Maintenance won’t fix pipe (East Lansing, MI)
I have had this issue ever since a polar vortex came through our area this past January. despite taking appropriate measures to avoid cold damage to my pipes and plumbing (such as setting the thermostat to 68 degrees and keeping all taps running at a drip) I had to have my 13+ year old faucets in the bathroom replaced. idk why these specifically died on me, but they did. I haven’t found any further damage and no water stains or further leaky faucets. the biggest issue is a pipe in the wall between my bedroom and bathroom. this wall has the drain pipe for one or both apartments above me. ever since this hard freeze, the pipe has been making a banging noises akin to a woodpecker in the wall whenever upstairs plumbing is used. I contacted the maintenance crew and main office concerning this issue. let’s just say four months later, I have a poorly patched hole in my wall, sounds that could rival John Bonham, and patronizing faculty at my complex who won’t pursue the issue any further. this problem is waking me up at night, shaking my wall violently, and the worst part is no one can give me an answer as to why this is or how to remedy it. I want this resolved while it’s not causing immediate damage.
the kicker is that I was told that the complex has a contracted plumber that comes for plumbing-specific complications that are outside the scope of our facilities maintenance crew. it has been a month since I was told that this contracted plumber would be looking at the offending pipe. in the mean time, theres been a revolving door of condescending maintenance workers downplaying the risk of not resolving this and playing into my perceived lack knowledge of this topic due to being female. all of it has become increasingly toxic.
to preface: this is the best college-catered apartment complex around. it’s in a safe area with amazing amenities. for me, location and safety is highly important and I do really adore my complex, just not the people who run it. there have been so many other issues that thankfully every other tenant has been on them about, but now I’m fighting to get this pipe fixed before it becomes a larger issue all on my own.
my next step is understanding what I can do about this. I am not being provided answers or solutions to this issue. do I let this pipe disrupt my sleep, my peace, my studying, and play a waiting game thinking it could burst all while being told it’s fine? or is there further action I can take? there is now more than 4 months of paper trail about this issue. I do have renters insurance as well, so if this pipe does burst and ruin my personal belongings the complex will have to cover the costs due to recorded negligence. it’s a fine line I'm walking here but any input would be greatly appreciated.