evidence and precise defect locations is the foundation of any valid insurance claim or contingency reserve expenditure for stack repair.
Drain & Riser Leaks — BC Locations
Condo and strata leak detection available across British Columbia.
Condo Leak Detection by BC City
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Frequently asked questions
Multiple floors are affected — does that always mean the stack is the source?
It strongly suggests the stack is involved, though a single floor event can also cascade. CCTV inspection is the definitive way to distinguish a stack defect from a suite-level plumbing failure.
Can the stack be inspected without opening walls?
Yes — CCTV inspection enters through a clean-out or small access point and travels the full length of the stack, recording everything without opening walls. Wall access is only needed once a repair is scheduled.
Can a damaged stack be relined without full replacement?
In many cases, yes. Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) relining can seal cracks and failed joints from inside without opening the wall. Our report identifies which sections are candidates for relining vs. replacement, letting the plumber plan the most cost-effective repair.
Drain & Riser Leaks — Objective Detection, Documented Report
LeakInspections.ca is a division of Anyleak.ca and part of the Leak.ca family — BC's specialist leak detection network since 1999.