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Possibly the dullest off-topic post I've ever made on STW, but hey...
I investigated a damp patch that was growing on a ground floor ceiling in my house. As well as a completely sodden ceiling, a joist/beam above it appears to completely saturated with water.
With a bit of poking around with a torch and a camera, I think I've found the problem: the pipe running up from the ground floor to feed our boiler. It is a copper pipe, the outside covered in scale and permanently wet. So, I've deduced there's a problem with a joint in that pipe, and the water is soaking through the joist where the pipe touches it.
So:
I've asked the plumber who installed the system (8 years ago, just before we moved in), and who services our boiler, to come take a look. He seems a good bloke.
My question is:
Bearing in mind this system has been in place 8 years, if there's a fault with a joint that he installed, that's been slowly damaging the house, is it:
His problem, so his liability/insurance?
My problem, so my responsibility/insurance?
I have no conflict with the plumber and don't intend to get into one, but I want to be as well-informed as possible before I discuss it with him - especially if it turns out that this will be an expensive problem to put right.
I warned you it was boring!
My instinct would be a claim on your own buildings insurance for that one.
After 8 years I think hes a top bloke for coming back to a problem. As for liability cant see after that period of time you can pin it on him. These things sometimes happen.
8 days, 8 weeks maybe even 8 months at a push, his liability insurance.
8 years, your house insurance for sure.
Hate to agree with the above, but it's probably right, you'd have to prove an 8 year old joint was joined incorrectly..
If there's an obvious fault with the way it was installed and proven it shouldn't fail in this time, then his liability. Hard to prove though. If a faulty part then questionable but you're over the statutory 6 years to claim against a manufacturer so unlikely you'll get anywhere with that. Otherwise down to your insurance.
You claim on your house insurance, and they can then decide if its worth pursuing a recovery against the plumber.
They can send out a forensic bod to look at the pipe joint in question & give their recommendations to your insurers.
If its just a straightforward joist repair, plasterboard ceiling, redecoration etc then they may not bother pursuing the plumber.
Useful replies, Cheers all.
Preparing for a call to my insurer!
But this joint has not been leaking for 8 years 'cos you'd have seen it obvs.
Joist will dry out and will probably be fine, unless it's turned to mush, so repair will be drain CH down, cut hole in ceiling, repair joint, refill system, replace plasterboard (or replace with a new bit if knackered), fill and paint.
Cost of plumber - probably half a day
Plus a bit of redecoration from you
Insurance cost - > rediculous!!
Edit:
I investigated a damp patch that was growing on a ground floor ceiling in my house. As well as a completely sodden ceiling
Is it a damp patch or completely sodden..... bit of a difference!
@Sharkbait:
The damp patch was showing on the plasterboard. When I poked it, it started to fall apart. Just above that, I found the sodden joist.
Is the joist wet, or can you stick your screwdriver into it?