Following are the items associations should consider putting in such a declaration amendment to encourage owners to do the right thing to prevent the water leaks:
1. Require owners to contract for ongoing air-conditioning maintenance service, which includes periodic inspection of the system on at least an annual basis, addition of chlorine tablets or other products to keep the lines clear and periodic blowout of the lines.
2. Require owners to replace unit water heaters after they have been in service for ten (10) years (normal life expectancy of a water heater before probable leaking).
3. Require owners to replace their dishwashers after they have been in service for fourteen (14) years (normal life expectancy of a dishwasher before probable leaking).
4. Require owners to replace all washing machine hoses with steel lined hoses.
5. Require owners to turn off their main water valve to the unit if the unit will be unoccupied for 48 hours or more.
For the full article: Rob Samouce: Tips on preventing water leaks in condominiums » Naples Daily News.