Hello,

I live in a Condo that used to be apartments. I recently found out that the water shut off in my unit turns off all of the hot water and all of the cold water on the first two floors. It DOES NOT turn off the cold water upstairs.

I learned that this is controlled by the shut off in my neighbors house.

This is obviously a bad thing... if I have some sort of water emergency I want to be able to turn off the water ASAP. I don't want to have to worry about flooding my upstairs because my neighbors aren't home!

My question is this... Can I get a shut off valve installed in my unit. Assuming I can get the neighbors to agree to turn off the water for a short period of course.

Is this possible? Expensive?

Thanks,
Adam

ADAM- I don't see why you cant, But you probably would have to run the cold water line into your unit ( MAIN FEED ) ,and then put the shut off there. Another way would be to buy yourself a water main cutoff wrench ( Which you can get at most plumbing supply stores, for about $ 8.00 . Then in case of emer. Just run outside and turn the water off at the meter. Until repairs are made .:: Good luck And GOD BLESS ::: F.B.E.

Can I get a shut off valve installed in my unit. Assuming I can get the neighbors to agree to turn off the water for a short period of course.
Is this possible? Expensive?
FBE gave you a great answer. All that a plumber wuld need to do is locate the main coming into your unit and cut in a ball valve in your unit. The water would be off for a very short time and shouldn't inconvenience your neighbors any at all.
As to his second option, the tool he calls a "cut-off wrench" is actually called a "street key" and can be duplicated by a adjustable wrench and a pair of pliers. But whatta you going to do when all those angry neighbors come pouring out of their units demanding to know why they have no water? Nah! I think I'd go with the shut off valve. Good luck, Tom

I have another issue, who is paying the water bill ? Since it is obvouis that there is shared water in all of the units??

The water bill is paid for by the homeowner's association.

It sounds like getting a valve put in would be the easiest/best way to fix this.

Thanks a lot!