Is my plumber right or is he not

[SlimTim]

My parents are in their 80,s and have lived in their home for over 50 years and it is in the same state as it was then.
Earlier this year their 30 year old Central Heating boiler gave up the ghost.
Their plumber fitted them a new Combi Boiler and 6 weeks later water was dripping through the kitchen ceiling from the bathroom.
An emergency plumber was called who stated the problem was the ancient pipes were not up to the pressure of the new combi boiler.
We recalled the original plumber who disputed this and said that the issue was not with the central heating pipes but with the hot/cold water pipes in the bathroom which were lead and decaying and the 2 were not related.
He has advised us that as the leak is under a cast iron bath and is inaccessible the bath will need to be broken up and removed,new pipes fitted and a new bath. Alternately he could do a patch up job by cutting a hole through the kitchen ceiling and attacking it that way.
Could anyone advise me please if this is a reasonable diagnosis and a repipe quote of £700 is reasonable?
Many thanks

 

[1Steven]

Yes, should have called him in first to find the fault. Did you ask him to change the boiler and not the pipework as well? Copper tube has a twenty year warranty, lead it way past its lifespan.

 

[Riley]

Most plumbers should state that they can't take any responsibility for existing pipework. Why should they.

 

[Last Plumber]

Sometimes, old joints on plumbing that have been under tank pressure for years and did not leak, will start doing when mains pressure is applied, i.e. after installing a combi to old plumbing.
This is due to a higher pressure. (more often than not).

To be fair to the plumber, the joint e.g. tap washer under the bath, was not made by him and is not his responsibility.

If the pipework is old corroded lead, that's not his responsibility either.

He would more than likely be unaware of the condition of the pipes and joints etc prior to starting work.

If your plumbing is due for replacing and has flaws/faults/corrosion etc, unfortunately the time has come to see that it gets done.

Look at this as a warning. The plumbing is the same age throughout by the sounds of it.

I know you don't want to hear this but just because someone installed a new boiler, they do not automatically become responsible for all your existing plumbing and heating.

We do our best !

 

[mfgs]

No he is not responsible for the leak. He should have made your parents aware of the potential of problems when increasing the pressure by fitting a combi boiler though. If I spot very old pipework I will not always be recommending a combi boiler, and stick with the conventional set up.

 

[REDSAW]

it is even known that 30 year pld plumbing may even have a joint not soldered and still hold with gravity fed systems!.
so, obviously that is why any plumber will not warrant it.

 

[SimonG]

The leak will be on the hot water. Old tank pressure versus mains.

It happens.

Can't new pipework be routed to bypass the leak?


As for price to re pipe, how longs a piece of string? Needs eyes on.

 

[Phil]

When I was a kid about 20 years ago my parents had a combi fitted to replace conventional system and about a week later an old 22mm Acorn elbow blew off in the loft. I remember the poor plumber being dragged away from his fireside at 9pm ish to come and sort it. Full bore 22mm hot water pumping out all over.

 

[Dotty]

Kid?

20 years ago???

You ain't fooling us!

 

[Rickster123]

Kid?

20 years ago???

You ain't fooling us!

I assumed it was a northern thing. They call each other kid up there don't they?

 

[Phil]

23 years ago then!

 

[1Steven]

Yes, should have called him in first to find the fault. Did you ask him to change the boiler and not the pipework as well? Copper tube has a twenty year warranty, lead it way past its lifespan.

Yes your plumber is right, sorry missed that bit out. Was a bit annoyed we always get the blame!