Shower leaking

jojaca

This is probably not the right area to ask. But what would you do if new shower installed 13 months ago is leaking and the plumber who fitted it is not turning up to repair it. Do I have any rights. 

Emmia

How is it leaking? Where from?

WIAWSNB

If it's the shower 'unit' - mixer, hoses, etc - it may likely only have a one-year warranty, but still a poor (lack of) show by a plumber. 
If, however, it's the 'cubicle' - the tray, sides, doors, etc - then this should have at least an 'implied' warranty for much longer. Ie, the expectation of at least a, what, 5 year life? Ie, if it fails within that time, the indication would be that it wasn't installed properly in the first place, or had an inherent fault.
That's my understanding. As asked, where's the 'leak'?
Do you have legal protection in your house insurance policy? If so, call them up.

Exodi

Where is the leak? I would just ensure it's at least related to the plumber (and not a bit of pipework that was untouched).

If you were able to identify where it's leaking, and you were feeling brave, you may be able to fix it (for example, if you you have a mixing valve in the ceiling and it's leaking at one of the outlets, you may be able to tighten them slightly, or if it's leaking at a pushfit coupler you may be able to replace).

However I suspect after 13 months from installation, they may be wanting to bill you for the repair (but you can argue it between you).

WIAWSNB said:

 it may likely only have a one-year warranty, but still a poor (lack of) show by a plumber. 

WIAWSNB said:

this should have at least an 'implied' warranty for much longer. Ie, the expectation of at least a, what, 5 year life? Ie, if it fails within that time, the indication would be that it wasn't installed properly in the first place

I can't imagine you will find many plumbers who would be willing to repair a leak for free nearly 5 years after installation!

Our plumbers moan if you point out an issue that appears immediately after they perform a job!

jojaca

He has been out once to repair two weeks ago, but that repair didn't work and he is not answering my calls now. 

First time there was water coming through the living room ceiling and he's resealed around the shower tray. The second time the leak is coming out the side of the enclosure. I can fit a sheet of paper under the shower tray and it's wet. So I'm not 100% sure what the problem is. 

The shower tray has always felt spongy when in it, I was surprised when I look at shower tray when he was looking at fault first time that he screwed the shower tray directly into my old floorboards. When I read on line, he should of used a plywood base or use mortar, but I'm not a plumber.

I do have legal protection on my house insurance policy.

Exodi

jojaca said:

He has been out once to repair two weeks ago, but that repair didn't work and he is not answering my calls now. 

First time there was water coming through the living room ceiling and he's resealed around the shower tray. The second time the leak is coming out the side of the enclosure. I can fit a sheet of paper under the shower tray and it's wet. So I'm not 100% sure what the problem is.

Sorry, it's probably an obvious question, but did he install the shower tray?

I expect so, but some people interpret 'shower' as just the physical shower unit.

It certainly sounds like improper installation, but couldn't be certain. Is the shower tray cleanly sealed with silicon to the wall? If the tray is not damaged, either the silicon is not completely sealed or the outlet is leaking.

jojaca

Yes, same guy installed the shower tray.

jojaca

Do I phone home insurance or should I just get another plumber to look at it if this plumber continues to ghost me. 

How much bill I'm I looking at if new plumber has to fit new shower tray etc.

Boohoo

jojaca said:

Do I phone home insurance or should I just get another plumber to look at it if this plumber continues to ghost me. 

How much bill I'm I looking at if new plumber has to fit new shower tray etc.

Call your legal protection 1st and see what they advise.

Do not call your insurance yet as calling them mean a claim or incident is logged on your policy and may have to be notified to other potential insurance companies when policy is up for renewal 

As for another plumber see what LP have to say.

jojaca

Phoned the legal team, lots of stuff written on paper, so information is all over the place. But the basic information that he is breach of the consumers rights act 2015, I have to send him letter, get 3 quotes to mitigate repairs, he has 14 days to respond to letter and then it could lead to small claims court.

Boohoo

jojaca said't 

Phoned the legal team, lots of stuff written on paper, so information is all over the place. But the basic information that he is breach of the consumers rights act 2015, I have to send him letter, get 3 quotes to mitigate repairs, he has 14 days to respond to letter and then it could lead to small claims court.

When you get the 3 quotes donttell the name of the previous plumber as they may know him/her and give the plumber some info.

May not happen to you but it can happen especially if you live in a small village or town.