[JandS]

Plumbers fitted a new bathroom in b in laws house 2 weeks ago.
Fitting under the bath for hot water, which was a push fitting, was
obviously not fitted properly and came off last night while they were
in bed.
He heard it about 3 in the morning and managed to stop it.
He now has a 6 foot by 5 foot part of his carpet wet through and the
firm told him to get it cleaned and they would pay.
He's just told me tonight 18 hours after the event and I told him to lift it
and remove the underlay and let it dry.
Then I told him to tell the firm he wants a new carpet, it's a through
lounge diner and he thinks they won't replace the whole carpet.
I've told him that that part of the carpet is effectively damaged and
will need replacing.
They want it cleaning, going to look tomorrow night but I think he's
within his rights to demand a new carpet, am I right.
There is other issues with it but he asked me about the carpet.
Not sure what material as yet.



John

[murky]

Technically you got to it in time and sucked up all the 'grey' water, you are correct uplift the damaged area of carpet and remove the underlay, you should try and at least rinse the carpet so all of it is wet so you dont get a tide mark.

You should put a good sized air mover or fan on it to speed up the drying and spray the backing with an anti microbial so it doesnt smell.

Unless the carpet was absolutley sodden it should be ok, look out for delamination, if it has secondary backing it may well seperate from the face, then it will be knackered.

I did hundreds when I was with SM, as above it should be ok. Just replace the damaged underlay area (its not supposed to get wet) and refit, then give it a good clean to balance it all.

Tell the builders what it will cost roughly and agree works. DONT DO IT UNLESS THEY AGREE. Give the Invoice to the in laws to pass on. Then cross your fingers they will pay up! If that doesnt work claim on inlaws insurance, the Ins Co will pay you, and they will chase builders for the money. The builders excess will be £500 or so, so its cheaper for them to pay you and not claim.

Good luck.

Murky