New Home Owners And Snagging Forum

Advice on buying a brand new home => Snagging and defects => Topic started by: jasmine on January 26, 2015, 09:45:53 pm

Title: Advice regarding shower leak
Post by: jasmine on January 26, 2015, 09:45:53 pm
I reported an issue of the  shower in the upstairs flat leaking while my home was under warranty, after weeks of complaining the builder sent 3 different plumbers to find the issue and it turned out to be a blocked drain in the shower. The leak has since reoccurred but the house is now outside of the two year warranty period.

It just seems wrong that everytime the drain gets blocked it leaks especially as the last time this happened it was much more than just a drip of water. The builder says its no longer their responsibility what I am wondering is am I being completely fobbed off by them as they have never done anything to investigate the drain itself merely unblock it, or are they quite correct it's an issue for my neighbour's insurance? Any advise appreciated. Thank you
Title: Re: Advice regarding shower leak
Post by: New Home Expert on January 27, 2015, 08:55:05 am
From what you have said the cause of the leak, a blocked drain, was reported within the first two years and eventually the problem was cleared.  However, it is clear to me that the underlying root of the problem has not been sorted out.

It could be that the drain blocking is as a result of your neighbour putting things like nappies down the toilet. OR it could equally be because the drain is partially blocked by  builder's debris, in which case the warranty should still cover it.

You do have to ask why your neighbour doesn't immediately mop up the overflowing water as soon as it happens as sort the problem.  It is doubtful that your neighbour's contents insurance will cover you costs as it is the buildings insurance that would pay out for the claim. Your managing agent should be contacted about the blocked drain and making a claim.
Title: Re: Advice regarding shower leak
Post by: jasmine on January 27, 2015, 08:51:05 pm
Thank you for taking the time to respond.

As it happened my neighbours had no idea that their drain was a bit clogged as there was no sign of slow draining.
I suggested they check the drain after I found my walls and ceiling soaked.