Problems with plumbers

yaro137

When my washing machine broke my landlord gave a phone number to a company that he usually calls on such occasions. They sent a technician who fixed the pump but at the same time did something with the door so the washing machine wouldn't lock any more. I called them again and explained the situation. They insisted that it must have been like that before. It wouldn't help telling them that when I phoned them up the first time I haven't even mention anything about the door locking problem. Furthermore, I told them I have an email that pre-dates my first call which explains to the landlord what happens with the washing machine, again not mentioning any problem with the doors. They agreed to send the same technician again to check whether it was his fault or not. Weird as it was I agreed as I just wanted that fixed ASAP. Obviously when he came and checked the washing machine he insisted it wasn't his fault admitting that he's only trained to unclog pipes not to repair washing machines and went away leaving me 90 quid bill for that visit. This made me really furious to the point where I decided to see if I can fix it myself :mad:. After getting to the locking mechanism it took me a couple of seconds to figure out what was the problem and a few more to fix it. I sent the company a complaint letter to which I never received any reply. Also I kept calling them to ask them to send me the invoice which I need for the landlord but to no avail. Every time I speak to them they tell me someone's going to give me a call back which never happens. Is what they're doing legal? Is there any chance to get the money for the second visit back and force them to get me the invoice. Do I need to get a lawyer involved?
yaro

macman

Resend your complain by recorded delivery and give them 14 days to remedy the situation (you need to say what remedy you are seeking, not just a complaint). Say that if no response then you will seek to recover the sum in question via the Small Claims process-and then do so if necessary.
NB: In future, you don't need a plumber, you need a white goods repair person.

yaro137

Thanks for your comment. This is kind of what I did. I posted it recorded and asked for a refund of the second visit charge giving them 14 days to respond and warning that I'll be seeking help from Trading Standards. Not sure if Trading Standards is the right place to seek help in this situation but it was the only thing that came to my mind when I was writing to them.
yaro

macman

Small Claims is the way to go, if you think that the money is there to be recovered. No harm to copy it to TS if you like though.

yaro137

Looks like that's what I'll have to do. Thanks for the advice
yaro