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Plumbing

Is my plumber liable for all costs to fix a leak in the CH work done by him?

Anonymous user 16/03/2024 - 2.46 PM

Recently underwent a project with a reputed local plumber to replace raditators in living room and conceal the heating pipes. The CH pipes were chased into the flooring (ground floor concrete screed). The flooring in the room was replaced after this work was compelted and a new laminate floating floor was installed (plumber was aware of flooring being replaced). The part of the CH loop that was updated was segmented behind a pair of isolator valves for the hot water and return pipes. A month or so after the work was compelted the combi boiler started to lose pressure on a hourly basis(1.5 bar to 0 bar in 3-4 hours). When the above mentioned isolator valves were shut, the pressure drop didnt happen, but if they were re-opened the initial pressure drop took a ltte longer but then it returned to full pressure loss within 3-4 hours again. The plumber who did the work came back and investigated, but couldnt pinpoint the position of the leak as its under the flooring. He has agreed to make good his part of the work which is chase up the piping and fix any leaks underneath. However there will be additional (material and labour) costs to lift the newly laid flooring/skirting boards to provide access to the area where the pipes are buried as well as make the flooring good again. Can I expect my plumber to cover these costs as well as this would not have been required had the leak not happenned?

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4 Answers

Anonymous user

Yes he is liable for the total cost as its his work that has caused the leak. As a professional he should have tested the pipe work extensively before any flooring was laid. The issue is he will argue that he should be paid for taking up the flooring and fixing the issue he has obviously missed/caused when installing, if you do not accept what he might say that he will simply not come to remedy the problem...???

Answered3 May 2022

Smc Plumbing and Heating

Rating: 5 out of 5

Cardiff

Hi Paresh The liability would be completely on the plumber and I know for my own reputation I would cover all the costs for materials and labour not only finding the leak/fixing the leak but also the repair costs replacing everything else after if what something we had caused. Most decent tradesmen out there will have liability insurances in place and you can take it up with them if he doesn’t want to put his hand in his pocket for the making good part of the job. Did he properly protect & secure the pipes in the screed? The pipework should be pressure tested beforehand and should last many, many years if done correctly not a month! Don’t get me wrong we’re all human but when the mistake is yours hold your hands up and be honest get it sorted. Hope it works out for you.

Answered4 May 2022

Ellis Radford Gas Services

Rating: 5 out of 5

Camberley

It all comes down to wether you can 100% prove he has caused that leak or left that leak. It’s only as good as when he leaves the site, he could argue that his pipework and testing was sound and could have been caused by 3rd party floor screeders etc. And if so this is the case quite rightly he will not be willing to do this for free. Unfortunately it’s a grey area unless you can prove it. I would imagine if he was a local and reputable plumber then he would have tested it all properly and would not be willing to jeopardise his reputation. So I would have a chat with him and see if you can comes to an agreement if this was the case. But I wouldn’t burn your bridges with him as if you would require another engineer, this will obviously be down to you for payment. Hope this helps! And good luck.

Answered10 May 2022

Claremont Contracts ltd

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Canning Town, London

It should first be determined where the leak exactly is and what caused the leak however, if he accepts that he is responsible for the repair of the leak without first determining where the leak is and what caused it then he should take full responsibilities, that is taking up the flooring and fixing the issue and make good etc. Thermal imaging report provides readings where the leak is and he should really be requesting you for that. Both you and your plumber will then be a little clear, for instance, there may be a nail or a screw that may have caused the leak during the floor installation. If no screws or nails can be found that may be considered to be the cause of the leak then your plumber should conduct repairs which includes taking up the floor etc, he should also pay towards the thermal imaging costs. Thermal imaging is quite costly and both you and your plumber may want to avoid the risk of further costs in this regard. A sensible way forward would be for your plumber to take responsibilities of the pluming side of things while you take responsibilities for the flooring costs. Hope this helps.

Answered21 May 2022