Just moved into new house and there is a plumbing leak!

Suzmch

Hi, we just moved into our new house in 18th, so 10 days ago.

The actually purchase was fraught with issues but all went through in the end. However, we have discovered a damp patch on kitchen ceiling this morning, assuming it is coming from bathroom above. I'm not sure what first course of action should be?
- phone solicitor, do we have any recourse? Is there a 14 day period for snagging etc in a sale/purchase? (it's not a new build)
- phone a plumber?
- phone insurers? I'm sure they will query it as the policy is only 10 days old!

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks all.

ilikewatch

Well
My first course of action would be to check the bathroom for any possible causes, such as failed silicone seal round do the bath/shower, or a leaking waste pipe underneath.

abankerbutnotafatcat

Yep, look for cause of leak and, if you can, put something there to collect water and if you can't then switch the water o ff at the stopcock. Then phone a plumber. Worry about recriminations later. Sometimes these things just happen. By coincidence we moved on the 18th may last year. 3 weeks later the lights went out. We are at this very moment getting the house rewired at considerable expense.

phill99

Get the leak fixed ASAP.

If it is a brand new house, the builders should deal with it and any damage the leak has caused.

If it is not a brand new house, get it fixed ASAP. If it is a minor leak, you won't have done any major damage. Stain block over the stain and then re-emulsion.

There is no come back on the previous owner.

It's gong to be more hassle than its worth involving solicitors and insurance companies for such a minor issue.

savageHK

Suzmch wrote: »

we have discovered a damp patch on kitchen ceiling this morning, assuming it is coming from bathroom above.

We have also just moved and have also just sprung a leak! We are just going to fix it ourselves, the bit where it's damp is something we were going to redecorate ourselves in any case (at some point). It doesn't look like it was leaking before we moved in, so I'm just taking it as 'one of those things'. See if you can get in and figure out what's leaking to prevent it getting any worse for now, if you're not handy that way I'd get a plumber in.

maninthestreet

Forget about pursuing the vendors - caveat emptor applies.
Get the leak fixed. Probably not worth making an insurance claim.

iamcornholio

The house becomes yours at the agreed time when you swap the keys and the money is transferred. There is no comeback at all unless you can prove malicious intent

Leaks happen. Get used to the joys of home ownership. Presumably you will be redecorating anyway

Yorkie1

OP are you in Scotland? I have a vague recollection that the rules might be different there regarding snagging time. If you are, it might be worth reposting your question on the House Buying board.

If you're not, then I agree with all the others.