Plumber no-show

Dorsetdabbler

Hi,
Firstly, thank you for an excellent forum. It has provided many answers and solutions for me in the past. This time however, I think I need some advice.

Here's a brief outline of my issue:
Boiler leaking.
Called and arranged inspection of boiler by plumber with a close family connection.
Plumber inspected on a Friday and made adjustment to boiler, cutting off hot water. (Property occupied by family with 4 young children). He confirmed at inspection that replacement parts were needed and he would be back following Tuesday to install.
Plumber provided part numbers required by text and I ordered parts online for urgent delivery. He also provided via text an estimate of costs to replace new parts.
Plumber did not arrive on the Tuesday as promised.
Plumber then cancelled all work that week due to bad weather.
Plumber agreed to come the following week. Did not turn up again and left no indication when he would come back.
In the meantime because the family were without I arranged for alternative plumber to install new part.
This did not fix the problem and I was told by a number of plumbers that in this instance they would ordinarily condemn the boiler and advise a new replacement.
Ultimately, after more replacement parts were ordered (as originally advised) and failed to fix the problem, a new boiler was the only option.

I would like to know whether I can claim back the value of the parts ordered on the original plumbers direct advise. If he had simply said a new installation was required from the offset I would have done so there and then but he didn't. He sent me on a wild goose chase whilst maintaining that it was a simple fix and that he would carry out the work.

As this went on for a month and the family suffered with no water or heating for periods of that time I was left with no choice but to have a new boiler installed.

I've offered him the parts at cost but haven't received a response. I can't return them because they were opened and installed, if only for a few hours. Can I take him to SCC for the value of the parts that were never really needed in the first place which come to around £500. My totally spend exceeds £2000 now so maybe there is a claim for consequential costs as well as a result of his incompetency?

Any advise greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Tony

[Deleted User]

I would have thought the parts could still be returned, particularly if your plumber helped talk to the supplier.

I'm afraid its an expensive lesson on who to trust. Imagine if this plumber HAD said you needed a new boiler and you had them install it. I wouldn't be overly hopeful given your experience.

Are they Gas Safe registered? I'm not at all sure but you might be able to complain through Gas Safe.

Dorsetdabbler

Thanks for the reply Deanna, I ordered the parts independently as it was far cheaper to do so. Exact parts that were advised but 35% cheaper!
They are gas safety registered but nothing can be done through Gas Safe.
Would the texts be 'proof of contract in the SCC?

Cotta

Always get a quote from three people, if the prices are similar along with their diagnosis then you're on solid ground.