Complaining about a plumber

Jun 22, 2005 3 Replies

Hello, I wonder about the best way to take on a plumber who is overcharging me for work that should be under warranty. The issue in my case is a faulty combi-boiler swap which made a checkup of the system necessary. As the boiler was newly installed by said plumber, I made no fuss about asking for quotes when I had chosen said plumber because he offered a fully garanteed system. He suggested that it was necessary to fully flush the system to improve the system's performance (increase of pressure up to emergency discharge levels). He said this was standard practice before calling out the manufacturer under warranty as he would have to pay under warranty. Well, now he is charging for this flushing and servicing and, adding insult to injury, has used the name of the previous owner on the invoice. I think I have had it now with this guy - the work is faulty still and the invoice stupenduous. This makes me wonder how best to complain - assuming that he insists on the invoice, who do I go to? Or in other words, what action do I indicate in my letter to the plumber (e.g. I will have to inform the manufacturer of the boiler about this installation which is clearly not up standards). I don't want to pay this invoice, and in the future, I will want another plumber - but only after somebody puts the system right for which I paid 3000 pounds last November. Any advice, as ever, much appreciated.



Fred



For 3000 pounds that's sounds like a BG style price.

CORGI will inspect the system for free ( see web site). If there are major safety faults they will take action.

Any boiler that I have read the instructions for state that the existing system must be thoroughly flushed before the new boiler is installed. What's your make and model.

Did he fill in the Benchmark 'log book' (A5 card in shades of blue). The going rate for this end of the workforce is that you probably weren't even left with the user instructions, let alone the service manual or the log book. Clearly this guy is either not registered or he can put on a good show to pass his exams but then go back to old ways afterwards.

If the boiler is under guarantee then the makers will come out and fix it. They might complain if any of the following is clearly a problem:

1) Benchmark log book not filled in. 2) Installation not done in compliance with their manual and/or BSs 3) Wilful damage (not in this case). I don't as yet know if there are makes with less than 12 months warranty, but I've only dealt with a few of the manufacturers for new installs.
.

Don't pay any invoice, let him sue. Sounds like he won't have a leg to stand on, if he commissioned a new boiler without checking that the system was reasonably clean.

Use the money saved to buy servicing from another plumber, get warranty support direct from manufacturer.

IANAPlumber or Lawyer....

It is standard/good practice to thoroughly flush an old system before fitting a new boiler. When the boiler is fitted the system should then be filled and flushed pref with a system cleaner to clear flux and metal residues,especially if the dreaded power flux is used which can mean death to a combi in months if its the aggresive kind.

The warranty,if the bolier is faulty,should be dealt with by the boiler manufacturers or its agent. You should not have to pay extra.

People bleat about BG but at least if you engage them,you have a certain level of trust and comeback i.e they are more actionable.

joe Remove antispam and add 670 after bra to email

Be a good Global citizen-CONSUME>CONFORM>OBEY

Circumcision- A crime and an abuse.

formatting link

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required