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Leak in kitchen behind plasterboard - insurance claim?

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Hi all, the dishwasher has been tripping the circuit board last few nights so I pulled it out to check for any water. Dishwasher is fine, but to my horror theres water coming from the pipework behind the plasterboard, either directly behind the dishwasher or somewhere along behind the kitchen units. I'm not sure how long it's been leaking, but theres a good 1.5m damp stretch across the bottom where the wall meets the floor.

Is this something I should contact my insurer for or get a plumber out? 

Panicking a bit because I have no idea how long this has been going on for, and what damage theres been done. It's a timber framed house as well, so I'm already worried about dry rot and things like that.

Thanks
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Comments

  • Bendy_House
    Bendy_House Posts: 4,756 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    Some house insurance policies include a 'tracing' service, so they will do everything - find the leak, sort it, and make good afterwards. But you need to check what's included in yours - simply call them up.
    If you are covered, then this sounds like what insurance is actually for, so go for it without any sense of 'trying it on'.
    If you get a plumber out, then you'll  almost certainly still need someone else out to make good afterwards, so costs could be fairly high - I dunno, a couple of £undred for the plumber, and a bit more for making good - new p'board, plaster, paint, etc?

    Your call.
  • GDB2222
    GDB2222 Posts: 26,279 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    You need to check your insurance policy. Many only cover sudden floods of water, whereas this sounds like a slow drip. 

    In any case, would your insurance company send someone round to fix it anyway? Much more likely to tell you to get a plumber or builder.
    No reliance should be placed on the above! Absolutely none, do you hear?
  • We're not covered, I'm bloody stressed now.
  • Bendy_House
    Bendy_House Posts: 4,756 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    You need a plumber.
    They are BRILLIANT at removing stress. When you have a leak.

    The good news is that this isn't a deluge that's wrecking your kitchen, but a slow leak that seems to have been going on for some time. So another day or two probably won't matter that much. That's enough time to find a good, trusted, local plumber. Ask your friends, neighbours, and work colleagues.
  • MrBrindle
    MrBrindle Posts: 362 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited 8 November 2021 at 11:22AM
    Thanks for the reply, I hope you're right. My dad and uncle passed away a month ago, so I could really do without this, and I HATE when things go wrong with the house - it stresses me right out, and spikes my anxiety.
  • I've rang a few plumbers and no one's interested!!! 
  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 34,076 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    MrBrindle said:
    I've rang a few plumbers and no one's interested!!! 
    Welcome to 2021.  

    This skills shortage is only going to get worse.  It's absolutely desperate.  🤦🏼‍♀️

    I'm not practical but I'm sure the others here will help you locate and fix it.  It won't be rocket science. 

    Get a dehumidifier in to help dry the wall out.  Is the affected socket rusty at all?  That might indicate how long it's been going on for.  I'd be hopeful that it's quite recent.  
    Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
  • May be an idea to ask on the next door website to see if there's anyone on there ..
  • Well.......I've found the leak myself. I cut out a piece of plasterboard where a 22mm elbow was in the wall, and low and behold, it's leaking. 

    It's in a very awkward position though, just behind the sink cabinet, and the elbow buts up to a 2x3 upright, and the pipe goes through the upright as well.

    At least I've save the plumber some time, but I'm not sure how he or she will fix it with such an awkward position.
  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 18,268 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    MrBrindle said: Well.......I've found the leak myself. I cut out a piece of plasterboard where a 22mm elbow was in the wall, and low and behold, it's leaking.
    Compression fitting - Just nip up the nuts.
    Solder fitting - Put down some fire mats, and then heat up the joint applying flux & solder as required.
    Speedfit and/or plastic pipe - Rip the bl**dy stuff out and do it properly.

    If you can't find a plumber, try a general purpose handyman.


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