Leaking water downstairs after renovation

reemasq

Hello, I am looking for some advice. 
I had my bathroom replaced about 3 -4 weeks ago. 
In the last couple of days, the downstairs neighbour has let us know that they have water damage to their ceiling (they had a renovation earlier this year so I know this is a new issue). We live in a "share of freehold" and I believe them to be the owners (rather than renting). 

I've had the original fitting company (a local home improvement service) come and have a look and they have found it to be a leak from my bathroom tap. On further investigation, there is a manufacturing defect with the tap causing the leak. I'm waiting for a replacement tap. 

This is in progress and and fitting is yet to be done. 
My question is, is the fitting company (local service) liable for the work that needs doing? Does the manufacturing defect mean there is some liability from the product provider (national large company). Should I expect to pay for this investigation and repair? I'm a bit clueless about how to approach it, an unfortunate situation all round. 

Hope this makes sense, happy to clarify anything that's not clear. 

HampshireH

If the tap is genuinely a manufacturing issue then the company will replace for free. Unlikely they will pay to fit unless you had the manufacturer fit directly.

You could seek compensation for this. I would most certainly be asking for reimbursement.

I'm not sure how a manufacturer issue would be the fitters liability but they may return to replace for you as a goodwill gesture.

Had it been installed incorrectly I'd expect them to take full responsibility but that's not the case here.

In terms of your neighbours damage. That's what insurance is for. But again you may choose to settle any costs between you.

You could chance your arm with your complaint to the manufacturer and attempt for them to cover extra costs incurred for repairing damage but it will probably be a battle.

grumbler

I can be wrong, but I can't imagine a fault with a tap that can cause a leak outside of a basin or a bath.

Jonboy_1984

Did the fitter supply and fit the tap, or simply fit something you bought yourself? 

If supply and fit then it may well fall under their insurance.

 If fit only then it’s only likely to be under their insurance if they were negligent in fitting it (e.g. didn’t properly tighten supply pipe, or seal it to sink/bath correctly).

I would get the neighbour to claim under their insurance, or it might possibly be a combination of the freehold building insurance and their own contents insurance depending on what was damaged. Their insurance company will then pursue onward costs if appropriate.

plumb1_2

Depends on who supplied the tap, if it the fitters it should be their cost to replace inc labour.
Very rear to have a faulty tap( but Bristan tap have issues) . The manufacturer will just replace the tap and won’t cover any expense. Most probably the fitters fault and trying to blame it on the tap?

If you supplied the tap then you pay.