Escape of water to the flat below (theoretical)

BurnsieUK

Hi.

Ive been having problem with my toilet, when, if I flush it, a load of water escapes between the cistern and the bowl (failure of the gasket there).

I have been trying to fix it myself (pretty much there) as no plumber has responded to me so far.

I have towels down, but probably a couple of pints of water have spilled onto the floor over the past couple of days. Although I am sure I have cleared most of it away quickly, it has got me wondering about what happens if the water went through to the flat below.

The flat below is rented... but who would have to pay for the repairs? I know that they shouldn't as it's not their fault... but of course living in a flat I only have contents cover and not building cover (i'm leasehold) .

Checking my contents, Im not covered for Escape of Water, but my policy document states "Escape of water: As the result of taps being left on (this may be covered if you have added Accidental Damage Cover)".

Well, the escape of water (the main bit) wasn't from leaving the taps on or anything accidental, if was through the failure of the plumbing...

Any ideas?

Thanks

B

robotrobo

BurnsieUK wrote: »

Hi.

Ive been having problem with my toilet, when, if I flush it, a load of water escapes between the cistern and the bowl (failure of the gasket there).

I have been trying to fix it myself (pretty much there) as no plumber has responded to me so far.

I have towels down, but probably a couple of pints of water have spilled onto the floor over the past couple of days. Although I am sure I have cleared most of it away quickly, it has got me wondering about what happens if the water went through to the flat below.

The flat below is rented... but who would have to pay for the repairs? I know that they shouldn't as it's not their fault... but of course living in a flat I only have contents cover and not building cover (i'm leasehold) .

Checking my contents, Im not covered for Escape of Water, but my policy document states "Escape of water: As the result of taps being left on (this may be covered if you have added Accidental Damage Cover)".

Well, the escape of water (the main bit) wasn't from leaving the taps on or anything accidental, if was through the failure of the plumbing...

Any ideas?

Thanks

B

i would not flush the toilet untill i had fixed it !, have you not a family or friend to help you out for this fix#

davidwatts

I'd say any damage to the flat below or its contents would be something for the owner and/or occupier of that flat to claim for, their own contents cover (where relevant) and the policy in place for the buildings (they must be insured even if not by the flat owners).

If anyone felt that you were liable for the damage then that would be a matter for your Contents insurers in terms of your liability cover. It would need to be established that you were legally liable (effectively through negligence) for you (or your insurer) to have to pay.

davidwatts

BurnsieUK wrote: »

Checking my contents, Im not covered for Escape of Water, but my policy document states "Escape of water: As the result of taps being left on (this may be covered if you have added Accidental Damage Cover)".

Are you sure about that by the way? It would be unusual not to have cover for escape of water to your contents under the policy, although a larger excess is likely to apply. I'd have thought the most likely thing is that leaving the taps on wouldn't be classed as escape of water but might be classed as accidental damage if you'd added that cover.