Calling Piglet John...

[ClearBlueWater]

Hello Piglet John

Not long ago you kindly gave some advice about my basement flooding.

It turns out that a pipe in the public land behind my house, which - apparently - led into the basement, had been poorly capped off at some unknown time in the past.

Scottish Water came and capped it properly (a good 2 foot out into the public lane).

Whilst I was waiting for the job to actually be carried out (after I'd had written confirmation), my basement flooded again. I have contacted them to let them know this. I received no reply.

I complained and was told that it was a 'goodwill gesture' and that they have nothing more to add.

Is this right, please?

Ha!

Sorry I don't know. If it caused a lot of damage, see if your home insurance has a Legal Expenses or advice benefit.

I suspect they will say they acted as soon as practicable once they became aware of the fault, and that they were not negligent.

Yes, I expect you are right.

I am loathe to claim on Home Insurance as it will surely put my premiums up and I will have to declare flooding of basement to future purchasers of House? I don't want to, as it was a broken pipe rather than being in a floodzone, iyswim?

ClearBlue

You don't declare it as a flood - it's classed as "escape of water" not flood - different things entirely.

If it's a water pipe owned by Scottish water then they are strictly liable for damage to you property , it doesn't have to be negligent. Contact them again and say they are liable (unless you are in Scotland)

unadulterated

that is really useful info, thank you!

I didn't claim for damage on my home insurance as I was worried about being listed as a flood risk house.

I expect I am too late now, as it was about 8 weeks ago :(

Re Scottish Water - they are saying that it is 'a pipe taken off our pipe years ago by some previous owners of your house to come into your basement to provide water for, eg, a washing machine'

that is probably correct

but the bit of the pipe that was leaking is under the public road???
they send they'd send a pic and show me the pipe but I have neither, so it is only 'their word' for it.

the are blaming the inadequate tanking in our basement (true enough)
but, the SW guy knew the Tanking contractor (used to be workmates) and suggested we 'set our insurers on them'

SW says this is 'standard advice'

Yes, I am in Scotland