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Original poster

Plumber damaged bath while fitting it

105 replies

House1999 · 04/12/2022 08:07

Could I please have opinions/advice

I’m in the process of having a full bathroom refurb done.

Yesterday the plumber fitted the bath in place and put wooden battens all around ready for it to be tiled.

At the corner of the bath i’ve noticed part of the bath has been damaged by a screw from underneath when they have fixed the bath in place. The screw has gone through the wood and pierced the bath from underneath causing cracks.

The plumber has placed a piece of wood over the top (presumably so I don’t notice it yet) and when I lifted it I saw it. However it’s clearly noticeable.

The cost of the bathroom is £6200 for the plumber to do the renovation. £280 for the plaster, £300 electrics and the bathroom suite cost £2690. So I feel really disappointed seeing that it has been damaged knowing how much I’m paying.

Here are some photos.

What would you do?

Plumber damaged bath while fitting it
Plumber damaged bath while fitting it
Plumber damaged bath while fitting it
OP posts:
TwoMonthsOff · 04/12/2022 17:15

What a chancer OP put your foot down, this is not acceptable I would be furious

onionringcheeseypuff · 04/12/2022 17:15

I want a new bath. I understand it was not you, it was your apprentice however you are ultimately liable for all their work therefore your company must replace the bath.

I have told you I don't want to repair and you have wasted time with this, I want a new bath.

Repeat the sentences, speak over him if you must because he will try to talk over you.

He can take the repaired bath or half repaired bath and fit or sell to someone's else's house, you don't care because you're getting a new bath.

CoffeeBeansGalore · 04/12/2022 17:16

He said it wasn’t him that damaged the bath, it was his apprentice who used a screw that was too long.

His apprentice, his responsibility. Don't let him back in to finish the repair THAT YOU DO NOT WANT.

Tell him there is no point in finishing the repair. He must remove the damaged bath and replace it with a new one. Or you order the new bath to make sure he doesn't try & fudge it and deduct the cost from his final bill.

Hold firm on this. You can do it. Show him you are not a walk over.

Unicorn2022 · 04/12/2022 17:25

£6200 for labour only for a bathroom renovation is incredibly high, especially for someone who sounds so unprofessional. He definitely needs to replace the bath. I feel for you though, I am currently going through a nightmare situation with a loft conversion company and have had to get lawyers involved. I hate dealing with tradesmen.

pluckie · 04/12/2022 17:26

Don't let him come back in. Text him and explain everything that you and he have said so that you have proof of the conversations. Stand your ground, do not let him walk over you. You want a new bath. Be strong op.

QueenBeex · 04/12/2022 17:33

OP if you don't actually put your foot down and be straight up in telling him then you aren't going to get a new bath. He's now admitted nothing was dropped on it, it was done by his team.

Now you firmly insist the new bath is a MUST, not an idea you're just running past him for his opinion on it.

Twopeasinthesamepod · 04/12/2022 17:39

Legally, it’s not fit for purpose or what you paid for. The onus is on him to replace like for like or refund you. A repair isn’t acceptable and he will know this.

forrestgreen · 04/12/2022 17:46

If I bought a brand new car and the apprentice salesman dinged it, I wouldn't be accepting it and wouldn't pay for it. It's damaged

stillvicarinatutu · 04/12/2022 17:49

Put it in writing .
Dear plumber- I have paid for a new bath which a member of your workforce has damaged on installation. A repair is not acceptable and it is up to you to replace the goods your workforce has damaged . Please arrange a replacement and cease all further work until this is rectified.

Ihavekids · 04/12/2022 17:52

How much have you paid this guy?

If there's any way you'll not be out pocket I'd send him a text with this...

I have told you I will only accept a new bath, and asked you not to repair. You have ignored what I've asked. You have also not been honest about how the damage was caused. I longer wish for you to complete the work, as I have no faith that you'll do a good job. I'll also be making all my local contacts aware of your shoddy work.

He's been massively disrespectful and there's no trust left. He's awful. Get rid. Have someone else complete the work. Massive pain in the ass but you can't have a substandard job on a bathroom, water damage is a nightmare.

Sorry this is happening to you.

heldinadream · 04/12/2022 17:57

@House1999 Ring your house insurance people first thing in the morning find out the legal position. What a pain in the arse OP.
We had similar (not a bath) and had it replaced. Hope you get it sorted.

LemonSwan · 04/12/2022 18:03

Place mark for the 6.15 drama

Georgyporky · 04/12/2022 18:05

Insist on a new bath. His insurance should cover him.

Adarajames · 04/12/2022 18:14

Take it your female op? Highly unlikely would try it on with a male client! 😡

Adarajames · 04/12/2022 18:15

*you’re 🙄bloody autobanana!

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 04/12/2022 18:19

I think I would tell him that, if he doesn’t replace the bath before the tiling is done, then when it does need replacing (because you want what you ordered - an intact bath not a patched one) he will be responsible for the cost of removing and redoing the tiling too!

DistrictCommissioner · 04/12/2022 18:19

This is out of order.

a tiler cutting tiles nicked the edge of our brand new bath. Plumber insisted it was replaced, it was such a small nick on the edge we took a trade of free labour from the tiler instead, but point is it was our choice!

GenerallyGreenerGrass · 04/12/2022 18:33

Op can you order a new bath yourself and have it delivered tomorrow and get plumber to cancel the tiler.
It won’t take him long to change that bath for a new one.

ForgottenNurseryRhymes · 04/12/2022 18:54

You're intending to pay him £6,200 so if you want the bath that was broken by HIS apprentice ( his argument how he wasn't involved as it was the apprentice is lost on me, it's not YOUR apprentice), then you get one.

How is it costing you £6,200 with suite separate? Does that include tiler/tiling? What is his day rate or is this a job on a price? He's taking you for a ride, imo.

lookersnoopy · 04/12/2022 19:14

Don't have him back in your house. He has no integrity.

Original poster
House1999 · 04/12/2022 20:45

Update
The plumber came round at 6:15 and has said he isn’t happy with the repair and he is going to replace the bath. I’m so relieved.
Thank you for everyone’s support.

OP posts:
TwoMonthsOff · 04/12/2022 21:30

@House1999
thats great - well done for sticking To your guns
I bet you will have a good sleep tonight now 😊

LemonSwan · 04/12/2022 22:32

Totally non dramatic. Slightly feel let down but pleased for you op 🤣

MrsGhastlyCrumb · 04/12/2022 22:39

Sorry if I have missed anything but just thought to mention that if you get the replacement bath (as you should- he should have professional insurance), you might want to take the opportunity to rethink the position of the taps. We had ours installed like this and one of the taps has become loose. We were told by a plumber that he couldn't fix it because there is no way to access them. So annoying!

HumourReplacementTherapy · 04/12/2022 22:48

House1999 · 04/12/2022 20:45

Update
The plumber came round at 6:15 and has said he isn’t happy with the repair and he is going to replace the bath. I’m so relieved.
Thank you for everyone’s support.

I bet he went home told his wife what an unbelievably awkward customer he'd got and his wife told him to get a grip and replace the brand new bath that was damaged under his supervision Grin
Phew. Nice one op.

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