Leak from big pipe in house - UPDATE on Page 4

[AGAS]

can't be bothered to read thread again . aren't you going to need access for future use ( its there for a reason ) so sticking it permanently isn't good so try the bolts and make your own gaskets with something like this ;Neoprene Rubber Sheet 200mm x 200mm 3mm Thick - Commercial Quality for Water & Weather Seals, Gasket…,

 

[Hot&Cold]

Get a couple of the above sheets,spray your nuts with wd40 (or similar) get on the phone to your vanishing plumber to revisit and complete the job,easy

 

[Nige F]

The joys of Leasehold property - and managing agents who couldn't manage to pass wind, pass the buck to a DIY person in another flat.

 

[redrabbit]

UPDATE

Well I called another local plumbers who had over 700 good reviews on Check-a-trade (I know that's not always the best guide but that's all I have really).

Guy came out 20 minutes later which was lucky. He removed the inspection plate and the actual gasket thing could not be removed as it was essentially welded to the iron - at least that's how he explained it. He said it had been there decades probably, or many many years.

He's put "mastic" around the whole seal area and then put the inspection plate back on. He said that's the easiest solution and really, the ONLY solution other than a BIG job in taking the whole of the boxing in down, and then trying to saw through iron and the fact the pipe is over 3 stories long.

I'm now not allowed to use the shower upstairs or any of the water upstairs until tomorrow morning to give the whole area time to dry.

Fingers crossed

 

[redrabbit]

Oh and one other thing ... I called the letting agent for the downstairs property to update them, saying that I think the problem is now fixed, but I would confirm in 1-2 days once the whole area has dried.

She said "Ok great, and you'll sort out the repair to the downstairs property?"

Me: Well, as far as I'm aware the pipe is a communal waste pipe servicing both our properties, so I don't believe it's 100% my responsibility.

Her; Ok, we'll have to look into that, but I iwll speak to you in a couple of days.

.........

Still not 100% sure where I stand on all this. I've had half the people say "it's definitely JOINT responsibility as it's communal" and I've had the other half says "It's definitely YOUR responsibility as it's in YOUR house/section".

 

[Nige F]

It's a communal Service (pipework) It's the responsibility of the Freeholder- simples. Letting agents

 

[redrabbit]

It's a communal Service (pipework) It's the responsibility of the Freeholder- simples. Letting agents

It's owned and managed by the local council albeit they are not "council houses" so to speak. They are the freeholders.

Based on what you said should I have even paid for the repair to the pipe - which cost me £96?

I may email them about this as each time I've called they continually say "if the pipe is inside it's your responsibility".

UPDATE: I have emailed the council now to question them about the pipe. I've said that I felt they've fobbed me off in the past when I've called, and I want them to properly look into this, and to provide some information to support what they say.

 

[redrabbit]

Thought I'd add a picture of the work he done as I've just had a proper look. It looks quite messy but then I guess that's the nature of this glue stuff?

 

[Ian H]

My wife's face usually ends up looking like that on my birthday

 

[redrabbit]

My wife's face usually ends up looking like that on my birthday

Haha, she's a lucky lady... or you're a lucky man?!

 

[D_Hailsham]

It's owned and managed by the local council albeit they are not "council houses" so to speak. They are the freeholders.

What is your status -tenant or leaseholder?

If you are renting the property as a tenant, the landlord is responsible for the repair. If you have bought a lease and are the leaseholder, it will depend on the terms of the lease, which you solicitor will know.

 

[redrabbit]

What is your status -tenant or leaseholder?

If you are renting the property as a tenant, the landlord is responsible for the repair. If you have bought a lease and are the leaseholder, it will depend on the terms of the lease, which you solicitor will know.

I own the property and it's a leasehold. I do have some paperwork from the purchase but I've only glanced at it and it's quite unclear about who is responsible.

I bought the property 5 years ago so I guess I could go and ask the solicitor - assuming they're still around.

I've emailed the council asking them to look into it properly and answer me, and include supporting information. So hopefully I get some form of answer.

 

[terryplumb]

just viewed your picture , and I sincerely hope the repair has made it watertight , if appearance is anything to judge by it won't win any prizes .

 

[redrabbit]

just viewed your picture , and I sincerely hope the repair has made it watertight , if appearance is anything to judge by it won't win any prizes .

Thanks - I'm concerned that most of the stuff he's applied is on the top bit... whereas the leak was coming from the bottom - which I did tell him.

He may have added a generous amount there, it's just harder to see from the picture.

Fingers crossed.

 

[Hot&Cold]

great to hear the leak is sorted.

re you pay for downstairs damage,maybe you do,maybe you dont but dont worry.

Write to the demanding people by registered singed for post (not email.phone,sms or social media) who said you have to pay your neighbours damage and ask for a copy of the document that says you have to pay for the damage to your neighbours property and remind them its a communal drain pipe.

When writing always use the phrase "without prejudice" before dear sir/madam.

The council will take time to answer your letter,so relax

edit,Best remove your photos from here as councils have access here and could be used against you,believe me.