Landlord being difficult about repairs

smileigh

Miss_Samantha wrote: »

Ah you're bang in the middle.

I think that you are being messed about, as I don't see why the agent/contractor is expecting the landlord to pay in advance.
By the time the work is done you'll be paying rent and the agent will have cash to pay the invoice.

My rent is due to be paid directly to the landlord though, so the agent doesn't get anything from me directly.

sniggings

how did the plumber work out what the issue was?

If board etc need to be lifted to get at the problem, how did the plumber see where the "blockage" was?

smileigh

sniggings wrote: »

how did the plumber work out what the issue was?

If board etc need to be lifted to get at the problem, how did the plumber see where the "blockage" was?

He poured some industrial strength acid down and it made no difference.. That's about it to be honest. I might contact them about getting a second opinion as I hadn't even thought about that before now. I just assumed he knew what he was talking about I suppose.

sniggings

I would buy the best sink unblocker, give that another try, some are very good, leave for as long as you possibly can, if it has any effect, then it sounds as if it's a blockage, I would then take the U pipe off and see if it's blocked in there or just below there, stick a metal coat hanger down and see if you feel anything.

It could just be hair/fat blocking the pipe, it could also be a loose/cracked pipe not allowing the water to drain away.

I would try that first, as I would not be trusting the plumber yet, as he clearly doesn't know the reason yet, and he is only wanting to lift the boards to see what the issue is, as yet he can't know, so telling you a pipe needs to be replaced is rubbish.

And to be fair, some rental agreement state the tenant has the responsibility for any blockages above ground, I know mine does.

smileigh

sniggings wrote: »

I would buy the best sink unblocker, give that another try, some are very good, leave for as long as you possibly can, if it has any effect, then it sounds as if it's a blockage, I would then take the U pipe off and see if it's blocked in there or just below there, stick a metal coat hanger down and see if you feel anything.

It could just be hair/fat blocking the pipe, it could also be a loose/cracked pipe not allowing the water to drain away.

I would try that first, as I would not be trusting the plumber yet, as he clearly doesn't know the reason yet, and he is only wanting to lift the boards to see what the issue is, as yet he can't know, so telling you a pipe needs to be replaced is rubbish.

And to be fair, some rental agreement state the tenant has the responsibility for any blockages above ground, I know mine does.

I have done all of that and the blocked pipe is beyond the kitchen as it's affected wherever the washing machine and sink meet up - they are 8 foot apart as it is and apparently the waste pipe joins the bathroom waste or something so it's not a case of a blocked U-bend.
I'd lived in the flat for a matter of hours before the water stopped draining altogether so it can't be my responsibility - I had probably emptied the sink twice.

sniggings

smileigh wrote: »

I have done all of that and the blocked pipe is beyond the kitchen as it's affected wherever the washing machine and sink meet up - they are 8 foot apart as it is and apparently the waste pipe joins the bathroom waste or something so it's not a case of a blocked U-bend.
I'd lived in the flat for a matter of hours before the water stopped draining altogether so it can't be my responsibility - I had probably emptied the sink twice.

I wasn't really suggesting it was the U bend as I would think any plumber would have checked that first, I was just meaning try everything you possibly can first...sounds as if you have.

I would now get tough, demand the agent comes around to see the issue, if that doesn't solve the issue, I would be looking to get out of the contract and move, as it's not a good start is it, a sign of how they deal with people that gives them money (the agent and LL that is)

Good luck

bris

Plumber is at it big time, there is nothing that can't be unblocked you just need the right tool for the job.


Forget a plumber get a specialist in Dyno rod or similar will put the proper tool into the pipe whether it be a snake or jet pressure and clear it right back to the outside drains.


Plumber clearly thinks he's onto a big payday day here, did you even try to get a second opinion.