Are Leaks Covered by NHBC Buildings Insurance?

JakiT

Hi - we're in a shared ownership property and water pressure keeps dropping on our boiler. Two engineers have checked the boiler and expansion vessel replaced today.

There is a wet patch in the boiler room, under concrete, but both engineers said this was unlikely to be to do with the boiler and that it was rising damp! But it seems a coincidence that we get the wet patch at the same time as plummeting water pressure.

Incidentally, the water pressure drops once the central heating has been off a while, because it was fine when the engineer tested it.

I have health problems and need heating urgently.

Thanks

phill99

For the first 2 years the builder is responsible as they have a 'defects liability' commitment and this includes plumbing and electrics. After that the NHBC kicks in. However, the NHBC doesn't cover plumbing and electrics.
How old is the house?

JakiT

No, it's past the defects period. House built in 2008, we moved in 2009. I was hoping leaks would be covered by NHBC as fixtures and fittings but from various posts I've read including yours, it seems it isn't.

I am on disability benefits so very worried as how will be able to afford to pay for someone to identify and repair the leak. I don't know if you know if there are any grants available to help.

Thanks

gingerdad

NHBC isn't worth the paper its printed on. Good luck.

maninthestreet

Lay a plastic bag flat under the boiler where the wet patch appears. Then lay a piece a sheet of newspaper on top of the plastic bag. If the newspaper develops a damp patch, it probably isn't caused by rising damp.

OldFartPlumber

IF you are in East Sussex . I may be able to help (F.O.C ):)

JakiT

Thanks for all your help.

I will try that, man-in-the-street - thanks.

Pity I'm not in E Sussex, Old Fart. I'm in Devon, alas, but appreciate the offer.

I've been on to people half the day. Looks as if the problem identifying the leak is going to be massive though our friendly local plumber did say a company he works for have thermal imaging cameras to identify leak but costs £50 plus VAT per hour.

Some of the coast may be covered by our building insurance but only if it's caused damage to area, not for finding and repairing leak.