I had a new washing machine installed and unstallers told me I had to disconnect the hot and cold hoses from the pipes as they were not allowed to, so I did this and turned the valves off. They installed the machine and it was ok until I seen steam coming out from the back of it. When I pulled out the washing machine I noticed it used the cold fill pipe only and the stop valve that was on the hot fill had been knocked out of place presumably when the machine had been put back by the installers. This had been causing the leak, which I mopped up. I assumed this was it until my downstairs neighbour came up to tell me there was water running down his wall and through his light fitting in his kitchen.
He asked me to write a letter to the company, claiming it was their fault this happened and that they should have capped the hot valve. They have written back claiming I should have capped the hot valve and they are not liable. Now my neighbour is wanting money from me. Whats my position?
2006-11-04 22:15:02 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I wasn't aware that the machine was cold fill only and wasn't advised to have the hot fill capped - the installers didn't run the machine on a cycle while they were there, they just checked it was plugged in ok.
The water damage to my neighbours house is minimal. He was hoping for a cheque for about £300 (he got a quote for a painter and decorator) but he is pretty much scamming as the rest of his house is in dire need for repair and decorating. I have contents insurance but don't know where I stand as the damage wasn't to my property.
2006-11-04 22:21:34 · update #1
The installers were hired by Currys and I paid extra for them to do this. (install and scrap service £22.98)
2006-11-04 22:26:28 · update #2
My neighbour is adamant he won't be claiming off his insurance and is threatening solicitors action.
2006-11-04 22:28:05 · update #3
tell him he pays insurance premiums for a reason, to cover any accidental damage! I'd check the terms of your purchase of Currys for sure though, sounds like you may have a case. May be an idea to speak to a consumers watchdog as well perhaps...
if there's been damage to your neighbour's property/belongings then you probably are liable to an extent I would think. If you have home insurance though then surely this would be covered as accidental damage, dependant on the policy terms of course. Your neighbour should also be able to get the damage paid for via their own insurance as well!!
i'd definitely check with your insurance company if they will pay anything towards this. Failing that you should insist your neighbour claims on his insurance (if a loss adjustor has to visit his property be there at the time to get a copy of his report etc) if he has it. What the other guy says about small claims court action makes sense as well though if you feel the installation of the machine has been done incorrectly/inadequately.
I also bought a new washing machine a while ago and although I paid for it to be fitted, my old machine had hot & cold supply and they told me it was up to me to cap the valve. Thankfully I had a separate stopcock to stop the hot water supply anyhow.
2006-11-04 22:21:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It seems to me that it is the installers' fault. I'm not sure if they are from the same company that sold the machine.
Either they should have told you to cap the hot valve at the same time as telling you to do the disconnection, or they should have done it themselves.
If you inform your household insurers of all the details they may well handle it for you as they will prefer it if the company pays rather than having to pay out on your claim
2006-11-05 06:20:14 · answer #2 · answered by SteveT 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you have paid for the machine to be installed,if a fault as accrued afther then its there fault,go to an advice centre in the first place,don't say anything to your neighbour other then you've contracted the company and don't give them any money,your insurance company will deal with a problem with in your own home
2006-11-05 06:40:34 · answer #3 · answered by angie n 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Small Claims Court. Get a form, pay £30, fill it in and either the firm will pay you or they will have to answer in Court. Probably they'll pay you.
2006-11-05 06:18:27 · answer #4 · answered by Barks-at-Parrots 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could try small claims court but you have a big problem---You were involved, and how can you prove who did the damage? GOOD LUCK
2006-11-05 06:23:24 · answer #5 · answered by morris 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
go to citizens advice bureau
2006-11-05 06:21:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
read your contract:if you don't understand it have a "free attorneys" service read it for you.
2006-11-05 06:23:45 · answer #7 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋