Boiler /pipe noise from upstairs - legal advise/ action?

Stressed_Out_Terri

sonastin wrote: »

If none of these yield results, you might have to resort to following N79's advice and pay to have it put right yourself.

Obviously don't take my word for it, as I know nothing.. but based on my "research" and comments from plumbers so far, I would need to pay for their boiler to be re-installed elsewhere AWAY from the main pipes.

If install in the kitchen (like ours), then we will need to break their kitchen cupboards etc....

I think it will be cheaper for me to get a solicitor to write several threatening letters?

sonastin

Stressed_Out_Terri wrote: »

but based on my "research" and comments from plumbers so far, I would need to pay for their boiler to be re-installed elsewhere AWAY from the main pipes.

I'm not sure I understand what you are getting at here? Is it not the pipes that are connected to the boiler that are causing the problem? So you can't move the boiler away from the pipes? Do you mean that the pipes need to be re-routed away from your flat so that they don't cause the vibration and noise that you're suffering? If that is the case, perhaps the boiler itself doesn't need re-siting but the pipework re-routing in a more considerate fashion? Without knowing the layout of the property I don't know if that is possible but it might be cheaper than moving the whole boiler.

If the problem is the boiler's proximity to another set of pipes, is there anything that can be put between the two to stop the vibration being transmitted?

silvercar

Stressed_Out_Terri wrote: »

Obviously don't take my word for it, as I know nothing.. but based on my "research" and comments from plumbers so far, I would need to pay for their boiler to be re-installed elsewhere AWAY from the main pipes.

If install in the kitchen (like ours), then we will need to break their kitchen cupboards etc....

I think it will be cheaper for me to get a solicitor to write several threatening letters?

If their boiler is installed correctly ie safe, I doubt you can insist on them moving it even at your expense.

patman99

The law is quite clear. You can install a boiler, but only a Gas-Safe certified engineer can make the connection to the gas mains. It has been mentioned so many times on 'Rogue Traders'.
Just report him to gas-safe and see how he feels about the resulting fine.

As your flats are looked-after by a self-managed management company, they will have to have an AGM every year. At the AGM, the current directors have to resign and re-apply, at this point you have the opportunity to either put yourself forward, or object. I would suggest putting yourself forward for election as this gives you the ability to force the flat owner to undergo a full plumbing inspection as technically, the water system is part of the fixtures and fittings, so comes under the remit of the management company.

Having lived for 20 years in such a property, and having spent 10 years as a site director, I speak with knowledge and experience.

Stressed_Out_Terri

@ sonastin ... er... I can't answer that. But what you are suggesting is definitely possible. The only thing I know is there's a main water pipe that goes though the whole block and it's in the cupboard where the old water tanks were. Obviously there are also lots of smaller pipes that go in and out of individual flats etc.

Where we are - the boiler is in the kitchen (kitchen is about a foot next to the old water tank cupboard), and there are lots of smaller pipes that go in and out of the cupboard to/from the boiler. (guess work) because of the longer travelling distance, and proper installation work, my pipes won't vibrate when water do go through the boiler.

Whereas upstairs (again best guess only), they have the boiler inside the cupboard, so because combi needs a higher water pressure, all the pipes (main or small ? probably the small ones only) vibrates whenever they use hot water.

I have already asked him to put in more stoppers.. and he said he did. I know no one can really help without looking at it,.. but i think ultimately i will need to either inspect it myself (to have more idea), and/or simply talk to him again. If that didn't work... then my OP remains .. what are the risks if I sell the place knowing there's such problem....sigh.

The thing is - given the guy is so irresponsible and selfish and most importantly in love with DIY which he is not good at, if I offer to pay him to fix this problem (to save myself from all the solicitor fees), who knows what his next project would be? There will be no ending to this?

DVardysShadow

Stressed_Out_Terri wrote: »

Obviously don't take my word for it, as I know nothing.. but based on my "research" and comments from plumbers so far, I would need to pay for their boiler to be re-installed elsewhere AWAY from the main pipes.

If install in the kitchen (like ours), then we will need to break their kitchen cupboards etc....

I think it will be cheaper for me to get a solicitor to write several threatening letters?

Installing a boiler close to main pipes does not of itself cause vibration. Siting the boiler away from the main pipes may cure the problem - but that would be because the true cause had been eliminated by random change and without ever having been understood.

What is needed is to identify the real cause and deal with that. Once the true cause is understood, the fix is likely to be much simpler than relocating the boiler some arbitrary distance from the main pipes.

Mostly, I think that the true cause will be either air in pipes or mechanical vibration caused by components being mounted so that they vibrate against each other or some component actually being loose. Or some generic fault with a particular boiler type, which is well known and for which the fix is also known.

roger196

I think you need to approach this problem from a different angle. A solicitor is not going to solve the water hammer unless he is also a competent central heating engineer.
Some of the causes of water hammer are a loose jumper in a tap, TRV's being fitted the wrong way round, excessive straight runs of pipe, air trapped in the system, insufficient supports for pipes or pipes touching other pipes. In extreme cases a shock arrester can be fitted see www.bes.co.uk part number -11355.
You need to work with your neighbour to be able to describe the problem as accurately as possible. Then post this on a forum like www.diydoctor.org.uk under central heating.