Constant water leak, estate agents shut!

[alwaysmoody]

We moved into this top flat a month ago.
A week ago we started to hear dripping noises, constantly, 24/7. We called the estate agents they sent a plumber who inspected and confirmed it's a water leak and that he would contact the agents and be in contact.
That was last Monday. Our carpet is now damp where the wall is, and the dripping noise is louder and you can hear multiple drips coming at the same time. The carpet is sodden and because the wall is from kitchen to bathroom. It's damp and started to smell.

We've been ringing/emailing the estate agents for days now with no luck. In our contract there are no other contact numbers. I understand the current state of the UK. But surely there must be some one at the estate agents that's working from home can help? We have a 2 year old and what on earth do we do?

I know it's not aibu but I need advice please!

Find a plumber, pay them, then claim the money back from estate agent if you are in a position to do so.

Can you get up into the loft and see where the leak is coming from so that you can place a bucket or bowl to catch the water? It hasn't rained very much in the past few days so it sounds as if a pipe or tank is leaking rather than the roof.

Is this from a water pipe or the roof? Could you turn off the stop tap for your mains water, and only put it on briefly when you need water. If it gets urgent you should have the details of your landlord on your assured shorthold tenancy. I would ring them. If all else fails get a plumber yourself. Why did the first plumber not fix it?

Does your contract have the name and address of the landlord? (property owner not agent) If it does write to them.

If not If you are able to get through to Shelter I think they might be able to advise on the process for paying for the repair yourself and then withholding the cost from the rent.

The plumber said he needs to put a hole in the wall to find out which pipe has burst.. there is no visible water dripping but you can hear it inside the wall and there must be a gap as the carpet is sodden.

I've asked the flat underneath if they've experienced a leak but they said no and nope we don't have access to the loft!

I'm thinking yes we will have to pay for plumber and hopefully claim expenses from them!

Take plenty of photos of the damage before you pay for the plumber so that the EA/LL can't claim it was non-urgent.

@everythingcrossed also we've now noticed a infestation of silver fishes and they've bit holes in all the curtains in the living room.

What great timing !

Can you turn the water off to just your property? If so I would do that.. then run around and take loads of pictures!!

Thanks guys. After my final message of telling them, I will find my own plumber and deduct it from the rent, they've emailed me back very quick saying they've sent the quote to the landlord and have asked for pictures!

Thank you all for your advice!

Just received a text from the plumber from the estate agents too saying they will come today! Even better result

great news