Labour costs of replacing faulty tap

noelphobic

I purchased a new tap for my bathroom sink a couple of months ago. It has now developed a fault and the retailer has agreed to replace it. However, I paid someone (not connected with the retailer) to fit the original tap and will have to pay again for the replacement to be fitted.

I have asked the retailer to pay for the labour costs of fitting the replacement and they have refused (not really surprised!) They said it is a 'simple DIY job'. If it was a simple DIY job then I would have fitted it myself in the first place and saved some money! Do I have any rights in respect of getting the fitting costs back from them, given the fact that it has to be refitted through no fault of my own?

Please don't tell me how to fit the tap - changing a light bulb is my limit!:o

fluffnutter

Probably not. The tap itself and the fitting will be seen as two entirely separate events and not connected in anyway that would help you from a consumer rights perspective. After all, paying for a fitting is not a requisite part of the original tap purchase (you could have done this for free had you the skills) therefore the company replacing the tap won't judge themselves liable for the re-fitting.

How much did you pay for the fitting? How did you find someone?

noelphobic

fluffnutter wrote: »

How much did you pay for the fitting? How did you find someone?

I got a lot of work done and the replacement of the tap was just part of that, so I didn't pay a separate price specifically for that.

meer53

My local plumber changed my bath tap last week, i bought the tap, he charged me £10.

noelphobic

meer53 wrote: »

My local plumber changed my bath tap last week, i bought the tap, he charged me £10.

I wish he was my local plumber as he sounds very cheap! How long did it take him to change it?

fluffnutter

But you're not sure how much you paid for the fitting...? If you just want someone to change a tap, it might be better to ask around (could one of your mates do this?) or see about an odd jobs man. Not sure I'd employ a plumber... call out charge innit. Small jobs aren't worth their while so you'll be stung a massive premium.

noelphobic

fluffnutter wrote: »

But you're not sure how much you paid for the fitting...? If you just want someone to change a tap, it might be better to ask around (could one of your mates do this?) or see about an odd jobs man. Not sure I'd employ a plumber... call out charge innit. Small jobs aren't worth their while so you'll be stung a massive premium.

I have some other jobs that need doing so wouldn't be getting someone in just to change the tap. However, the guy who did the previous work has messed me around a lot lately so am thinking of giving up on him anyway. It's not urgent as I don't even have the new tap yet and the old one is useable.

I really wish I could find a reliable and reasonably priced odd jobs man as I often do have lots of little jobs that it doesn't seem worthwhile calling someone in for - plus expensive - but do need doing.

meer53

noelphobic wrote: »

I wish he was my local plumber as he sounds very cheap! How long did it take him to change it?

About 20 minutes

noelphobic

meer53 wrote: »

About 20 minutes

Don't suppose you live on Merseyside by any remote chance do you?

fluffnutter

noelphobic wrote: »

I have some other jobs that need doing so wouldn't be getting someone in just to change the tap. However, the guy who did the previous work has messed me around a lot lately so am thinking of giving up on him anyway. It's not urgent as I don't even have the new tap yet and the old one is useable.

I really wish I could find a reliable and reasonably priced odd jobs man as I often do have lots of little jobs that it doesn't seem worthwhile calling someone in for - plus expensive - but do need doing.

I think there are various websites that rate local tradesmen in your area so you can see some reviews. I know that if you're a member of Which you can do this. Or ask around. Friendly with any of your neighbours? Any mates down the boozer? Family?

noelphobic

fluffnutter wrote: »

I think there are various websites that rate local tradesmen in your area so you can see some reviews. I know that if you're a member of Which you can do this. Or ask around. Friendly with any of your neighbours? Any mates down the boozer? Family?

When I needed the work doing I phoned someone who had been recommended by a couple of people, but unfortunately he passed the work on to his son who hasn't been very reliable. I will sort something out.