Faulty radiator - who pays labour to replace?

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice

A few months after having a new bathroom installed, the towel radiator started to go rusty on the outside. After a number of emails/photographs/copies of a credit card statements exchanged, the supplier agreed to send a replacement.

We had the faulty one removed and the replacement fitted last week for which we (obviously) had to pay for labour.

Can I ask the supplier of the towel radiator to refund this cost since we wouldn't have had to pay this additional labour if the original hadn't been faulty? Or am I pushing my luck?!

fluffnutter

You could try but unless there was a specific problem with the fitting, the supplier will probably argue (successfully) that their only obligation is to replace the faulty part. No harm in asking though, is there?

wealdroam

OP, you probably could've asked the radiator supplier to remove the faulty one and fit the replacement, but now that you have had the work done, you are likely to be refused.

However, as Fluffnutter says, "No harm in asking though, is there"

nickcc

Towel rails that are chrome plated over mild steel will go rusty if you put wet towels on when the heat is off. We have bought from Screwfix in the past and they have always replaced free of charge but never pay for the removal/installation of the new ones. We now buy the painted towel rails as these don't seem to suffer from the same problems but they can yellow over time. We also have electric heating elements fitted that provide heating when the central heating is turned off (summer).

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice

Thanks for your replies. As you suggest, it's worth a shot so I emailed and they have replied saying "not their usual policy to pay third part costs" but "I should send an invoice for the labour" and they will look into it. I'm taking this as neither a no nor a yes and I may well have to remind them of my inquiry if I hear nothing!

I wouldn't mind if it had rusted where the towels were (we usually dry them on door hooks first anyway) but it was where the rungs join the side rails.

nickcc

Check under the rungs as the ones I bought always rusted there.

Mortgage_Reduction_Novice

Hi Nickcc - that would make sense as I imagine that's where condensation from drying towels would collect... but this was all the way round the joints - perhaps a fault when coating with chrome?

MollyMutkin

I've got a similar problem.

New bathroom rad fitted Oct 2010, a couple of weeks ago I noticed a bubble in the enamel on one column and a crack on another and some seepage from both.

After sending a couple of emails with photos as requested, the company have asked for a convenient time to take the faulty one and replace with new, but I have to remove and re-fit at my expense. The rad has a 5 year guarantee.

It's the rad that is faulty not through installation or use of towels etc. I don't see why I now have to pay a plumber to remove old and fit a new one, and co-ordinate the plumber to be there at the right time!

bris

Your warrany and your consumer rights are two seperate issues.

The warranty, which you are claiming on can have stipulations, one being they will replace the radiator but you fit it, nothing wrong with this pretty normal.

Your consumer rights would allow for consequential loss, however because you have had the item for over 6 months it's up to you to get an independent report to state the fault was inherent at time of prchase and not caused by you or fair wear and tear. Difficult to prove after 2 years.

So you need to decide whether you want to action the warranty or decide if you want to take a chance with your consumer rights. You could aways just ask and see what they say.

MollyMutkin

Thanks Bris

Just checked their website and the guarnatee conditions are below:

*---* Radiators guarantee your satisfaction from our carefully selected products and product ranges, to not only offer the best in quality but true value for money. All products are covered where stated with a 5, 10 & 25 years manufacturers guarantee. All these guarantees are subject to the following terms and conditions:

Any item(s) have been professionally fitted and according to good plumbing/electrical practices.

These product(s) have been cared for and maintained in a suitable manner and in accordance with any manufacturers instructions. If any of the product(s) have been misused, modified, neglected, willfully or accidentally damaged the guarantee is invalid.

In any event of a guarantee claim, the liability of Trade Radiators is limited ONLY to the product supplied, it does not extend to consequential loss or damage arising from a defective product(s).

The guarantee is applicable for the purchaser ONLY and is non transferable.

MollyMutkin

I'm going to repost this on a new thread, rather than having it tagged on the back of an old one, also my dates are wrong, it was fitted Oct 11!