Not impressed - a question.

[Workingman]

The couple below told me that when I empty the bathroom sink water runs down one of their bathroom walls. Nor a flood, but enough to wet things. I passed the info on to my landlords.

Yesterday I was told that a plumber would be here between 12 and 2pm. When he had not turned up by 3:30 I rang him, but had to leave a voicemail. When I had no reply by 4:45 I did the same again.

In the evening I rand the landlords with the story and they phoned back to tell me he would get in touch this morning. He didn't, I had to phone him.

The promise was that he would be here at 10am..... He is now two hours late and his phone goes to voicemail. I am not staying in on the off chance he turns up.

Do you think I would be within my rights to get a plumber in and pass the bill on to the landlords?

[meriad]

that is shocking service! wow

You probably would be within your right, but I'd check with the landlord first. Tell him that the plumber he's arranging is messing you (and therefore by default him) about and that you'd rather go with someone more reliable and would it be OK for you to find a plumber and make necessary arrangements.

Although in all honesty why your landlord doesn't have a homecare cover in place is just daft. £20 a month and he'd have boiler and plumbing covered. I think something like that should be compulsory for all rental properties - but that's a different matter

[Workingman]

Thanks Ria.

The cover is there, I know from when the guttering and roof got damaged; and I also get annual boiler, electrical and gas checks. I think the plumber must be the one authorised by the policy.

If nothing happens by mid-afternoon I will take your advice and get back to the landlords.

I am still finishing off the hallway and I do not want to be painting if the plumber is going to be ripping up floorboards and creating a lot of dust.

Thanks again. xx

[debih]

Don't arrange it yourself Frank as the landlord would be within his rite to refuse to reimburse you and if the plumber you get out causes any damage of any sort you could be held liable.

Keep complaining to the landlord. It might be worth getting the people downstairs to complain to him too.


Sent from Santas grotto

[Workingman]

Thanks Debs. xx

I will go via the landlords, but....

He has just left after about ten minutes and a sharp intake of breath. "Much bigger job than we thought. Will have to take floorboards up. Might need to move the toilet. Will have to set some time aside. Might be next week."

[cruiser2]

Get the couple to write to the landlord giving him two days to correct the fault or else they will get it repaired and send the bill to the landlord. Lay it on thick and hard.
You have waited long enough. Just say this could become a major fault requiring you and the couple below to find temporary alternative accommodation

[Workingman]

Cruiser, the couple below have a different landlord there is nothing for them to repair; and as the problem is minor nobody is going to pay for alternative accommodation.

I understand where you are coming from, but it wouldn't work no matter how much I would like it to.

[meriad]

hmm, I'm not sure I'd call a leak like that minor; there is no way of telling how much water is going behind the tiles and possibly damaging the wall? If that was me in the downstairs flat I know I wouldn't be happy with the progress - or rather lack thereof

[Kaz]

What a nuisance!!

[Workingman]

hmm, I'm not sure I'd call a leak like that minor; there is no way of telling how much water is going behind the tiles and possibly damaging the wall?

But it is not a leak like from a tap or a pipe where water is constantly running or under pressure. It is some of the water leaking when draining away when I use the sink. If I do not use it, and I am not, there is no water, so no leak. I still have use of the toilet and shower without any problems.

It means that to shave and for hand washing I have to use the kitchen sink. The repair is needed to the drain pipe and that is under the floorboards. That is the major problem with all the upheaval it entails.