HIghly reviewd MyBuilder plumber made a mistake and caused a leak. Should I claim?
Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.10 PM
Hi ,
My highly reviewed (over a hundred 100% positive on MyBuilder) plumber neglected to see that the radiator he was installing had extra valves in the middle which he didn't plug. When he pressurized the system, a massive leak through the floorboards and it rained through my light fittings and plaster board seams. The leak must only been for a few minutes, but it rained for about an hour.
He is obviously horrified as were we, but he's really trying to convince me not to claim , as my insurance company will go for his public liability and it will tarnish his Liability Cover record. He swears the plaster board will dry nicely and the seams will disappear and I will have no issues. But even if they are damaged, he will get them replaced themselves. Obviously , my insurance company has warned me that if I do let him make it right they will not pay, if he botches up that job.
Feels like I have no choice but to claim here. Agreed?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Hi,
Firstly I would like to say over 100 positive feedback with 0 disputes speaks volumes. Before possibly having a negative impact on the business in question I would get 2 or 3 third party quotes to complete the repairs and contact the plumber to discuss these. It may be possible to come to an amicable arrangement. Obviously this was not intentional damage and I am sure he feels very guilty! I would be looking at the insurance as a last resort, for instance if he was refusing to cover costs etc. The fact that he is trying to arrange repairs etc shows willing and again I think that is commendable. Take into consideration the guys livelihood. I know it is a nuisance but accidents do happen. Put yourself into his position and grin and bear it until the work is made good :)
TMDB
Or ask him to pay for someone else to do the work...... this should be preferable to him going to court
Answered29 January 2015
3
Anonymous user
Sounds like a horror story no one wants.
Tell the plumber to just put things right otherwise your be forced to make a claim for the repairs.
Even if this means changing all the plasterboard and re plastering painting any damage areas below that includes skirting and flooring if required.
I would first tell him to remove any plasterboards to allow things to dry out properly for a week or so first don't just let them dry out alone replace them plus check any light fittings are not full of water or damaged.
If you decided to let him make good the repairs it might be a good idea to get him guarantee any work needed by repairs as well otherwise your be forced to claim.
The choice is yours at the end of the day
Regards
George
Answered30 January 2015
1
Anonymous user
Hi
Sounds like one of those unfortunate events. If I were in your plumbers situation, I would rather short out the damage myself, than go through my liability insurance. If he has a good record, I'm sure he will not carry out a botched repair.
Try and work with him rather than claiming, and give it a bit of time to dry out. I would also like to say that when it comes to water leaks, if it leaks a pint it looks like a gallon. It will have dripped through the Plaster board for a while as it will have pooled on the board and found a small gap to drip through. It's likely to just need a coat of paint if there's and staining but may not need anything.
