Leaking radiator, fighting company for damages, plumbing advice please?

Squirrel85

We applied for the free boiler scheme to Blue Flame in Colchester. We were assessed and found eligible. We were made lots of promises and they were extremely nice to get our custom. We had lots of problems with the work in the end and they were all very tricksy! Nothing but trouble!

To install the boiler they had the take the thermostat off the radiator in the hall way and put a new valve on it.

This was back in July2013. I thought they were out of my life forever until a month ago we noticed that the radiator valve they had replaced was leaking. We have a great big shoe box in front of that radiator and laminate flooring and the leak was the slightest drip, otherwise we would have noticed it sooner. On moving the box we found that the floor was discoloured and warped and the box was stained.

We complained and after two engineers attempts they finally fixed the radiator but they claim the leak cant have been there since July and us not notice and that it is more likely to have been caused by the vibrations of the shoe box!

What do people think of this argument? Any plumbers out there who could advise? We obviously want to fight this.

My hubby did all the other rads in the house himself and not one of them has leaked despite him not being trained. And the box had been there a long time before with no problems.

Chunks

On the plus side they have now fixed the leak but on the negative side, if they are contesting liability for the damaged caused, you may have a legal battle (rather than a DIY problem) on your hands. Can you prove the plumber's incompetence resulted in the damage? If they are not billing you for the remedial call out(s) (to fix a problem that they think you created) is that a sort of admission of guilt or simply a gesture of goodwill? Not easy to sort out and you will have extra hassle.

Leakage from domestic systems (heating, water supplies etc.) and damage subsequently caused might be claimable under your house insurance. Just have to make sure your claim is covered before you pick up the phone.

Dan-Dan

and dont forget the likely £250 excess for escaped water! could cost you more in the long run by calling with that amount plus the reason chunks alluded to earlier

Chunks

On the plus side they have now fixed the leak but on the negative side, if they are contesting liability for the damaged caused, you may have a legal battle (rather than a DIY problem) on your hands. Can you prove the plumber's incompetence resulted in the damage? If they are not billing you for the remedial call out(s) (to fix a problem that they think you created) is that a sort of admission of guilt or simply a gesture of goodwill? Not easy to sort out and you will have extra hassle.

Leakage from domestic systems (heating, water supplies etc.) and damage subsequently caused might be claimable under your house insurance. Just have to make sure your claim is covered before you pick up the phone.

Chunks

Sorry cannot delete my double post.

Dan-Dan - my excess is £50 - must be all the disputes you have that push up your premiums

Dan-Dan

warrring neighbours , flying bits of fences , leaking bathrooms , asbestos ceilings , love it!