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KingDoey

Plumbers Arms member
Plumber
Gas Engineer
Aug 11, 2010
288
92
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Bournemouth
Hi All

Need some advice re a new build job we did last year.

Had a call from the developer today to say the owner had reported a leak on hallway rad. They have a water stain on skirting board. See attached pic.

Its been 13 months since we finished the job. Obviously it was all properly pressure tested and filled up at the time and has been sweet for over a year.

To me it sounds like the guy has hit the compression elbow with the hoover and loosened it slightly causing a small weep. He had to top pressure up a few weeks ago.

The developers have been on my case today (sunday which has already p***ed me off) asking us to go back immediately to sort it out. However I do not think we are liable. We give 12 months on all of our work, obviously developer has given 2 years.

If I do go back would I be right to charge them. Trouble is the job isn’t just around the corner either so its a right ballbag to get over to.

Just wondered your thoughts?

Just to add this was the developers first new build and all the trades there basically carried them. After we had fitted they increased the size of the skirting hence the horrendous cut on it!

424F1DA6-3AB2-4281-840D-4C54C7427745.jpeg
 
After this amount of time I`m with you re the hoover and charging however it is how you play it that is important regarding getting paid.
 
I would tell him.you want paid for job before you turn a wheel. Maybe even taking the money before you go. 12 month warranty is solid as far as I am concerned. Over that no chance. Anything could have happend to that. They could have had it off for decorating etc.
 
Have they paid you the retention held on this job?
Do you want or are you likely to get any more work of them?

We got paid yeah. No am not going to do anymore work for them. They are a pain in the arse. We did a few bits for them the year before and they are a nightmare
 
Why not use chrome soldered elbows?
Yorkshire do them.
More compression joints, more chance of leaks, especially if they get a knock.

Indeed

However it was specified compression elbows. Who knows why? But that is what they wanted
 
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Firstly, if you go back FOC then you are effectively opening the flood gates for consequential damage claims.

Two choices so far as I am concerned.

Go - However, NOT warranty. Need a proforma invoice that assumes much more than meets the immediate eye i.e. complete drain down etc etc with a caveat that you will reimburse for work not carried out
Do Not Go - Sorry but too busy & not covered by our warranty.

They seem to be clutching at straws and if there is no ongoing relationship then ...
 
As it is a new build. A snag is anything picked up by the new owner also. Even if I wasn’t in the trade I would have picked that up. Just seems like a bad case of, it looks ok from my house😛😀😀 rad should have been lifted and pipes altered above skirting at cost of builder.
 
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As it is a new build. A snag is anything picked up by the new owner also. Even if I wasn’t in the trade I would have picked that up. Just seems like a bad case of, it looks ok from my house😛😀😀 rad should have been lifted and pipes altered above skirting at cost of builder.

I fully agree mate

They told us what they wanted and we did it...

Got paid and went home

They were utterly clueless. They had a brand new water main fitted in 20mm ffs.

I dont get paid enough to carry someone who has made 200 thousand
 
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Your next issue will be will be who pays for the the repaintng and repairing of the damage caused by the leak.

Chances are the developer won't want to pay for repairs caused by a leaking fittting.
 
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