Blocked Stack waste pipe

[Kex187]

Hi,

I live in a top floor flat (Flat Y) in a medium size block, with one flat (Flat X) directly underneath and commercial space on the ground floor - I share a stack waste pipe with the flat underneath. I've been contacted by the property management company who've told me the following via email -

"Flat X has reported a water blockage in their pipe system, they have had a plumber attend and they have stated whenever Flat Y uses water there is a blockage somewhere along the shared pipe.
Please could you have a plumber to attend to investigate as the below apartment are unable to use kitchen appliances and their property can flood if this isn’t resolved." They also attached the photos, they asked for my number so the neighbour could contact me but no word yet (sent my number and asked for the plumber to contact me).

I think I understand how stack systems work but I'm not sure why I would need to call in a separate plumber to investigate the issue - can these only be remedied from the top of the stack? I haven't had any drainage issues (so not sure what I would show a plumber if they attended my flat), would this not suggest the blockage is sitting below the neighbour?

Sorry for the babble - I think I'm just frustrated by the "property will flood" threat but then zero attempts to actually contact me in 4 days ha! The photos are of the neighbours washing machine and of the pipes that run behind our kitchen counters.

 

[HERTS P&D]

This is down to the block management. it needs access from the exterior manhole or drill in an access hole on the ground floor, it might get messy.

I have done 2 this week.

Andy

 

[denso13]

If the flat below you have a problem it isn't anything to do with you. It must be lower down.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

If Flat X have the same setup, then the white Standpipe will overflow before the washing machine backfills with dirty water, they may have a different issue.

Either way, you cannot be held liable for your discharges affecting their flat, highly likely the issue is below them in the ground floor premises. Need proper investigation, starting from the ground floor up. Or down if the problem is underground, depends if ground floor link into the shared stack.