Condo "common areas" and water spouts/hose bibs

[jeromedawg]

Hey guys,

So my new neighbor just moved in and apologized for a contractor coming out and hooking up their hose to our bib. I realized he might have been onto something so I went over and turned off the water shut-off valve to our unit.

Sure enough, the water was cut-off to the spout by our walkway. Thing is, I always thought this spout was part of the common grounds and billed to the HOA - this is because it's 'publicly' accessible in the sense that anyone can walk up to our walkway where the bib is, hookup a hose, and start using the water. And this has happened in the past - our old neighbor would have Stanley Steemer come out 1-2 times a year and more recently someone had their mobile car washing service pull up in front and wash/detail their cars.  Stupid me just never thought to check and verify :T

I am wondering though, if it's a possibility that this particular spout has a meter attached to it that could be billed separately? I find that unlikely since our shut-off controls the flow of water to it but I wouldn't know for sure either.

In the case that this is actually part of our water line, what's the best thing to do to rectify it (outside of asking contractors/landscapers *not* to use it and things being awkward)? I've already contacted the HOA to confirm if this actually is supposed to be *their* responsibility or not. It's just weird because it's in a location that anyone can walk up to as I mentioned. Most other neighbors don't have anything like this...

As far as water usage, we have variances of anywhere from $10-15 a month but nothing too drastic. Of course, for the past 10 years, who knows what that would have translated to with the contractors (who I didn't hire) who have come by and used it. Then again, it's not a frequent occurrence where landscapers/contractors hookup and use tons of water every day.

[Frankies Girl]

Find out first of all if you are actually paying for the water that comes out of that spigot. Then check the HOA regarding the usage of that spigot. If your HOA has lawn or landscapers for the common areas and they consider this spigot shared property with access to all, you may be screwed (unless you let them know to inform you what day they'll need access so you can remove for them prior). 

If it is yours and you pay for the water usage, then get a spigot locking device.

https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Sentry-Hose-Valve-Lock/dp/B002MYB3NK/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_86_tr_t_2/142-6663022-7738211?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7M2QTEBF5TY17A5PGV8Y&dpID=416xvBrD2IL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail
^this one covers the entire spigot and requires an outside padlock (suggest getting one that is made specifically for outdoor usage so it won't rust up). This one prevents both water theft and the neighborhood kid/jerks that might think its funny to turn your spigot on when you're not home and flood your yard and cost you hundreds if you're gone for a few days (this happens in our area, so we've been looking into this already).


https://www.amazon.com/Conservco-DSL-2-Hose-Lock-Padlock/dp/B002QF30GS/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_86_bs_t_1/142-6663022-7738211?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7M2QTEBF5TY17A5PGV8Y&dpID=51sgFk%252BW2TL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail
^ this type doesn't prevent the handle from being turned, but it does prevent anyone from hooking up a hose attachment as it blocks the access to the threaded part of the spigot (which is usual for anyone wanting to use it for washing cars/work/etc).



If you have work scheduled that requires the use of that spigot, then make sure to take it off right before, or be there to remove it for them the day of.

[jeromedawg]

Find out first of all if you are actually paying for the water that comes out of that spigot. Then check the HOA regarding the usage of that spigot. If your HOA has lawn or landscapers for the common areas and they consider this spigot shared property with access to all, you may be screwed (unless you let them know to inform you what day they'll need access so you can remove for them prior). 

If it is yours and you pay for the water usage, then get a spigot locking device.

https://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Sentry-Hose-Valve-Lock/dp/B002MYB3NK/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_86_tr_t_2/142-6663022-7738211?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7M2QTEBF5TY17A5PGV8Y&dpID=416xvBrD2IL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail
^this one covers the entire spigot and requires an outside padlock (suggest getting one that is made specifically for outdoor usage so it won't rust up). This one prevents both water theft and the neighborhood kid/jerks that might think its funny to turn your spigot on when you're not home and flood your yard and cost you hundreds if you're gone for a few days (this happens in our area, so we've been looking into this already).


https://www.amazon.com/Conservco-DSL-2-Hose-Lock-Padlock/dp/B002QF30GS/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_86_bs_t_1/142-6663022-7738211?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7M2QTEBF5TY17A5PGV8Y&dpID=51sgFk%252BW2TL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail
^ this type doesn't prevent the handle from being turned, but it does prevent anyone from hooking up a hose attachment as it blocks the access to the threaded part of the spigot (which is usual for anyone wanting to use it for washing cars/work/etc).



If you have work scheduled that requires the use of that spigot, then make sure to take it off right before, or be there to remove it for them the day of.

Thanks! I don't mind if it belongs to the HOA but I do mind if it actually does affect my water usage - I would *assume* that it does given the fact that when I shut off my water shut-off, it shuts the water off going to this valve. Unless, like I said, there's an additional and separate meter that tracks usage for just the water flowing out of that spigot - I seriously doubt this as I've seen no indications. I guess I can contact my water company to see if they can come survey it and find out?

If not, I'm gonna get one of those spigot locks - I had no idea those existed but it makes sense. I wish they made an all metal version of that plastic one but that looks like it would do the trick. I guess I could always remove the handle too and install the spigot lock but it would be a PITA if I actually needed to use the spigot ever lol.

EDIT: just stumbled across this one, which seems like it would do the job pretty easily and efficiently -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G4NI0RW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?th=1

[Goldielocks]

My townhouse water tap was the only one in reach of where the property managers needed to water.    They let me know in advance, and only used the water for about 1-2 hours per week, and were good about other clean up around the hose bib.  Yes, I paid for it, but as long as it was not abused, it was fine.  Water was not too expensive in that city.

 Mine was behind my little walk-up gate, however.    In your case, because it is in the common area,  I would lock it out and give the property manager the means to access it (If permitted).

[jeromedawg]

Yea, the main issue is that it's easily visible from the sidewalk/street, so vendors/contractors/landscapers all think it's OK just to come up and use it. I figure they assume the same and that since it's accessible, it's available for *anyone* to use. I'll hopefully find out more from the property manager regarding this issue.