Flood

[Royal]

I am a self employed Bench Joiner with limited plumbing skills. I helped a collegue plumb in a bathroom, the collegue knows I am not a qualified plumber. One of the connectors failed (plactic pipe) flooding the property and resulted in a claim being made against the collegue (£10,000). I was working as casual labour. Now the collegue want me to contribute to the £10,000. As he is the contractor am I to blame?

 

[SimonG]

That's what public liability insurance is for. Don't leave home without it.

I take it that your 'colleague' isn't a plumber either?

 

[clarky101]

Got insurance.... Might need to make a claim...

 

[Rickster123]

I'd change my mobile number and move! This thread is a perfect example to newbees on the need for insurance.

 

[Royal]

The collegue happens to be my Brother. He is a carpenter. He should have Public L Insurance, but I have read that the insurance might not cover plastic.

 

[Rickster123]

Then get your brother to phone them and check the small print. Surely that's the first course of action?

 

[Royal]

Think he has. That is why he is expecting me to contribute

 

[clarky101]

Christ what did you & your brother do.....hammer nails into the pipe...

 

[Rickster123]

Think he has. That is why he is expecting me to contribute

Then I think you have two options. 1 is fall out with your brother and 2 is to contribute to the 10 grand. But you never really liked him anyway did you?!

 

[SimonG]

It's not so easy this plumbing lark is it?

Trying not to sound too smug, but you may find that your brother's insurance won't cover it. When you say a plastic connection failed did you use inserts in the pipe and pressure test the installation to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer?

 

[Royal]

As i said earlier. on of the connectors failed. What I need to know is who is at fault? the contactor or his employee (me)?

 

[clarky101]

Who fitted it....you ?

 

[Royal]

My thoughts excatly. Inserts were used through out but don't think a pressure test was done.

 

[Royal]

Me yes.

 

[Rickster123]

Bottom line is mate if he was the contractor then he is the one they will chase for money now. But it also comes down to decency and family loyalty.