Out of Warranty Advice

billfraser

Hi,

I wonder if I can have your advice regarding a recent issue I have with a Direct Combi unit in my flat.

I was informed on Friday night that my Direct Combi Water tank was leaking into the flat below. After checking all the usual culprits ,i.e joints, piping etc surrounding the unit I realised that there was a ring of water surrounding the base of my tank. The tank is elevated on a table in my cupboard. All the pipework and joints were dry which led me to believe the tank is leaking underneath.

I drained the tank of all water and upon lifting if slightly revealed there was a huge pool of water underneath it. As the rest of the tank / fittings are dry.

I believe the tank has a leak underneath which is a manufactures issue.

I contacted the plumber who installed the tank who told me I had to deal directly with the manufacturer and get them to sort the issue as it was a manufacturing / product problem.

I contacted the manufacturers who said as the tank is out of its 2 year warranty (Installed 02/01/10, today 16/04/12) so they said as it clearly states 2 years warranty on their t’s and c’s, which I didn’t see because I did not buy the tank, they cannot take this any further and I need to look at buying a new tank.

I did not see the t’s and c’s as I did not buy the tank, the plumber who fitted it did.

So can anyone help me with my next steps and also where my contract lies?

1) Ive been told to read the Sales of Goods act and go down the line of the product should work for a reasonable time but I want to know some actual advice rather than a friend of a friend. – I think MSE forum people will have dealt with this.
2) Ive also been told which might link to the above to consider a claim under Out of Warranty and the SOGA.
3) I did not buy the unit so does my contract lie with the plumber or with the manufacturer? If I bought a BOSCH washing machine from currys and had a problem I wouldn’t contact Bosch would I? id have thought I would have taken it back to the shop I got it from ……which I thought would be the same with a plumber

You might turn to me and say “bad luck Bill its out of warranty” but I would like to know all my options before I consider forking out £800 for the installation of a new unit.

Any advice would be fantastic!

Thanks for your help with a Newb.

Bill

neilmcl

Your contract is with the plumber who supplied the boiler. I'd also be very surprised if the plumber didn't give you any documentation stating how much warranty the boiler had with it.

shaun_from_Africa

Has the boiler been serviced since it was fitted?

If it hasn't, there is a good chance that this will make any claim that you have far harder to win as the plumber or manufacturer could well state that if the boiler had an annual service, the leak may have been picked up before it got too bad.