To think that these plumbers are scamming the council?

[londonlife2020]

My toilet is not flushing, and it’s been like this for months. Every time I call the council, they’ll send a new plumber he tells me my toilet needs a new part and he’s never to be seen again. This has happened several times. They’re literally in my house for 30 secs, and they get paid for these call outs right? It’s the same with the electricians from this company, every two weeks I get a letter saying they’re coming to fix my lights and plugs, and they don’t show up. This is a big nationwide company and I’ve googled them, every review online says the same thing. They don’t show up to finish the jobs for months. I’m not the only one.

I’ve only had one decent plumber from this company who came back the next day to finish the job, he kept in contact , told me what was happening and came back the next day. That’s how I’ve got his number, I even texted him yesterday asking if he could come and he told me he doesn’t work for the company anymore, I should take pictures and complain which I’m going to do.

So my plan is to call the council today, I know they’re gonna send a new plumber and I’m gonna tell him I’m going to complain to the council if he doesn’t come back.

But am I right in thinking these plumbers are scamming the council because they get paid for these call outs and they do nothing? They don’t come back to finish the job, only in my house for 30 secs to say my toilet needs a new part and I don’t see them again?

My friend Works for the council and he doesn’t get paid per call out.
He’s on a flat fee as he’s constantly working.

Also how would they know before they get there that they would only be there for 30secs ?

That’s not how It works.
A contractor will tender for a council/HA contract at a set rate. Those employed by the firm will be paid a wage.

That said the customer service sounds shocking so complain about that.

I don't know about scamming but I would be complaining to the council about that ASAP. You toilet hasn't worked properly for months?

Or call a plumber yourself and pay for it. You can easily find a reputable one by Facebook pages now, local area and reviews of their business.

Also. What is wrong with your lights and plugs? Why do they keep writing to you? What are the council saying about it?

At our local council, the tradesman are employees so get a fixed wage. Unless you know for sure that they are contractors then they’ll be getting paid the same whether they are there 5 minutes or 5 hours.

Ask the next plumber what part you need. If there only there 30 seconds it’s not going to be a massive job. Just buy it and replace it yourself. Seems stupid to go months without a proper working toilet instead of just fixing it yourself

I don't know what the part is called, I wish I've asked them tbh. But basically the toilet tank is not holding the water, it's just leaking straight into the bowl which is why I can't flush the toilet.

For months?

What do the council day when you call them?

Also, how on earth are you managing to use the loo?

The next plumber that comes, ask him and write it down. It’s probably a really simple fix.

That's irritating OP. Isi
it just a ballcock ( great big ball) and flush. It sounds as if it needs tightening. You should see a little plastic nut near the ballcock end. Try tightening it up. That can sometimes help though presumably all these plumbers can't be wrong and you need a new bit too.

If it's a push button flush then they usually just turn the water to the toilet off, let the cistern drain, pull out the whole column that contains the flush mechanism and valve and screw a new one on. It's a 10 minute fix and £20 of parts.

www.diy.com/departments/plastic-rubber-seal-dual-flush-fill-valve-kit-1-2/34536_BQ.prd

When you call them tell them you believe the flush valve has broken and whether you have single/dual push or a lever flush (handle) and ask them to make sure the plumber brings replacement parts with them.

@TorysSuckRevokeArticle50, I'm impressed with your plumbing knowledge!

Without wishing to hijack the thread, it sounds like this might be what we need to stop the cistern constantly dripping water into the pan. Are these bits standard? If so, I'll go and get the bits and fix the fucker myself, instead of waiting for DP to sort it. He's refusing to pay a plumber as it's an easy thing to fix, while simultaneously declaring it to be not straightforward because he needs to examine the bits to make sure that what he buys is the right thing.

Of course, it's all just a cover story for his terminal laziness. He's so lazy that one day he'll just stop breathing, because he can't be bothered.

Hi @LakieLady yes they are standard, if you look in the cistern you can then just buy the same setup on screwfix/wicked/b&q etc.

www.diy.com/search?term=Flush+valve

They have a fix rubber washer that goes over the whole at the bottom of the cistern into the toilet then the rest of the mechanism is all assembled already and just screws in.

Wow, bab bad spelling sorry!

'They have a thick rubber washer, that goes over the hole.....'

@TorysSuckRevokeArticle50

Wow, bab bad spelling sorry!

'They have a thick rubber washer, that goes over the hole.....'

You are partly right yep in that there is a rubber washer but these are not Necessary standard No, and the central flush valve cartridges definitely are not. the make of the cistern isn't relavent its the make of the flush valve that matters. You might see a make on the top of it, and then would be able to google replacement or the size of washer. You can send pictures of the flush valve to certain trade outlets and see if they can identify the make for you

Another reason for water running down the pan could also be the filling valve not shutting off and sending water constantly down an internal overflow. You can tell which one its going to be by looking in the cistern and seeing if the water level is Too high or not

So I just spoke to the council who put me straight to the plumbing company, apparently they knew about this job but they couldn't get the part they needed as the shops were closed (funny enough I had this problem way before Covid) even during Covid how would the stays who sell plumbing things stay closed? I'm assuming this is regarded as essential? How did they manage to work then? I'm confused

The said the cistern needs to be replaced, and they're coming tomorrow. Fingers crossed 🤞 I told them if they don't come tomorrow, I'm going to complain to the council.

Hope it gets sorted today

It did! Took 2 mins 😂 feels so nice to be able to flush again