Should I pay for plumber who didn’t fix problem?

Darkangel

Last week the inlet pipe of my toilet cistern was leaking. I called out a plumber who replaced a part inside the cistern and told me not to use it for a few hours and that it may leak for a little bit. 

A week later and after paying quite a hefty sum (for me) there and then my toilet is still leaking. 

Should I be paying for the plumber to come out again to fix it? They didn’t fix the problem the first time so I don’t see why I should. Understand if I need to pay for parts but they didn’t fix the problem the first time. 

elsien

Have you contacted them to explain the issue is unresolved? 

Darkangel

elsien said:

Have you contacted them to explain the issue is unresolved? 

I have. I have been chasing them all week to come back out (kept getting told someone would call me back but they never did). They’re finally coming out today but I am very worried about being ripped off. I live on my own and as a woman, I wonder if they see me as an easy target. 

nofoollikeold

1. To tell you "not to use it for a few hours and that it may leak for a little bit" is in my opinion nonsense.  
2. The only reason not to use it would be if it had been sealed with some form of silicone sealant, most of which take some time to dry.  There is no need to use silicone sealant on a WC.  
3. Leaks rarely dry up on their own, so if it "leaks for a little bit" it's always going to leak.  
4. Sounds to me as if the "plumber" didn't know what they were doing.  I'd be loathe to have the same firm back.  

twopenny

Dark angel don't worry about being taken advantage of. It happens to most people at some time, men and women however careful.
Ask him what's wrong when he comes, write down what he says and let us know.

But yes, it doesn't sound right on this occasion. 
Is the inlet pipe leaking into the cistern or on the outside?

I get the distinct impression that 'not to use for a few hours ' gave him time not to be at work when you rang again.
I'd start asking around for a reliable plumber. Get several numbers because some won't want small jobs.

Bigphil1474

They shouldn't charge you to come out and fix the work they didn't do right in the first place. If it's additional parts, fair enough. Agree with above, they probably slapped some sealant on and hoped that would do it, and charged you a hefty sum for call out and the plumbers time pretending to do something more. When they get there, ask them what they are gonna do. 

kimwp

It irks me having to pay for engineers to fix things and they don't, but it's kind of understandable if it's something complicated like a washing machine or boiler - then it's matter of trust that you've paid a fair amount for their experience and effort.

But a halfway decent plumber should be able to fix a toilet leak within quote or tell you it's not fixable. I don't think you should be paying any more (unless it's a new issue). Maybe ask him lots of questions about what the issue is (what parts, how they were broken to cause the leak) and exactly what he did to fix it (including what parts, what materials used), then come back to the internet and decide. I think it's unlikely you'll get the money back that you've paid.

Darkangel

twopenny said:

Dark angel don't worry about being taken advantage of. It happens to most people at some time, men and women however careful.
Ask him what's wrong when he comes, write down what he says and let us know.

But yes, it doesn't sound right on this occasion. 
Is the inlet pipe leaking into the cistern or on the outside?

I get the distinct impression that 'not to use for a few hours ' gave him time not to be at work when you rang again.
I'd start asking around for a reliable plumber. Get several numbers because some won't want small jobs.

Thanks. It’s leaking on the outside. I came back after a month away and notice a small pool of water on the floor under the pipe. I mopped it up but a few hours later there was water there again. 

Darkangel

kimwp said:

It irks me having to pay for engineers to fix things and they don't, but it's kind of understandable if it's something complicated like a washing machine or boiler - then it's matter of trust that you've paid a fair amount for their experience and effort.

But a halfway decent plumber should be able to fix a toilet leak within quote or tell you it's not fixable. I don't think you should be paying any more (unless it's a new issue). Maybe ask him lots of questions about what the issue is (what parts, how they were broken to cause the leak) and exactly what he did to fix it (including what parts, what materials used), then come back to the internet and decide. I think it's unlikely you'll get the money back that you've paid.

Thanks for replying. 

I know I won’t get any money back from the initial call out and repair, it’s more about this 2nd visit to fix what they didn’t fix in the first place. 

Darkangel

nofoollikeold said:

1. To tell you "not to use it for a few hours and that it may leak for a little bit" is in my opinion nonsense.  
2. The only reason not to use it would be if it had been sealed with some form of silicone sealant, most of which take some time to dry.  There is no need to use silicone sealant on a WC.  
3. Leaks rarely dry up on their own, so if it "leaks for a little bit" it's always going to leak.  
4. Sounds to me as if the "plumber" didn't know what they were doing.  I'd be loathe to have the same firm back.  

I do feel a bit “more fool me” for getting the same company back in, but in my head they didn’t fix it properly so they should rectify it for no charge. Am I wrong? 

I’m sure I will regret this decision but am I within my rights to refuse and pay them for the 2nd callout if they’re going to charge me £100’s again (as long as they don’t carry out any work)? 

twopenny

It's a rock and a hard place Darkangel.
We've all been there.

Socks pulled up, big smile, why didn't it work, what is wrong etc then give yourself a treat after 😉