The owner in Kazan enclosed the riser with a box and deprived the management company of access to the pipes.

      A resident of Kazan decided to hide the communal riser behind a solid box, completely blocking access to the utilities. Now, in case of an emergency, rescuers and management company employees are forced to break through the renovation to prevent a flood.

      Access to the pipes is blocked: why a solid box on the riser threatens flooding and the destruction of renovations.

      A beautiful renovation is the pride of any owner. But sometimes the pursuit of a perfect interior conflicts with the law and basic safety. In one of the apartments in Kazan, the owner decided to "seal" the communal riser in a solid box, completely depriving access to the engineering communications. At first glance, it looks aesthetic and neat. At second glance, it is a gross violation of housing legislation.

      According to the law, hot and cold water supply risers, sewage pipes, and other engineering networks are considered common property. Access to them must remain free at all times. The management company, emergency services, and repair teams must have the ability to reach the pipes at any moment to shut off the water or eliminate a leak. And if an accident occurs, every second counts. Management company employees will not have to wait for the owner to return from work and open the box. They have every right to dismantle any obstacle—quickly, roughly, and without regard for design solutions. Your expensive box, tiles, or drywall will be broken without hesitation. And they will not compensate for the damage. Because it is not their whim, but your violation.

      What to do to avoid problems?

      Leave inspection hatches opposite all key nodes.

      Do not hide pipes behind solid structures without special access windows.

      If an accident has already occurred—do not obstruct access.

      Remember: comfort and beauty are important, but the safety of your home and the peace of your neighbors are more important. It is better to spend a little more time on a design solution with a hatch than to later pay for a flood and the restoration of broken renovations.

      

       photo by the author

      Yulia Kazamarova