Laminate Flooring Fitting Caused Leak

10pence

Hi,

Long story short: had laminate flooring fitted Saturday, replacing 20+ year old carpet. Everything looks stunning, the craftmanship of the fitter is second to none.

However, Saturday night when the heating was on, noticed a water seeping under the new flooring. Sunday contacted the carpet company informing of situation, who contacted the carpet-fitter who denied any wrong doing.

Monday, managed to get a plumber out, carpet company couldn't get one. Plumber has removed the laminate, noticed a new nail in the concrete where water was seeping from. Removed the concrete next and noticed a nail in the pipe between the 2 differing layers of concrete. His assessment is that the original nail was causing a slow seeping leak over many years and whatever the carpet fitter has done has exacerbated the issue.

I can accepted paying the plumber as liability wise it's 50/50, unless we can prove 100% it was the fitters fault. My main concern is that the new flooring will need replacing, whilst the carpet company has agreed to replace some flooring, I'm worried they'll back out as the liability over the leak is questionable.

Any words of advice will be welcome. We have photographed and videoed everything.

Thanks

pinkshoes

Can you not claim on your house insurance?

Given the independent plumber stated the original nail has caused a leak which has been leaking for many years, it is not really appropriate to ask for the carpet company to pay. They were not to know this nail was there...

neilmcl

I can't see the floor installer being at fault for this. There was an existing nail that was causing the issue and more than likely the installer knocked it back down to ensure a clean, flush surface for the new floor to go down, as would any reasonable person would've done. One of those things I'm afraid and usually what your house insurance is for, depending on your level of cover.