Problem with new combi boiler

ThisIsWeird

Is that your 'downstairs', or that of the flat below? If all yours, that really helps.

In the middle pic, the one showing the pipe fitting, where is that pipe heading to - downstairs? If so, can you ID the same in the access hole in the third pic too? If so, as Plumb says, there's your fix - a half-hour jobbie.

(If your neighb had only a wee puddle in a cupboard with no actual harm, grit your teeth and leave a bottle of wine for them. If they suggest you owe them for any making good/decorative stuff, then let them know that's what insurance is for - and keep the wine... It seems pretty clear that this was an inherent fault that could have leaked at any time without warning. Ergo, no-one was negligent (other than, perhaps, the original plumber!) Such leaks are what insurance is for. If it had been serious - like a burst that brought ceilings down - then it would usually have been a claim off your communal buildings insurance.)

theoretica

If you can get your hands in to reach the pipe then self amalgamating silicon tape might be worth trying as a temporary fix.  You need to stretch it as you apply it, and cover a good length both sides of the join. Unlike some other tapes/putties it comes off without residue.  You don't want to disturb the pipe and risk making it worse by pulling it side to side though.  Did the plumber discuss potential temporary fixes with you?

arciere

There is a long story with the neighbours.
This is a converted flat (which probably explains a number of things), converted by a family of builders years ago (this explains the rest of the things). We are upstairs, neighbours are downstairs.

To answer the question about the cost of the plumber that attended the other day, let's say that with those 4 hours we went much closer to the £1,000 mark than the £500.

Now, the 'nice' lady from downstairs is starting to be like "we need this fixed now! we need compensation!", which was entirely expected (the husband is ok).

I called the insurance (which is a block of flats insurance that covers both flats), they initially said that, since there's no damage in my flat, and the pipe is in my flat, they won't pay for 'find and trace' and make good (the repair itself isn't covered). But that's where all the money will go anyway, the actual repair or replacement of the joint/pipe is easy bit. I have called them back explaining that the policy is one and covers the entire building, so no reason why this shouldn't be covered. I'm waiting to hear back from them today.

As far as I understand it, the pipe goes from the boiler to underneath our floor, which then goes to the radiators around the flat. So it's basically between our floor and the downstairs ceiling.

I am trying to get plumbers to have a look and give some quotes, but given the bank holiday it won't be easy. I have viewing already arranged for today and tomorrow, but the lovely lady pretends that everything is in immaculate conditions within the week because they have viewings for the flat (unfortunately for us, none of the potential buyers over the past 3 years have ever made any offers).

plumb1_2

Tell the lovely lady to phone the insurance company 

arciere

plumb1_2 said:

Tell the lovely lady to phone the insurance company 

I told her what we are trying to do. 5 minutes later (5 minutes ago basically) said lady just stormed off her house and started to bang on our door, kicking it and shouting 'OPEN THE DOOR RIGHT NOW!! I AM NOT GOING AWAY!'.
I'm this close to calling the police, but we're going off-topic here.

Yeah, I think I'll call the insurance company back, but not because of her.

plumb1_2

If she was my wife I wouldn’t let her back in, until she sat on the naughty step for 20 minutes.